David Beckstead

David Ranald Beckstead’s family is sad to announce that he passed away on March 10, 2022 at the age of 91.

David was born in Cornwall, Ontario on June 28, 1930 to parents Moodie and Philomen. He left high school shortly before graduating to begin what would be his 40-year career as a manager with the Bank of Nova Scotia. In 1957 he married Patricia (nee Sauvé) and soon after they left for Staten Island, New York where they lived for 7 years, working in the banking industry in the Big Apple. Their daughter Susan was born while they were abroad. They moved to Toronto for several years where their son David was born. Then they moved to Brampton where their daughter Lori was born, and sensibly stopped moving after that. They remained in Brampton in the same home for 52 years. On his 70th birthday he was officially crowned the mayor of Abbey Road by the neighbours.

The family enjoyed vacations to Florida every winter, a tradition David and Pat carried on for many years well into their retirement. They visited many places around the world including Europe, Russia, and China.

Dad was an avid collector of various things, including a massive stamp collection and an equally massive collection of teeth (best not to ask).

He was a master of goofy dancing and corny dad jokes. While he never wanted new things for himself, he was generous with his family and always had a bill or two to slip to the kids and grandkids when they visited.

David will be lovingly remembered by his spouse Pat, his daughters Susan (Perry) and Lori (Dave), son David (Nathalie), and grandchildren Jared, Kaelan and Lian.

He is also survived by his siblings Marlene and Joe and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by siblings Dougie, Moodie, Melvin, and Darlene.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate writing a letter to your local politicians to demand better care for our vulnerable seniors living with dementia, and much higher pay for their caregivers who do such important and difficult work.