Obituary for John Garry Beard
John Garry Beard
July 31, 1948 — October 12, 2022
John was born in Toronto in 1948. He had a very curious mind and an insatiable desire to learn.
As an early scientist, he hypothesized many cause and effect questions including what might
happen when cracking open a golf ball (spoiler alert: it squirts goo all over the kitchen). He
survived many different adventures and began the biggest one of his life when he met his wife,
and love of his life, Lina. They married and left “the Big Smoke,” as he referred to it, to begin a
new life and raise a family in Belleville. Together, they raised three daughters, and encouraged
them to have fun, work hard, follow their dreams no matter what they were, and to be
relentlessly unstoppable. John was also a huge source of inspiration for the many students he
taught and worked with throughout his years as a teacher and later, a Principal at many schools
including General Brock and John McCrae (Toronto), King George, Deseronto PS, Prince of
Wales PS, Marmora Senior School, Queen Elizabeth (Trenton), and Stirling Senior School.
When he retired, it became clear that he needed a new challenge, so he took up a new career
working at the Emmanuel Residence in Belleville as their Administrator, and most recently, a
member of their Board. He loved learning about new technologies, and making the best home
possible for his residents. He was passionate about many things: his family, his dogs, his
backyard, crosswords, guitars, travelling, barbecuing, always knowing the correct time,
Canadian Football, and baseball. He was a “punny” man and a master of the “dad joke.” As
long as it made him laugh, he was happy — even happier if it made others groan. He had a
heart as big as his size-15 feet, and loved his family so much. Being the only driver in the
household for many years, John often joked that his epitaph should read: “Here lies John. He
drove.” The truth of the matter is, he drove, he gave, he hugged, he laughed, he loved. Big.
We love you John, Dad/Pops, Papa/Poppa. Forever and ever. We are eternally grateful that
the universe chose us to be yours.
Lina
Kristin, Aaron & Ciaran
Andrea & Chris
Leslie, Darryl & Emma
Lola & Ernie
His sister, Susan and her husband Tim,
Brother-in-law, Erwin and his wife Erica, Sister-in-law, Karin, and all their children.
Chosen family, Jim & Tass, and Debby & Art
And so many more extended family and friends.
Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The
Hastings Prince Edward Food for Learning Foundation, or Guitars for Kids, Toronto would be
appreciated by the family.
July 31, 1948 — October 12, 2022
John was born in Toronto in 1948. He had a very curious mind and an insatiable desire to learn.
As an early scientist, he hypothesized many cause and effect questions including what might
happen when cracking open a golf ball (spoiler alert: it squirts goo all over the kitchen). He
survived many different adventures and began the biggest one of his life when he met his wife,
and love of his life, Lina. They married and left “the Big Smoke,” as he referred to it, to begin a
new life and raise a family in Belleville. Together, they raised three daughters, and encouraged
them to have fun, work hard, follow their dreams no matter what they were, and to be
relentlessly unstoppable. John was also a huge source of inspiration for the many students he
taught and worked with throughout his years as a teacher and later, a Principal at many schools
including General Brock and John McCrae (Toronto), King George, Deseronto PS, Prince of
Wales PS, Marmora Senior School, Queen Elizabeth (Trenton), and Stirling Senior School.
When he retired, it became clear that he needed a new challenge, so he took up a new career
working at the Emmanuel Residence in Belleville as their Administrator, and most recently, a
member of their Board. He loved learning about new technologies, and making the best home
possible for his residents. He was passionate about many things: his family, his dogs, his
backyard, crosswords, guitars, travelling, barbecuing, always knowing the correct time,
Canadian Football, and baseball. He was a “punny” man and a master of the “dad joke.” As
long as it made him laugh, he was happy — even happier if it made others groan. He had a
heart as big as his size-15 feet, and loved his family so much. Being the only driver in the
household for many years, John often joked that his epitaph should read: “Here lies John. He
drove.” The truth of the matter is, he drove, he gave, he hugged, he laughed, he loved. Big.
We love you John, Dad/Pops, Papa/Poppa. Forever and ever. We are eternally grateful that
the universe chose us to be yours.
Lina
Kristin, Aaron & Ciaran
Andrea & Chris
Leslie, Darryl & Emma
Lola & Ernie
His sister, Susan and her husband Tim,
Brother-in-law, Erwin and his wife Erica, Sister-in-law, Karin, and all their children.
Chosen family, Jim & Tass, and Debby & Art
And so many more extended family and friends.
Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The
Hastings Prince Edward Food for Learning Foundation, or Guitars for Kids, Toronto would be
appreciated by the family.