DR. J. LEWIS BECKSTEAD

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DR. J. LEWIS BECKSTEAD With family at his side, Lew passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at St. Boniface General Hospital. He was predeceased by his wife, Veta, brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Marguerite Beckstead and brother-in-law, Cliff Reddaway. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Jim (Doreen), daughter, Sharon, grandchildren, Chris (Micheline), Brian (Heather), Lori, great-grandchildren, Alex and Emma, sisters, Winona McLennan and Gwen ( Peter) Lister, sister-in-law, Dot Reddaway and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Lew was born on May 16, 1916 in Napinka MB. He grew up in Birtle and Crystal City, MB and attended University of Manitoba graduating from Medicine in 1941. He met Veta at St. Boniface Hospital and they were married in 1942. After serving with the RCAF during the Second World War, he completed his residency and was certified in Internal Medicine in 1949, He practiced for many years from his office in the Medical Arts Building. He was on the Medical Staff of Deer Lodge, St. Boniface and Misericordia Hospitals and was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. He was a charter member of Oxford United Church and served on numerous committees. Following Oxford's closure, he transferred to Westworth United Church. Lew was very active in the Masonic organization. He was initiated as a Freemason on March 27, 1958. He held many positions: Worshipful Master of Meridian Lodge #140 in 1969, District Deputy Grand Master of First Masonic District in 1972, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba in 1981, Chairman of Grand President's Conference of North America Commission on Fraternal Relations in 1987, and a member of the Millennium Lodge #182 in 2000. Lew was a 33rd degree Mason of the Scottish Rite and a member of Khartum Temple of the Shrine and in the Ritualistic Unit. He and Veta enjoyed traveling to many different countries. He was an avid birder and liked to cross-country ski, swim, curl, and square dance. In his earlier years, he obtained his private pilot's license. Lew and Veta were long time residents of Waverley Street. For the last few months, Lew resided at Tuxedo Villa. Many thanks to the staff for their kind and compassionate care. Viewing for family and friends will be held Thursday, September 13, 2007 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 14, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2007