December 15, 1944 - July 4, 2018
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Lawrence James Beenen. Laurie was born on December 15, 1944 in North Vancouver to Phyllis Wahrmann and Henry Beenen. The family moved to Armstrong in 1947 when Laurie was three and where he remained for the rest of his life. He was an Armstrong boy, one of eight siblings.
Like many Canadians, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy at the age of 19. He served on the Antigonish, the Mackenzie and the Skeena. He travelled though the Pacific and East Asia for 3 years. Returning home, he worked for Jack Smith's Sawmill, was a volunteer firefighter and a baseball ump for local teams.
In 1970, Laurie suffered a severe brain injury in a car accident. He spent 2 long years in GF Strong regaining his mobility and independence. He journeyed to New Zealand to be with his family for a year while he recuperated from his injuries. When he returned to Armstrong, he decided to volunteer at Kindale Developmental Association where he became employed for the next 32 years. In 1995 he married the love of his life Donna and acquired an entire family: son Jason (Cori Lee), son Marty (Sherri Eckert), and two beautiful granddaughters: Taylor Danielle and Charlee Grace. Laurie was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a member of the Canadian Legion, a member of the Kindale Board for many years and president of the Sunset Lodge/Three Links affordable housing.
Laurie is survived by his wife Donna, step sons: Jason (Cori Lee) and Marty (Sherri); granddaughters: Taylor and Charlee; sister Angela, brothers: Ian (Juliette) and Mark (Suzanne) nieces and nephews Rosana, Aria, Tim, Rebekah, James, Alexandra, Julia and Michael. Predeceased by his father Henry, mother Phyllis, brothers Brian; David; Murray and sister Marion.
Laurie touched the lives of many in his community and will be missed by all those who knew him. His memorable little smirk and love for "stirring the pot" will be remembered by all. He set an example for how to live life despite adversity, enjoy the moment, cherish your family and live life every day with a smile.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Odd Fellows Hall on Saturday July 14, 2018 at 1:00 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to Kindale Developmental Association (Box 94, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0), Imperial Order of Odd Fellows -Coronation Lodge (Box 335, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0) or Royal Canadian Legion Branch #35 (2526 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0).
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca.
Arrangements entrusted to ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, Armstrong 250-546-7237 & Vernon 250-558-0866.
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services