Richard Marven Beaudin
December 27th 1946 to March 24th 2016

Richard Beaudin stepped into heaven while in the company of those he loved on March 24th 2016. A kind, generous, selfless man, he brought joy to everyone around him. A storyteller and history buff, he was always ready to give an improptu historical account of anything, anywhere, anytime.

He was born in Ottawa, the 2nd of five children, to Elzéar (Jack) Beaudin and Ernestine (Meilleur) Beaudin. His father was in the air force, so the family moved a lot throughout Canada and the US. This opened his eyes to new places, people and traditions.

Richard earned his degree in Psychology at the University of Ottawa. He and his then wife, Suzanne, had three children – Natasha, Sherman and Tiffany. He shared his love of adventure and camping with his family. They took legendry road trips, driving non-stop to Florida or Wisconsin. He was never without a map, compass or survival kit, and everyone felt safe and protected around him. He was most at home behind the wheel, and the offer of “do you want a lift?” was familiar to all who knew him.

Richard worked for the federal government and General Dynamics, and in 1999 he moved to Toronto and became a French language interpreter in the health services. This renewed his connection to his Franco-Ontarian roots. He volunteered on many committees to raise the awareness of their contributions to the province. He also felt a strong connection to First Nations culture and passionately advocated for their rights.

Richard was an avid hobbyist. With his trusted cannon crew of Tiffany and Sherman in tow, Richard took his love of history to the next level through historical re-enactments and building cannons. He could often be found reading maps and historical atlases, his copy of “the Penguin Atlas of World History” held together by elastic bands. He helped build the full size replica of the Avro Arrow at the Toronto Aerospace Museum, where he volunteered. He loved jogging and imparted his love of sports to his children.

In 2005 he met Christine, the love of his life; she set his heart aflame. Together they took road trips all over Canada and the US, bird watching and stargazing their way across the continent in his silver Hyundai. They also had an adventure of a lifetime crossing the Atlantic on a romantic cruise. Their love was one filled with mutual respect and adoration. They were engaged to be married in May of 2016.

Richard is loved and missed by his partner of 11 years Christine Miokovic, his children Natasha (Andy), Sherman (Karla), Tiffany (Tasha), his siblings, Mike (Shirley), Monica (Truman), Carmen (Dave), Gilles and Christine’s children Vasko, Sonja, Sava (Evelyn), Vanja (Jake) and his tabby Solstice.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday April 1st, from 6pm-9pm at Turner & Porter, 2357 Bloor St West, Toronto, ON. An informal ceremony will be held at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Popsie” Memorial Fund, Parks Canada or the charity of your choice.
https://www.youcaring.com/richard-popsie-beaudin-memorial-fund-546133

“Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last.”