JOHN ROBERT BEGG

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JOHN ROBERT BEGG John gently left this world at 6:00 a.m., December 8, 2005. 'Jackie' as he was known as a youth or 'John Robert Mr. Begg' as he was happy to introduce himself as a boy, was seventy-six and a lifelong resident of the Selkirk area. His fifteen year battle with Parkinson's disease and later, the consequences of colon cancer, was over. He was last at peace and in the loving embrace of God. In all the years of this progressive illness and it's debilitating effects, he never complained, and in the later stages, quite delighted in the attention he received from his caregivers. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of fifty-seven years, Estelle, and four children, Robert, Betty (Walter Ivaniski), grandchildren Marilyn (great grandson Skye), Grant (Carla), and Judy and Sharon. He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Evelyn (Gerry) Bracken and family, and Beatrice Still and family. As well, many other dear family and friends. John was predeceased by his much loved parents, Reuben and Sadie Begg. John was a truly good man in every sense. He was big, handsome, and had a great heart. He loved all sports, hunting, fishing, and especially people. He played the piano with abandon (Darktown Strutter's Ball), was a strong, smooth dancer, and always, always had a good time. John retired from Molson's Brewery (formerly Carling-O'Keefe) with thirty-three years service in 1989. Prior to this long engagement, he worked for the Manitoba Rolling Mills in Selkirk for eleven years. In his over forty years of working life, he never missed a day due to illness. He retired at sixty years of age and soon after was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Thus began the slow debilitation of this vibrant man. He skipped a rink (for Carling's) out of the West Kildonan Curling Club every Saturday afternoon during curling season for over thirty years. He loved playing baseball and ended up coaching the 'Mapleton Royals' ball club. He had a great smile and laugh. Everyone who knew John, loved the big guy. Later in life, he took up golf and for several years was a keen member of the Selkirk Golf and Country Club. Only the progression of his illness forced him to retire his golf clubs and park his golf cart. He loved to drive and was a very good driver, but in time this too was taken away from him. He never got over the desire to climb behind the wheel. A man who had lived and loved life, was reduced over the years to a shadow of his former self. However, he never lost the ability to laugh at a joke, have a small drink with friends, or flirt with the ladies who got him ready to start the day. On occasion, you could still catch a 'twinkle in his eye'. His greatest wish was to remain in his home, with his best nurse, Estelle. He and she shared a great love for each other. They managed to do this with the help of wonderful neighbours and dedicated caregivers. Our family would like to thank Dr. H. Demsas of Selkirk and Dr. Mark Young of Winnipeg and the nurses at the Selkirk General Hospital who looked after Dad so well. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dad's caregivers, they dignified his last years with their care, concern, and love for this very dear man. Memorial service will be held on Monday, December 12, at 2:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk, with the venerable Godfrey Mawejje officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to St. Clements Anglican Church, 1178 River Road, St. Andrews, MB, R1A 4A1. You will be always remembered and always loved. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2005