JAMES HENRY BEAN

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JAMES HENRY BEAN 1921 - 2006 James Henry Bean passed away quietly at home on October 2, 2006. James is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Doreen (nee Clements), his son James Desmond Bean, daughter Pamela O'Dowda and son-in-law Jack, son Robert Henry Dwight Bean, son Roger Clement Bean and daughter-in-law Lisa-Maria Olench. Papa Bean is survived by his grandchildren, Ryan and Shannon O'Dowda, Andrea and Jason Bean and Grace and Emily Bean. James is also survived by his sister Elsie Bean of London, England; in-laws Molly and John Nixon, their children and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents James and Annie (nee Doughty) Bean and parents-in-law Robert and Gertrude Clements. James was born on May 29, 1921 in London England. He joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) at the age of 19. He trained as a navigator and eventually became a navigational instructor. He came to Canada as an instructor training navigators for the RAF in Swift Current and Rivers, Manitoba. He met his sweetheart and future wife Doreen in Swift Current and they were married in January of 1944. They returned to England for a brief period at the end of the war where their first son was born. They eventually returned to Canada and settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Upon his return to Canada, he studied to become a licensed Manitoba Land Surveyor (MLS), passing his examinations in 1954. He served as president of the MLS in 1964. His career as a Land Surveyor with the City of Winnipeg spanned 35 years. He provided very well for his family and ensured that all of his children received a university education. He instilled in them his own work ethic, family values, respect for honesty and sense of humour. The Bean family continued to grow for many years with the addition of three more children and six grandchildren. The family spent many happy and relaxing summers at the cottage on Longbow Lake. Dad valued his leisure time and filled it with numerous activities including, fishing, waterskiing, sailing and outboard motor repair. Following his retirement in 1981, Jim and Doreen enjoyed many years of travel and became active players of duplicate bridge. He enjoyed family gatherings, lively discussions, Mom's fabulous dinners and the love of his children. He will be well remembered by his friends and family for his passion and enjoyment of cars, music, the piano, bridge and all things electronic. Anecdotes of these pursuits will continue to provide pleasure to the family for years to come, we miss you Dad. A memorial service was held on Friday, October 6, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. Remembrances may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite 200-6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or a charity of one's choice. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2006