John Stewart “Jack” Beattie (February 10, 1928 - November 21, 2021)

Jack passed away at his home at The Renoir in Newmarket in his 94th year. Loving husband of the late Barbara “Barb” (nee Pogue, deceased 1976) and the late Lois (nee LaBerge, deceased 2012), beloved father (and mentor/hockey coach) of Robert “Bob” (Nadine Saby) and David “Dave” (Tracy), and proud grandfather of Berit. Son of the late Samuel “Sam” and Wilhelmina (Stewart) Beattie and predeceased by sister Eileen Ritchie (William “Bill”).

The family would like to thank the caring and patient staff at The Renoir for making Jack’s final years as comfortable and pleasurable as possible throughout his struggle with dementia.

Jack’s accomplishments and interests were many and varied. He grew up in North Toronto and graduated from Lawrence Park Collegiate, where he devoted much of his spare time to music, Scouting, and Air Cadets. Always committed to learning and self improvement, Jack attended York University part time while working full time and taking loving care of his happy family.
He spent his entire career at Bell Canada (1950-1984) working in a variety of roles -- from out in the field installing/repairing phone lines, to more “weather friendly” responsibilities in sales, account management and developing and producing training videos. Jack’s final years with Bell were spent in Saudi Arabia, where he and Lois were able to pursue their love of travel during his time off. One of Jack’s other great passions was music. He was the drummer in The Queen City Jazz Band and The Don Young Band (among others), and well into his 80s played with The Zephyr Band in Newmarket, Ontario. In addition to playing drums, Jack was a long-time barbershop chorus singer, travelling to various competitions around the world, and master of the banjo ukulele -- aka banjolele. Jack’s banjolele virtuosity was surpassed only by his bowling prowess.

He was also a renowned “tinkerer” and repair man, who built everything from the cases for his drums and banjoleles, to his Minden area cottage and ultimate retirement project. He was famous among friends and family for the line “I think I’ve got one of those,” whenever anyone needed a particular, often obscure, part or tool for a repair or other project.

“You gave me many things in life, gifts both great and small.
But most of all you gave me love, the greatest gift of all.”

A private celebration of life will be held with family only. Online condolences at www.roadhouseandrose.com