John George Beddows

John George Beddows - Born at Winnipeg General Hospital, 18 December 1938

Graduate of Laurentian University in Sudbury.

Played linebacker for the Sturgeon Falls Bombers in the Northern Football League, '64-'65-'66.

He taught Business at Sturgeon Falls High School and École secondaire Northern Secondary School in Sturgeon Falls where he was head of the Business Department.  During his teaching career, he saw the transition from the manual to the automated office, and in coordination with the math department, built programs and courses in the 1980's to help prepare students for the digital era.  He finished his career teaching adult education at the Secondary Level in North Bay.  While at Northern he coached basketball.  As a member of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF), he served on contract negotiating committees.

Starting in 1955 he lived on and eventually owned Camp Horizon on Lake Muskasung in Badgerow Township outside Field Ontario which he operated until its sale in 1984.  He guided fly-in, and portage fishing in central Northern Ontario starting in the 1950's, and was a skilled hunting guide who knew how to lead hunters in the pursuit of upland game, duck and geese, and spring and fall bear. He also chaired the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association for a period in the 1970's.

With his wife, Betty Ann Beddows (née Emms ), he founded, owned and operated Jewel Lake Wilderness Camp until his passing.

A lifelong philatelist and philatelic dealer, he was a member and Secretary/Treasurer of the Canadian Stamp Dealers Association, member of the American Stamp Dealers' Association, member and former director of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada, and long-time member of the British North American Philatelic Society (BNAPS) 

He delighted in the success and happiness of others, and was always willing to help or enable them to achieve their dreams.  He was passionate in all his endeavours, but especially when he was helping others succeed. An un-assuming conservationist who while guiding tourists would ensure that none of the meat went to waste, and that they left the forest or lake with greater respect and knowledge of the natural environment.  He believed in planting trees and environmental preservation, harvesting only what could be replenished, and taught that our forests and lakes are a trust to be husbanded, protected from those who would consume without replacing, pollute without repairing, or waste without thought.  He taught high school introducing students to a wider world through a passionate appreciation for subject matter, learning, and a deep commitment to opening eyes to new possibilities  An internationally recognized stamp dealer, he was trusted and highly respected by colleagues and vendors.  His word was his absolute bond, his handshake a contract.  Comfortable in forest, on the water, in the city, in the boardroom or bank, behind a computer, he was at his happiest with family, friends, his children and grandchildren, and his beloved wife at Jewel Lake where he seemed truly alive.

John is survived by his beloved wife Betty Ann Beddows (née Emms) and six children and their families: Patricia Judith Lanktree (daughter Matilda), Ruth Young (husband Gary Young and children Connor and Christopher), John Sydney Beddows (wife Sheri Hiebert-Beddows and children Nole (wife Aja), Zara and Scarlett), Joseph “Joël” Lukas Beddows (husband Isaac Lawrence Aronovitch and daughter Raphaëlle), Patricia Anne Beddows (husband Edward Mallon) and John Cameron Beddows.

He will be missed.  We will not see his like again.

Family receiving friends at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Rd., on Tuesday July 25th, from 2 until 4 and 7 until 9 pm and on Wednesday July 26th from 10 am until time of funeral service at 11 am.

Donations to the North Bay Regional Health Centre in memory of John will be gratefully acknowledged by his family. 

Also see: http://canadianstampnews.com/long-time-canadian-philatelist-dealer-john-beddows-dies/