John Beckett was a cherished and loving husband to Marilyn, father to his sons Keith (Penny), Brian (Kelley) and Gary (Susan), grandfather to Nathan, Zach, Kieran, Liv and Shay, son of Gerald and Fern, brother to Rex and JoAnne, and friend to many. Raised in Wallaceburg Ontario, he left high school to support his family when his dad suddenly passed away.
John heeded the call of duty to Queen and Country, joining the Royal Canadian Navy. He completed two apprenticeships, first as a naval technician, and later as a tool and die maker – his dream job. He served in HMCS Saguenay and in HMCS Bonaventure during her peacekeeping missions to Cyprus and elsewhere.
John and Marilyn enjoyed 63 years together, living in Dartmouth, Wallaceburg and eventually settling into a 1912-character house in Victoria. There they proceeded to make it a beautiful home for the family.
John was both creative and industrious, creating things in his basement workshop and tending his gardens. His legacy continues with his children and grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud.
John continued his call to duty by joining the local Naval Reserve unit in 1971. His favourite memory of that time was of delivering Christmas presents by ship to the children on nearby islands. He maintained an enduring and close friendship with the remarkable group with whom he apprenticed and served with.
The Beckett family wishes to acknowledge Dr David McNaughton, as well as the caregivers, nurses and doctors at Victoria’s hospitals, for the care and comfort throughout his journey.
John gave of himself to others. He was a long-term member at St. John the Divine Church, and later a member at St. Michael and All Angels’ Church. He enjoyed volunteering at Government House to tend the gardens.
Please join us at St. Michael and All Angels’ Church, 4733 West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC, for a service that will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm, to remember the wonderful, genuine and generous man we have known and loved for so long, and who is with the angels now.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to support the Heart Health Program or the Veterines Memorial Lodge at Broadmean – Adult Day Program in John’s honour.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Beckett” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Coreen Levin
-
Noella Ann Birch Sorry to hear of your loss Marilyn. Enjoyed gardening with John at Rockland ll.
-
Paula Chegwidden So sorry for your loss Marilyn. I enjoyed John’s company over the years as well as yours.
“Bell bottom trousers, coat of navy blue- Marilyn loved her sailor & he loved her too”.
63+ years of life together, a family grown & multiplied, so many wonderful memories, and a legacy to be proud of. John has left this world a better place for his presence in it- no man can ask for more. He is once more with his departed family, friends & shipmates who have welcomed him with open arms. May the space he leaves in your hearts & homes be filled with the joy that was the essence of this man. Thinking of you in your time of sorrow; & wishing you peace in the days to come. Remembering gatherings, stories & celebrations of days gone by with fond memories & warm affection Coreen Levin