(November 11, 1957 - August 7, 2022) passed peacefully at Sault Area Hospital surrounded by the love of his family.
He will be forever loved by his wife Lorna Connolly Beattie, and their beloved daughters, Meghan and Amanda. Rick will be forever missed by his sons-in-law John deBastiani and Jake Nolan and his treasured grandchildren, Aislyn and Grady Nolan, Basil and expected deBastiani twins.
Rick is the proud son of Lorna and the late Walter Burke and the adored brother of Fran (Geoff Mawdsley), Nancy (Scott Frazee), Debra (Don Macdonald), Diane (Pat Burden) and the late Wendy Burke. Left to miss his presence are his brothers Don Beattie (Lorraine) and Dave Burke (Sharon) and his sister Brenda Gray. He is the beloved son-in-law of the late Lawrence and Agnes Connolly, and brother-in-law of Jerry (Donna), Tom (Shirley), Dan (Rosa), Ryan (Lois) & Carol (David). He cherished his relationships with his many nieces and nephews and his devoted friends will never forget him.
Rick spent his early years in Fredericton, New Brunswick. In his teen years he ventured from home and arrived in Elliot Lake, Ontario and there he stayed working in construction and as a tow truck driver. In 1979, Rick and Lorna proved love at first sight does exist and have spent the last 43 years loving each other unconditionally. In 1980, he became an Underground Miner at Denison Mines, where he worked until the mine closed. He went back to school at Sault College earning his Electrical Engineering Technician and Instrumentation Technician Diplomas but returned to his passion of mining, working as a Development Miner in many mines in Northern Ontario. By this time, Lorna and Rick and the girls had relocated to Sault Ste. Marie. In 1996, Rick welcomely embraced becoming a stay-at-home Dad after experiencing a major motor vehicle accident. Raising his girls was the greatest accomplishment of his life. In 2009, following the passing of Lorna’s dad, Rick and Lorna relocated to Laird Township into Lorna’s parents retirement homestead to care for Lorna’s mom. Having the taste of country life, they stayed and loved the peaceful location, where they have spent the last 13 years. Rick spent the remainder of his years enjoying the company of his many border collies, doing yard work with his tractor, tending to his large vegetable garden and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
To know Rick was to know kindness. He was calm, generous, and non-judgemental. He knew a little about a lot and was always eager to share. Despite living most of his life with significant health issues, he maintained a positive attitude with amazing determination and grace. Although his passing was unexpected after being diagnosed with cancer just 7 weeks prior, he went to the spirit world feeling blessed for the time he had with family and friends and expressed that “I’ve had a good ride!”.
The family would like to profoundly thank our devoted family physician, Dr. Carrie Kuntz who has gone above and beyond in caring for our family for over a decade. We would also like to thank Dr. Berg, Dr. Pearce, Dr. Spadafora and Dr. Schamp. Additionally, the family is forever grateful for the care and guidance from Amy (Bayshore Home Care Nurse) and were blessed to have Rick receive the most compassionate and dignified care provided by Phyllis, Cierra, Sonia, Jen and many more staff on 3B at Sault Area Hospital. Lorna extends special thanks to her spiritual friends that have always provided prayers, love and support.
All are welcome to join the family on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 1 pm for a graveside service at Laird Cemetery for the interment of Rick’s ashes. A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Laird Hall. Friends are invited to view the service online starting at 1 pm on Thursday, August 11, 2022 and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Richard's name to view the service.
The family will honour and celebrate Rick’s life privately in his three favourite locations, his garden, Finn’s Bay where he went fishing and in New Brunswick with Rick’s beloved mother, sisters and family.
Memorial donations in Rick’s honour can be made (payable by cheque or online) to St. Vincent Place or Pauline’s Place (Emergency Shelter for women, youth and families). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Beattie family.