Bert "Jigger" Beckstead

Bert "Jigger" Beckstead, a lifetime resident of the Chesterville area, died suddenly at home on Thurs., May 24, 2007. He was 75.
He was born in Massena, New York on Aug. 16, 1931. His family moved to the farm on Beckstead Road when Bert was one-and-a-half years old. He was raised there along with his brothers Carl and Gordon, and his sister Shirley. He went to public school at the S.S.number eight and Chesterville High School.
He married Joan Merkley at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Dunbar on April 19, 1952. They bought a farm on Grantley Road and together raised five children: Neil, Debbie, Greg, Garry, and Shawn.
He enjoyed farming but was very ambitious, so in his early years he also worked on construction and drove a milk truck for Carl Merkley's Dairy. In 1966 he got a job at Nestlé where he worked for 28 years before retiring in 1994. Bert was never a man to sit around, so following his retirement from Nestlé he took a job driving the escort vehicle for Guildcrest Homes in Morewood, which involved delivering homes all over Ontario, and many parts of the U.S.
He was an avid Montreal Canadiens fan, and he loved animals, especially his dogs. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play hockey, baseball, and broomball. He travelled extensively over the years to cheer on his family members, and was their number one fan.
Bert was a sentimental man who loved life, and made the most of every moment. He possessed a great sense of humour as well as an amazing memory for details. He was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always saw that his families needs were met. He could always be counted on to provide assistance to anyone in need. He was well-liked and respected by all who had the privilege of calling him their friend.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of over 55 years, Joan, his children Neil (Terry) of Chesterville, Debbie (Shawn) Chambers of Chesterville, Greg (Kathy) of Chesterville, Garry (Carolyn) of Morrisburg, and Shawn (Toula) of Harmony, his grandchildren Tanya, Craig, Jon, Kelly, Sheldon, Kaitlin, Kaila, Brittany, and his great-grandchildren Hailey, Jaedyn, and Chloe. He was a dear brother of Carl (Evelyn) of Finch, and Gordon (Marilyn) of Nepean. He was predeceased by his parents Burton and Ruth Beckstead (nee Darling), a sister Shirley Kirkwood, and a daughter-in-law Kathy Beckstead. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on May 27. The funeral service was held at the funeral home on May 28 with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating, followed by cremation. The pallbearers were grandchildren Tanya Van Oers, Craig Beckstead, Jon Chambers, Kelly Beckstead, Sheldon Beckstead, Kaitlin Beckstead, Kaila Beckstead, and Brittany Beckstead.
Donations to the Diabetes Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.