Tribute

Alma Beamish was born to Sadie and Orland Ferguson on February 7, 1932, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She met Dean Beamish in 1948, and they married in 1951. Their first son, Ron, was born in Moose Jaw in 1956. Dean worked for the C.P.R., and a few years later the family moved to Vancouver, where their second son, Steven, was born. In 1966, Dean took a transfer to Cranbrook, where his brother Ted was also employed by the C.P.R.

Alma had a lifelong love of cooking and baking. She read cookbooks as though they were novels trying new recipes. From an early age she enjoyed art. Her brother Manny offered to send her to commercial art school, but she chose not to go. For a time, she created dough art-baking figures of people and animals that she would paint and make into decorative items and such things as key holders, which she sold at craft fairs. She was delighted in having her dough art featured in an edition of Country Woman Magazine.

An avid knitter, she made many beautiful blankets over the years. Even with failing eyesight she continued to draw, most often scenes of children at play. She would sometimes draw and color these on envelopes sent to family and friends.

Alma was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dean; her son, Steven; her brother, Manny; and her sisters, Viola, Eva, and Stella. She is survived by her son, Ron; her daughter-in-law, Susan (Steven); and her sister, Roberta. She will be deeply missed.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Louw, Dr. Pont, Dr. Wigmore, Dr. Scheibenstock, Dr. Hind and Dr. Mah, as well as the staff at the Associate Clinic, for their compassionate care over the years.

A private gathering in honor of Alma will take place at a later date.