Garry Beam

Peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2022, Garry Beam passed away at Oakview Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 79 years.

Garry is survived by his loving wife Karen, only daughter Jackie (Jason) Sakalauski,

two grandsons Lukas and Alex Sakalauski; along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents John and Hazel Beam, and two sisters Sharon Beam and Wilda (Al) Connors.

Garry was born on January 5, 1943 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. He grew up on a farm just north of Portage and loved everything about farm life. He took great pride in learning many skills from his parents including how to plow perfectly straight rows and participating in several plowing matches. After finishing high school, Garry moved to Winnipeg and began a career with the Manitoba Telephone System (MTS) where he worked for many years, retiring in 1998.

Garry’s hobbies included taking pristine care of his Ford vehicles, going for drives in the country, building, fixing and tinkering in his garage. He loved socializing and would stop and talk to anyone. He had many jokes and one-liners that always kept people laughing. Garry truly cherished every moment he spent with his family and 2 grandsons.

Garry’s family would like to give a special thanks to all the caring, compassionate staff at Oakview Place Extendicare in Winnipeg, who made Garry and his family so welcome and comfortable during his final days.

A graveside service will be held on Friday December 9, 2022 at 1:00 pm led by Wilma Shirriff. Please gather at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 12:30 pm to proceed to the interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. A lunch will follow the burial in the Trimble Room. A  gathering to celebrate Garry’s life will be held on January 7, 2023 at 1:30 pm at Crestview United Church, 316 Hamilton Ave, Winnipeg, MB.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Garry’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 40 Royal Road North, Portage la Prairie MB R1N 1V1.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com