Edgar Beddows

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ed Beddows, beloved husband of 63 years to, Carolyn, Louise Beddows (nee Ewart). Ed was predeceased by his parents David and Irene Beddows; his sisters Joan and Dorothy; and his brother Ivan. He is survived by his sister Irene Miller (Lou), brothers David (Barbara), Dennis, (Gerri), and Alan (Jane); and all their children, his sisters-in-law Barb Fuller (John Downey) and Tricia Sauve (Dan), nieces Alana and Kim, and nephews Ryan and Greg.

Ed was born in Woodstock, Ontario in 1936 and moved to Chemainus when he was 12. Ed’s professional life began in the Air Force stationed in White Horse where he first met his best friend Mike Jervis, who would serve as the Best Man at his and Lyn’s wedding. Both men worked on the Dew Line in the Arctic, where Ed even tried some radio broadcasting. He left the Air Force in order to seek a career in the corporate world and experienced success with Lenkurt in Vancouver and in Edmonton. When the opportunity came to take over the family business of Ewart’s Hardware, Ed’s final career move was to Princeton, where he successfully operated the business for more than three decades. As an active member of the Rotary Club, Ed helped raise funds to support many municipal projects. He shared his passion for motorcycles with his Princeton buddies who biked with him throughout British Columbia and the Western States, as well as in Europe. He loved fast, powerful motorcycles and cars. His Corvette was a prized possession. Hunting became a short-lived interest, as his love for his pets Jolly and Jolene, as well as his neighbour’s dog, Carly, made it impossible for him to see any animal harmed. He enjoyed fishing and telling of his exciting angling exploits to his coffee buddies. A favourite memory is an eagle swooping down to capture the large salmon Ed was reeling in. The eagle escaped with the fish and hook and a good part of Ed’s line. His early years in Vancouver included sailing. On his maiden voyage as sailors which included Lyn’s honeymooning sister, Tricia with new husband, Dan, they were caught up in a storm just after a barbecued supper. While attempting to tie up to a log boom, barbecue coals scattered everywhere but he managed to save the boat and his inexperienced crew. Most important lesson learned may have been that barbecuing on a sailboat was not a good idea. Skiing was a winter sport he enjoyed with Princeton friends and family members. But his ever, fashionable, chic wife preferred joining Ed for the apres skiing ritual of hot toddies in the ski lodge. Of great importance to Ed were the family gatherings with cousins, aunts, uncles and parents on both the Ewart and Beddows families. As the numbers expanded with nieces and nephews and marriages, the family tradition of celebrating special events has been maintained.

Once retired, Ed and Lyn often travelled with Norm and Marion Thiessen to explore many countries around the world. They toured Africa from Cairo to Abu Simbel to Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg to Victoria Falls to Chobi to Capetown. They circumnavigated South America after adventures in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Ares, and Iguaso Falls. In China, they cruised the Yangtze River to the Three Gorges Dam, climbed the Great Wall of China, saw the many faces of the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, visited the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square and enjoyed Suzhou, the Venice of China.

Exploring Eastern Canada and the US with a motor-home was one of Ed’s favourite trips. During the day he and Lyn drove their rented car but joined the Thiessens at end of the driving day. Nightly happy hours topped off with fried kebassa was his favourite appetizer. He tolerated sleeping on the sofa/bed that was much too short for his height. With Ed’s help, Norm maneuvered the RV through a tunnel with only inches to spare to access a New Jersey state RV park that provided a $9.00 a night accommodation. Ed drove the group to the nearest train station to ride into enjoy the sites of New York. In Washington DC, a journalist friend provided an inside look at the politics of the US at the end of the Clinton years. She hosted everyone at the infamous Press Club.

In the latter years, ocean cruising became the favored mode of travel. A cruise to Iceland with Mike and Karen Jervis brought the close friends together for one more special experience. Annual winters to Hawaii and Palm Desert with Bob and Anne Debolt and sister-in -law, Barb with her partner John Downey were highlights until illness brought those trips to an end. Ed spent his last two years cared for at St Jude’s in Vancouver, buoyed by the daily visits of his devoted wife, Lyn.

Ed will be missed as his teasing good nature and demeanor touched the lives of many friends from Princeton, Vancouver, Edmonton, Maui and Palm Desert. Ed passed away on October 6, 2026, a few weeks after his 90th birthday. Lyn wishes to express her gratitude to the staff at St Jude’s for their tender care and appreciates the kindness of her family particularly Tricia, Kim, Alana and Ryan and friends Joan, Ernie, Marion, and Norm during these difficult years. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer and Dementia Research through the Alzheimer Society of BC and the Yukon or the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation.

No service details at this time.