It is with tremendous sadness that the family and friends of John “Beefer” William Beatt share the news of his sudden passing at his home in Barrie on Tuesday following a 5 year battle with heart disease at the age of 55.
A proud native of Scarborough, Ontario John was the only child of William and Clare Beatt of Glenshephard Drive where he became known to all as the “The Beefer”, much to the chagrin of his mother. As a student of St. Maria Goretti and Cardinal Neuman, John made lifelong friendships that would come to span both decades and the globe. John dedicated his adult years to being a beloved coach and mentor to hundreds of young athletes through many East Toronto hockey associations with great success and will be remembered by his players for his love of and dedication to the game. As an employee of Winners Circle, Eastern Refrigeration and most recently Master Group in both Toronto and Barrie, John will be missed by his co-workers and customers with whom he also became dear friends. Goodbyes hurt the most when the story was not finished, but John’s adventures will live on in the hearts of all that were lucky enough to know him. He holds the distinction of being the only person in major league baseball history to have stolen two bases without a single ball being thrown, tried to be elected as a Scarborough City Councillor, was a passionate golfer & long-time member of the BGA, loved Nascar, camping and his second home on Big Hawk Lake. His bigger than life personality was matched only by his even bigger heart, which as a life-long Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan needed constant repair.
If a person’s worth can be measured by the love he leaves behind, he was a wealthy man. John will be remembered by hundreds and hundreds of dear friends for his kindness, generosity and humor. He is survived by his partner Kirsty Hubbert and her three daughters Bella, Sam and Kyra. He was the cherished nephew of Robert Brown (Karen), Aunt Fa (Fran & Joe Walsh), Doug Brown (Joanne), beloved cousin of Derick Brown (Terri), MaryJo Henney (Mike), Mike Walsh (Kathleen), Steve Walsh (Laura), Joey Walsh (Cheryl), Trevor Brown (Rose), Kevin Brown (Christa), remembered as Uncle John to Dylan, Joe, Brent, Steph, Adam, Caitlin, Katrina and Jack and will be regarded as an honorary member of both the O’Halloran and the Megahy families forever.
A Celebration of Life is planned to occur in the future. Date and times will be updated once available. Online condolences and memories may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com
John’s last wish was that he be remembered for his love of youth hockey and his desire to see it accessible to underprivileged kids. His family and friends have established this fund to create a legacy project in his honour, with the intention of distributing hockey equipment to underserved communities. As a coach, John often remarked how happy it made him to see kids and parents finding new love for a game that was so close to his heart. It would have given him great joy to imagine that a pair of skates made possible thru this fund would find their way onto the feet of a child who otherwise would not be able to afford them.
If there is a hockey rink in heaven, John has surely found it.
Rest In Peace Beefer.