In Loving Memory of John Ede Beecher
On January 5, 2026, our dad, husband, grandpa, and brother, John Beecher, passed away unexpectedly.
John was predeceased by his infant daughter, Michelle Suzanne; his grandparents, Victor and Daisy Beecher and Walter and Minerva Ede; his parents, Jack and Muriel Beecher; and his brother-in-law, John Gowans.
He will be missed by Melanie, wife #2; Annette, wife #1 (how John referred to them); his sister, Mary; and his three daughters: Theresa (Gregg), Cheri (Peter), and Michelle (Scott). John was a proud grandpa to Natalie, Holly, Ryan, Megan, Katie, and Stella. He will also be remembered by David (Lia), Jen (Garth), Chris, his nephew Darren (Megan), and many family and friends.
John was born on April 6, 1950, in Kamloops, British Columbia. The lumber business was in his blood and started when he worked with his father at Irly Bird Building Supply. John later shared his passion at West Fraser, Windsor Plywood, and Rona, before retiring in 2018. His knowledge earned him the respect of colleagues, contractors, and friends alike.
John grew up skiing and could be found on the slopes with his buddies when he wasn’t working. This passion led him to volunteer with the ski patrol at Harper Mountain and later at Sun Peaks. As he got older, he found a love for curling. He enjoyed the game and socializing at the rink, where he could have fun and a bit of friendly competition. Summers were first spent camping, at the Vicars’ cabin, and playing softball, but then morphed into relaxing at the “Oldham” cabin on the Little Shuswap.
John found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. A hot cup of coffee in the morning, watching T.V., especially Lifetime Christmas movies, and he never said no to popcorn, cookies or a Nanaimo bar…or 2! Let’s not forget John’s love of four legged animals. There wasn’t a time that he wasn’t surrounded by pets. He’ll be missed by Freckles, Raven, Bandit, and Niki.
Travelling wasn’t really John’s thing, but Melanie always managed to persuade him to go. They explored Hawaii (where they got married), Greece and Italy, Turks and Caicos, Antigua, and they even went on an Alaskan cruise together. All of which he ended up enjoying as he always came home with a tan and full of stories. Travelling wasn’t the only thing Mel was able to get John to enjoy. There was “HOTMEL”, the Miata that Mel bought, that John was not on board with. But guess who was always the one driving it with a big smile…John!
Nothing was more important to John than family, especially watching his grandchildren pursue the activities they loved. Whether it was curling, football, barrel racing or dance, John could always be seen cheering from the sidelines. The lake was where he was happiest. The days that meant the most to him were when the whole family gathered there to enjoy waterskiing, tubing, and ending the day with a bbq and a game of cards. In John’s eyes family meant that everyone was welcome, whether you were a former partner, a new one, or any friend of the family. Few blended families can say that they got along so well.
John lived a full life and leaves behind countless memories, well-worn skis, lake days, and a family who will hear his voice cheering them on. Those who knew him will picture him with a grin that said he was exactly where he wanted to be.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive.
In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com