It is with great sadness that the family of Walter Edwin Beam announce his peaceful passing at St. Andrews Terrace, Cambridge Ontario on Thursday December 13, 2018 at the age of 84.
Best friend and loving husband of Marion (Beatty) of 60 years. Devoted and loving father of David Beam of Waterdown Ontario and Karen Beam Tuinstra of Cambridge Ontario; loving and respected father-in-law of Michael Tuinstra, also of Cambridge Ontario. Walter is fondly remembered by his grandchildren Kate Beam, Joel Beam and Hanna Beam Tuinstra. Walter will be greatly missed by his in-laws Fred and Margaret Nunnamaker and Warner and Diana (Chum) Beatty all of Niagara Falls Ontario. Predeceased by his parents Chester and Elsie Beam.
Walter (Boomer) enjoyed a memorable and successful 44 year career; starting off as payroll clerk and working his way up to be the Manager of Engineering for Nabisco Foods / Kraft.
Walter enjoyed riding his motorcycle with Marion snugly tucked in behind him. He was a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays, but not of squash. A tried and true Ford man, Walter was able to enjoy the "new car smell" 20 times (yes, he kept a list) over his lifetime beginning in 1953. Many vehicles were custom made to his exact specifications. The all-time favourite being the '57 Meteor Rideau 500, black with yellow fins; it made quite the impression on Marion when he met her the summer of '57 at Lake Baptiste.
Those who knew Walter could recognize his hearty, contagious laugh from miles away while those fortunate enough to shake his hand knew of his trust, honour and love. His recent care givers enjoyed listening to Walter sing; in his last days, Walter found great comfort returning to his musical gospel roots.
The king of quips, Walter surrounded himself with caring family and friends who shared in his love of an exceptional meal, a full-bodied glass of wine, a slow burning cigar and whiter-than-white whitewalls.
In keeping with Walter's wishes, cremation has already taken place and a private interment ceremony will occur at a later date at the Lundy's Lane cemetery in Niagara Falls.
We extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Memory Care wing at the Granite Landing Retirement Home and at St. Andrews Terrace who provided Walter with personalized, loving care.
Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (1-800-616-8816) www.alzheimer.ca or the Heart & Stroke Foundation (1-888-473-4636) www.heartandstroke.ca would be appreciated by the family.
"As I leave, don't cry for me ... leave me with a smile"
Please visit Walter's obituary notice on Facebook.
Best friend and loving husband of Marion (Beatty) of 60 years. Devoted and loving father of David Beam of Waterdown Ontario and Karen Beam Tuinstra of Cambridge Ontario; loving and respected father-in-law of Michael Tuinstra, also of Cambridge Ontario. Walter is fondly remembered by his grandchildren Kate Beam, Joel Beam and Hanna Beam Tuinstra. Walter will be greatly missed by his in-laws Fred and Margaret Nunnamaker and Warner and Diana (Chum) Beatty all of Niagara Falls Ontario. Predeceased by his parents Chester and Elsie Beam.
Walter (Boomer) enjoyed a memorable and successful 44 year career; starting off as payroll clerk and working his way up to be the Manager of Engineering for Nabisco Foods / Kraft.
Walter enjoyed riding his motorcycle with Marion snugly tucked in behind him. He was a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays, but not of squash. A tried and true Ford man, Walter was able to enjoy the "new car smell" 20 times (yes, he kept a list) over his lifetime beginning in 1953. Many vehicles were custom made to his exact specifications. The all-time favourite being the '57 Meteor Rideau 500, black with yellow fins; it made quite the impression on Marion when he met her the summer of '57 at Lake Baptiste.
Those who knew Walter could recognize his hearty, contagious laugh from miles away while those fortunate enough to shake his hand knew of his trust, honour and love. His recent care givers enjoyed listening to Walter sing; in his last days, Walter found great comfort returning to his musical gospel roots.
The king of quips, Walter surrounded himself with caring family and friends who shared in his love of an exceptional meal, a full-bodied glass of wine, a slow burning cigar and whiter-than-white whitewalls.
In keeping with Walter's wishes, cremation has already taken place and a private interment ceremony will occur at a later date at the Lundy's Lane cemetery in Niagara Falls.
We extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Memory Care wing at the Granite Landing Retirement Home and at St. Andrews Terrace who provided Walter with personalized, loving care.
Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (1-800-616-8816) www.alzheimer.ca or the Heart & Stroke Foundation (1-888-473-4636) www.heartandstroke.ca would be appreciated by the family.
"As I leave, don't cry for me ... leave me with a smile"
Please visit Walter's obituary notice on Facebook.
