April 11, 1942 - March 1, 2025
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Parksville resident Arthur John Beaven on March 1, 2025, at Nanaimo Regional Hospital.
John is survived by his wife Laurie, daughter Christine, sister Maureen Joy and brother Mark as well as many nieces and nephews.
John was born in Winchester, England April 11, 1942. At the age of twenty-one he immigrated to eastern Canada where he met his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Laurence (Laurie).
Following a successful marketing career in the aerospace and computer industries, John retired at the age of 51 to pursue his many passions, travelling, fishing, woodworking, golf and gardening.
In 1999, he was invited to join the Canadian Fly-fishing team and went on to represent Canada over 11 times in Commonwealth and World Championships. He was featured in the PQB in 2016 when he led the Canadians to Gold in the World Commonwealth Championship in Mont-Tremblant, QC. He holds the distinction of having caught the most fish in all 4 of the national championships in which he competed from 2003-06. He retired from world competitions in 2010 but spent time coaching Canada's National and Youth fly-fishing teams.
John was an active member of the Mid-Island Castaways fly-fishing club, the Craig Bay fly-tying club, and the Island Rangers.
He will be missed by his family and many friends around the world.