BECK, Alfred

BECK

1932-2019

MR. ALFRED BECK of Lethbridge, formerly Ft. Macleod & Hanna, AB, passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Good Samaritans West Highlands in Lethbridge on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at the age of 87 years.

He is survived by his daughter Debbie (Blaine) Gemmell of Lethbridge and son Glen Beck of Bellevue, AB.; two grandsons Nick (Gale) Gemmell formerly of Lethbridge & Scott (Ann) Gemmell of Sundrie, AB.; six great-grandchildren Brianna, Tyson, Jordan, Lucas, Redly & Gavin. and a favorite pet dog Bella, was a special visiting friend to Alfred the last six years of his life. He adored Bella & was always looking for her when you walked in the door to visit. He is also survived by his sister Viola (Dick) Pearson and brother Gordon.

Alfred is predeceased by his parents Jack (John) & Annie Beck, siblings Grace, Ben, Morris and Shirley.

Alfred was born in the Hand Hills Lake area, near Hanna, AB. He married Shirley Beck (Pfahl) from Hanna on Dec. 14, 1956. He worked on the oil rigs for a few years until they decided to start a family and settle down in Fort Macleod. He drove the Royal Mail truck from 1959 to 1967, taking the mail from Fort Macleod to Calgary every day & sometimes down into the USA. Rain, sleet or snow, the mail had to go. He worked at General Coach 1967 to 1970, then as a silent partner with Bob Gunderson at the Texaco Bulk Station in Fort Macleod taking gas out to farmers, Hutterite Colonies, etc. from 1970 to 1978. After that, he worked for 20 years at the Fort Macleod Water Treatment Plant from 1978 to 1998. Alfred & Shirley then moved to Lethbridge & officially retired.

Alfred had a quick & easy smile. He was famous for his one-liners (jokes) and his positive attitude. He loved golf, taking the family on many holidays with Uncle Jim & Aunt Mary Job. Alf & Shirley went seven different times to Hawaii with Violet & Melvin Metzger & Dick & Jeannette Pols.

But most of all he loved spending time with all his kids & grandkids. His proudest moments were having the family over for meals, BBQ’s, and games. He loved playing crib, rummy, chase the ace, aggravation, etc. He would always add all his quick one-liners during all of the family games, keeping everyone on their toes. He will be greatly missed by all.

Thank you to all the nurses & the Palliative Care Team at Good Samaritans West Highlands. They have an amazing staff who all loved & cared for Alf like he was one of their own parents. Right from the first moment he walked into West Highlands seven years ago, the first person he met was Maria, the head nurse who smiled, greeted, joked & took him under her wing from that very first moment right through to the last.

At Alfred’s request, there will be no funeral service. A private family gathering will be held to honor him and his life.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com