Don Beck
November 21st, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, grandpa and friend, Don Beck.
After many health hurdles, he passed peacefully on November 21, 2020.
Leaving in his legacy is his caring wife Dianne Kilbach; his best friend and daughter Katherine; his side kicks and his pride and joys grandchildren Cooper and Oakley; his sisters Darla (Leonard), Dawn (William), and Ginny (Steve); his brothers Paul (Kim) and Dana; sisters-in-law Debbie, Donna (Jarvis), and Leanne; brothers-in-law Darrell and David; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will all tell you he treated as though they were family too.
Our last wish is that he be greeted by those he loved who have previously passed his father Arthur Beck and mother Elsie Beck; birth parents Herman MacDonald and Rose Dunbar; father-in-law Rudy Kilbach and mother-in-law Ella Kilbach; and his brother Gordon Beck.
It was evident at a young age Don loved 3 things - Family, Sports and Fun. Those 3 things never changed.
With his daughter Katie’s help in 2016, Don met his biological siblings. Don changed that year. He was always a happy, fun loving, hilarious and kind man, but it became evident that he now had a sense of belonging he had never felt before. The smiles and love that poured out of him every time he would come back from a trip out east was infectious. You all completed him.
Don LOVED the Saskatchewan Roughriders! He would play a banjo, hop on a float, or drive to the airport at midnight in the box of a pickup truck at -20 degrees for that team. He was part of many teams and clubs growing up. Playing hockey, baseball, football, rugby, and baseball to name a few. But Clubhouse 23 was his club, he loved to entertain.
In 1991 he started a career at Botkin where he remained for 29 years. In true Don fashion, he had also made his co-workers and company owners feel like his family. No surprise really- Don made friends with everyone. He always had a beer in the fridge, and a story to tell.
For Don, family came above all else. He was the first person there when Di, Katie, Coop and Oaks needed anything. They were without a doubt his everything. And he was theirs.
We have lost our legend, but his spirit lives on through all those who were lucky enough to love and be loved by him.
A Celebration for Don will be held when times allow. In lieu of flowers please donate to The Allan Blair Cancer Society, The George Reed Foundation or KidSport in his name.
Messages:
My heart goes out to you and your family. I will truly miss my friend. His wit and humor and dedication to everything Just thinking of him still brings a smile. Rest in peace my friend.
Diane and family, please accept my condolences at the passing of Don's body. from your presence. At this difficult time, please be aware that his spirit will be ever lasting and will bring you much joy and comfort, as well as all of us who knew him. Don and my son, Gregg, deceased, Nov. 11, 2017, enjoyed a friendship while attending high school. It was at that time when I met Don and witnessed his exuberance for life. Even though their lives travelled on different paths through out life, there was always an awareness of each other. Don appeared at Gregg's internment to say his farewell. Always a loyal friend, in spite of his failing health.
Don was one of the best human beings I've been fortunate enough to have got to know. He was tasked with performing my orientation at Botkin Construction and we quickly realized we had a lot in common. It took him a couple of beers after work to convince me to help him coach Katie's softball team, which became 20-ish years of wonderful times and shenanigans, with most of those taking place in Clubhouse 23 or at Mosaic Stadium, too-enthusiastically cheering on the Riders, Rams, and Thunder. I could not tell you my favourite memory or Don Beck story because there are too many. I would have trouble narrowing it down to a top-ten. Don was always there. Always. Any time he was needed, he could be counted upon. He wouldn't hesitate to give you the shirt off of his back (which apparently happened often, and right before I arrived at the Clubhouse. It's the only explanation for why he was so often shirtless.), or lend you a few bucks - whether he could afford to lend it or not. I could always count on a sympathetic ear, and no matter what troubles I felt when I opened the gate to Don's backyard, they were gone long before I opened it again to leave. Few have the power to make a person forget their worries, but Don did. When you came to Clubhouse 23, Don was going to make sure you enjoyed yourself. He was so good at putting people at ease, regardless of their age, circumstances, or career. Within about 30 seconds of meeting someone, Don had already figured out three things he had in common with them and rattled off the names of five mutual friends. He was loud and overbearing and in-your-face, and you wouldn't have had it any other way. Don was a softy, no matter what he'd tell you. When he took you into his confidence, you got all of him. However, you did not need to be an insider to know how much he loved his family. Dianne, and especially Katie, Cooper, and Oakley were the stars in his sky, his sun and moon; his everything. He would move mountains for them, and sometimes, I think he damned near did. Don, you were larger than life, hilarious, lovable, generous, compassionate, and fiercely loyal. I'm a better man for having known you, and will miss you more than I can put into words. I'll see you when I get there, my friend.
Our deep condolences on Don's passing. We always looked forward to playing against him in ball tournaments. Heaven has gained another ball playing angel.
Ill never forget the first time we met Don, I was at the cancer clinic with my brother for his 3rd chemo treatment and we were in the chair next to Don he immediately started up a conversation with us with a huge smile on his face cracking jokes with us like we'd known him forever. I remember him showing me his toes as he had just gone for a pedicure with his grandkids and got his toe nails painted black he was so proud of that pedicure. He so very much brightened up the cancer clinic with his big smile and contagious laugh. We were truly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet Don and spend time with him. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. Our condolences to all of your family ❤
This man lived with such joie de vivre. Heaven gained one of the best.
Don he always had a big smile we love to talk about the riders at work once you get them going there was no stop them he was not only a coworker but he was a great friend Rest in peace my friend Till we meet again My sincere condolence to the family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all Love Doris, Morris, Edna and Laurie
So very sorry for your loss Dianne and Family. I was happy to call Don my friend so many years ago, along with Mike Robinson. We blazed many trails together, and always said we would re connect, and laugh our faces off together. I just got off the phone with Michael, and we both raise our glasses in memory of Don.
Miss him so much already. He filled this block with his friendliness and booming happy voice. Always nearby to lend a hand. Our block will be forever changed without him. So much love to you all Dianne, Katie, Cooper and Oakley. We are here for you.
Don was such a great guy. Always quick with a story and a cold beer. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Don’s big presence was always appreciated. He lite up any and all spaces he occupied. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with Dianne, Katie, Cooper and Oakley. Hugs to you all
I always loved sharing a sports story, trying to one up each other with our accomplishments. The Pearly Gates have received a good one! We will miss you Don!
Always enjoyed his stories, always made u feel welcome and loved, will miss that smile He will be sadly missed
My family and I are heartbroken, the loss of such an awesome, funny, life loving man is a hard hit to this world. I will never forget all the house parties Katie had throughout our high school days, and how Don was always there to be the life of the party. He will be forever loved and missed. Our condolences to you and yours ❤️ The Robins & Stewart family
My thoughts are with you all at this very heart breaking time. Don was a fantastic guy and we are all better for knowing him. Take care of each other and know that he is still with you watching over you. Hugs to you all.
I am thinking of you and sending so much love and light to you all!! My sincere condolences.
Don has been a friend for 40 years! Nice guy and a good team player . He brought much laughter to all of us! He will be sorrowfully missed! Condolences
Diane and Family, Sincere condolences on Don's passing. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Don was a happy go lucky guy. Always quick with a joke and a laugh. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Very sad news to hear of Don's passing. My condolences to Diane, Katie and family. He will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Don.
In my late teens and early 20’s is when I spent my first round with “Becker”. We had many great days, trips and adventures together. At the beach , the houseboat or playing frisbee or driving late nights in the winter on Shannon road we’re just the a few escapades at the beginning. I left for the states when I was 20. Many years passed and I finally got back in my 40’s only to be welcomed back with open arms by Don. A huge heart, witty banter and always made you feel welcome and special. He even let an “outsider” sign his clubhouse fridge. As many have said it is a huge loss with an indelible series of memories that Don has left. My heart goes out to Dianne, Katie, and Family. God Bless you All. Hans.