BECKETT, Brian Samuel

At the end of a long and rewarding life it is my turn to find the answer, or not, to man’s eternal question as to the meaning of life. I was born in England on the 10th of January 1929, the youngest son of Oliver and Ethel (Bullock) Beckett. I was married to Brenda (Kairnes) prior to her death in 2013. I leave behind our loving family Sally (Angus) Capstick, Marion Bridge, Andrew (Wendy Connors), Antigonish, and Michael, Halifax; seven grandchildren, Megan (Glenn) Ringer, Doug, Matt, and Ky Capstick, Kayleigh (Ben) Perkins, Brian (Matt Hintza) Beckett, and Christian (Allie) Beckett and four great grandchildren Julia and Alice Perkins and Eva and Isla Ringer.

I completed my education in England prior to serving my national service in the army (REME) during the Korean War. After leaving the Army I worked in the Electricity Industry first in England until 1967 and then in Cape Breton first at Seaboard and then at Lingan Power Plant from 1976 until I retired in 1994.

One of my greatest satisfactions in life was achieved as a volunteer with a number of organizations. I was a member of the Rotary Club of Sydney and then in 1994 I helped form the Rotary Club of Sydney Sunrise of which I was the Charter President and active member. I spent 30 years with Boy Scouts, and was on the board for the CNIB both locally and provincially. I was involved in the CRA’s volunteer tax program and treasurer at First United Church for 25 years. One of the activities that has brought me great joy is the time I spent reading to grade 3 students at Harbourside School in Whitney Pier over the last 20 years.

I close with a verse from a poem by Robbie Burns which sums up the life I have tried to live.

An honest man here lies at rest

As e’er God with his image blest;

The friend of man, the friend of truth,

The friend of age, and guide of youth:

Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,

Few heads with knowledge so informed:

If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;

If there is none, he made the best of this.

Cremation has taken place, there will be no wake or memorial. Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

Messages and memorials may be made to the family at www.chantfuneralhome.ca.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of S.W. Chant and Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra Street, Sydney NS.