PATRICK McGRATH BEEL

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PATRICK McGRATH BEEL Battalion Chief # 361 April 11, 1935 - January 9, 2001 Suddenly at home on the morning of January 9, 2001, Patrick McGrath Beel entered eternal peace after a four-year battle with cancer. Pat was predeceased by his wife Doreen Eleanor Beel in June 1996. Left to cherish and honour his memory are his children, Carolyn Shuttler (Gary), Patrick, Wendy Mulvenna (Tom), Heather Bevan (Dave), Elodie, Kenneth (Merilee), Trever (Michelle), Valerie, Sheldon (Alexandra) and 17 grandchildren, and special "buddy Chief". Dad met mom and they married very young having spent 42 years together. Dads passion in life was work. He enjoyed bricklaying, carpentry and building just about anything. If he wasnt working, he wasnt happy. Dad met his "second" family in 1956 and became part of the Winnipeg Fire Department, the best 40 working years of his life. Upon retiring in 1996 as Battalion Chief, Dad enjoyed his other interests, travelling to his winter home in Mesa, Arizona, remodelling the summer cottage and planning his next project. Our father was a very complex, honest, independent and proud man; a man of principal. Throughout his illness he never complained, as he regarded life by saying, "You have to take the hand you are dealt with." What a privilege to have known him, to have loved and been loved by him. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 16 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. A reception will follow the service. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Jan Mulder, Laurie Ried, Mary Ashcroft, and Cindy Warner-Murison for their compassion and care given to Pat and his family. Sincere thanks also to Mark Young (Chaplain, Wpg. Fire Dept.), Ralph and Joan McClure, Jim Kerney, Mary Long, Murray Thomas and so many others, you know who you are. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Firefighters Burn Fund, 202 - 666 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 3J6. "Dad did it his way, right to the end." We love you Dad, rest in peace. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2001