KENNETH ELMER BESWICK

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KENNETH ELMER BESWICK August 13, 1945 - December 10, 2001 Ken passed away at his home in San Jose, Costa Rica after a seven month battle with brain cancer. Ken was raised on the family farm in Spring Coulee, AB, attended the University of Manitoba, BScA 1968 and University of Western Ontario, MBA 1970 and then returned to Spring Coulee to work with his father building the family farm. In 1986 Ken was appointed Chairman of the Alberta Grain Commission and later, Chairman of the Planning Secretariat. In 1993 he was nominated by the Alberta Government and appointed by the Privy Council for Canada to serve as Commissioner of the Canadian Wheat Board in Winnipeg, MB. Fulfilling a lifelong dream to grow and market tropical trees, Ken moved to Costa Rica in 1996 and with the support of family and friends, he founded and built Riqueza Verde (Green Riches). To Kens absolute delight, Riqueza Verde was selected by the Foundation for Reforestation of Costa Rica to be the model teak plantation for 2001. Ken has been described by friends, fellow workers, employees and family as gentle, optimistic, encouraging, passionate, and a visionary leader with a keen mind and determined spirit. His participation and leadership in Creating Tomorrow, a strategic planning process still used by Alberta Agriculture will be remembered by many. He accepted and overcame challenges that others simply would not contemplate, including moving to a foreign country, learning Spanish and establishing an award winning business. His pastimes included entomology (collecting), baseball, skeet shooting, reading and woodworking. Ken enjoyed and lived every moment of his 56 years. He leaves to mourn wife Roslyn (nee Kelly) in San Jose, son Matthew of Edmonton and daughter Virginia of Canmore, father Tom of Lethbridge; predeceased by mother Lillian, and siblings, Carol (Ed), Barry (Ann), Bonny (Gerry), Bette (Klaus), and Blair all of Alberta. In keeping with Kens wishes and his significant involvement in agriculture, the family is establishing an achievement award for innovation and inspiration in the field of Agriculture and Business in Western Canada. Friends wishing to contribute may send donations to Roslyn Beswick in care of Karen Framingham, 601-916 Cloutier Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3V 1W9. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in late February in Costa Rica. To contact the family e-mail: riquezav@sol.racsa.co.cr or mail: Apartado 128-4006, Los Arcos, San Antonio de Belen, Heredia, Costa Rica.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2001