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.
For those who are not able to attend, you can join John’s Celebration of Life online: https://www.ipcamlive.com/5f98c1fdc1e47
PIN: 2520
In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
17 Tributes
Theresa and family.
So very sorry to hear this news.
Our sincere condolences. our thoughts and
prayers to you and your family.
Thinking of you at this difficult time and always always.
love
Judy and Kevin Henderson
Heartfelt condolences to the blended family that feels like a second family…I’m really going to miss John asking jokely “who invited you Nerdy” xoxo
My thoughts are with all of John’s family. We were children growing up together in Kamloops. Our families very close. Mary my friend I often think of you and your family. Love to all Kerry Lancaster
Condolences to the whole Beecher clan. John was a great man and I will always remember him as a friend and colleague over the past 30 years.
Geoff Crowe
Johnny Boy
I knew you for 30 years
You were my Moms husband
I had fun skiing with you, Mom & Mary last year.
Thanks so much for taking us in for 9 months when we 1st moved back to Kamloops. You refused rent & I had to disguise it as other things. I looked after your animals while you went away on fancy vacations. We played a game of Rummikubs in your honor.
Hello Mary, I was so sorry to read thst John had passed away.I hope that you will accept my condolence, and I will be thinking of you and your family
Karen Bell
Hello Mary, I was so sorry to read thst John had passed away.I hope that you will accept my condolence, and I will be thinking of you and your family
sorry for your loss. always enjoyed chatting with John at Starbucks
We will never forget John’s kindness.
Condolences to Melanie, Chris, David, Lia, Jenny, Garth & Family.
We will always remember going up the river with John & Melanie & Mary to visit Tom & Val. John always had a smile & sun on his face.
May you find peace in this time of grief.
I remember John as a kind, gentle and fun guy. We were classmates in high school. Many thanks for his help organizing reunions over the years. Condolences to his family and friends.
I had the pleasure of working with John for about 10 years at Revy/Rona, sat right behind him. Beech had a great sense of humor and we had a lot of laughs and I have many great memories. John was an easy going jolly guy, and it was pretty much impossible to get him riled up. After I went to work for Home Hardware, John would stop by my desk a couple times a year to catch up and put a few more laughs in the bank! He was a good friend and I will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family as you grieve the loss of a wonderful man.
Brad& Lorna Eliason
Heartfelt condolences to the family of John
Beecher. I enjoyed curling in same league as John. He will be missed and fondly remembered by many people.
condolences to the Beecher Family. John was a long time friend from our early school days in the 1960’s. sad to hear…Jim & Sheila West
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. We only had the pleasure of meeting John once, he accompanied Melanie on a trip to Saskatchewan with her Aunt Donna, Uncle Jim/ Aunt Mary Anne to meet some of their Saskatchewan clan. Our time together was short, but we appreciated that John took time out of his life to come and meet complete strangers (Melanie’s extended family) he left us with a cherished memory that we will be forever grateful for.
Our deepest sympathy to Melanie and the Beecher family
The Cunningham family
I had the privilege of knowing John for many years throughout his impressive career. No matter where he was, John was always smiling and ready to help. His deep industry knowledge made him the ultimate ‘go-to’ person, but it was his character that truly stood out. I will fondly remember our interactions and phone conversations over the last 45 years. I feel incredibly fortunate to have called him a friend and an all-around wonderful man. He will be deeply missed.
I am so so sad to hear of Johnny B’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family. What sweet memories you have with him. Me too! I work with John at Revy/Rona. For 14 years. He taught me so much about the business. I even curled with him for a couple of winters. We did have lots of laughs and even when I was super cranky he was always patient and forgiving.
You will be missed Johnny
We send our condolences to Mel and the family. I know how you will miss this gentle loving man. He will be missed by family and friends especially the coffee group. John appreciated a good laugh, and was always in on any joke. He especially liked it when I phoned his cell phone to get in touch with my husband, because he didn’t have one or if I came running into the coffee shop with one problem or another. But he was always the first one to help out no matter what was happening. May you rest with all the angels in heaven, and thank you for being a lovely friend. You will be missed.