AL (ALEXANDER) WILLIAMSON BEVERIDGE

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AL (ALEXANDER) WILLIAMSON BEVERIDGE With his entire family at his side and the support of his friends, Al Beveridge passed away peacefully on July 18, 2005, after a long and courageous struggle with many health challenges. Al will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Joan, his beloved wife and soul-mate of 48 years; their daughters and son-in-laws, Sandi Buchanan, Heather and Wayne Carriere, Darlene Hedgecock, Lindy and Jake Smellie; and his seven grandchildren, Jason Buchanan, Marty and Benny Carriere, Connor and Quinn Hedgecock and Shayne and Cam Smellie. He is also survived by his sister Betty (Dick) Sandhurst, his brother Bill (Sharon) Beveridge, special relatives in Scotland and many nieces and nephews. Al was predeceased by his brother Jack; and his parents, Alexander and Elizabeth Beveridge. Al was born in Winnipeg on July 27, 1935 and he married the love of his life, Joan, in 1957. They were inseparable and spent their 48 years of marriage treasuring everything they did together. Through his endless medical appointments and hospital stays, Dad always said that with Mom by his side and the wonderful care-giving she gave him, he could get through anything. Since his liver transplant, the past 10 years have been a blessing and a gift to each one of us. Al was a loving Dad who gave his daughters a wonderful life of opportunity, love and faith. He lived a moral life with no regrets and died a peaceful man. Dad will be greatly missed and we will always remember a home filled with love, laughter and understanding. He was a special grandpa who spent whatever energy he had in hockey arenas, soccer fields, basketball courts, playing board games and spending quality time with his little angels . There is a little of him in each of his grandchildren, who hold treasured memories of this wonderful man in their hearts. Dad was a respected father-in-law who thought the world of our partners and opened his heart to them. He was a caring friend to many and consistently put others' needs before his own. His close Manitoba and Arizona friends have always admired Al's kindness, positive attitude and determination to get through tough medical situations without ever complaining. He was an inspiration to us and everyone who knew him. Al spent his entire career at the Great West Life Assurance Company, where he was highly respected, retiring as Vice-President of Individual Systems and Client Service in 1993, after 41 years of dedicated service. He was a high-school basketball and soccer all-star and coach for his daughters' baseball teams for many years. He loved his 10 winters in Arizona and with oxygen tank in hand he had fun coaching at first base for his men's baseball team. Dad was Mom's biggest fan at her tennis matches and each day faithfully pushed his walker down to the courts at their winter village resort to cheer her on. Dad was always known for his skills as a gardener, carpenter and handyman, usually working behind the scenes and avoiding the limelight. Over the past few years, he became a crossword puzzle expert, as a means of taking his mind off his pain and shortness of breath. Al devoted his life to serving God. He taught Sunday School for over 20 years, led boy's youth groups and served as the Sunday School Superintendent at both St. Paul's and Windsor Park United Church. He was always extremely active on many committees in his local church and was happy to be a member of St. Mary's Road United. He loved his work in Winnipeg Presbytery and was Manitoba's representative at the United Church General Council on five occasions. Dad always said God had a plan for him and we now understand that his faith in God was what gave him a precious ending. Al's wife and family extend sincere thanks to Marlene, his special home care nurse and the doctors, nurses and staff at the Health Sciences Centre for their compassionate care during Al's many difficult hurdles and for the kindness and support to the family during his final journey. A service in celebration of Dad's life will be held on Monday, July 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Road United Church (formerly Regent's Park) at 613 St. Mary's Rd., with dear friend Rev. Paul Campbell officiating. Cremation has taken place and we are sad that none of Dad's organs were healthy enough to fulfil Dad's wish for organ transplant donation. In appreciation of the 10 extra years Dad had with us due to the liver transplant program and medical advancements, our wishes are that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Manitoba Transplant Program (Organ Donor Awareness) GE441 Health Sciences Centre, 820 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3E 1R9, phone 204-787-1897. Dad - we love you and miss you already. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2005