May 27, 1933 - July 4, 2021
Peacefully, at Algoma Manor, Thessalon on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Keith Beggs of Thessalon in his 89th year, beloved husband of the late Norma (MacDiarmid) for forty years. Loving father of Loyal (Micheline Dobaj) of Kemptville and Melissa Horton (Tim) of Floresville Texas. Special Poppa to Colin (Karla), Matthew, Andrew, Emelia, Brenna and Eden. Great Grandfather to Aiden, Landon and Nolan. Son of the late Loyal and Myrtle Beggs of Kars and son-in-law of the late Violet MacDiarmid of Moose Creek. Dear brother of the late Dora Wallace (late Don Wallace and late Cecil Barrows), Ruby and Ruth. Much loved uncle to Les Barrows (Paula), Barb Hopkins (Robin) and David Barrows (Nancy). A special friend of Marion Seabrook, Keith will be fondly remembered by the Seabrook family. Keith will also be sadly missed by many cousins, especially Eric Beggs (Ruth) and their family and Lois Moore (Ernie Trimble and the late Earl Moore) and family.
Keith farmed with his father on the Second Line in Kars, Ontario until he was 28, when he followed his dream of becoming a funeral director. He began his career working with Ed Cummings in North Gower before moving to Pembroke, Ontario where he worked for Malcolm and Deavitt and then to Maxville, Ontario where he worked for Clark Hoople. It was there that he met his future wife Norma. In November of 1965 they would make the move to Thessalon, Ontario where together they would run the Beggs Funeral Home for close to forty years. During that time, Keith would establish himself as a leader in the funeral service industry particularly in rural Northeastern Ontario. Always known for his unwavering integrity and his gentle compassionate way, stories abound of the great impact he had on the thousands of families he served. It was a great source of pride for him that his son Loyal continued the legacy. They would work side by side until his retirement in 2003 and the funeral home remained proudly in the Beggs family until January of 2019. Keith was a devoted husband and father with a tremendous love of gardening and a strong commitment to community. He was a proud member of the Thessalon Lions Club and served as secretary of that club for many years. His career as a Freemason and member of Dyment Lodge #442, Thessalon spanned over 50 years and saw him hold offices at the local, district and Provincial levels including lodge Secretary, District Deputy Grand Master of Algoma East District and Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. He was an Honourary 33rd Degree Inspector General of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. Keith was a recipient of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for his many contributions to community.
A visitation will be held at the Oddfellows Hall, 146 Main Street, Thessalon on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 7 to 9pm and on Thursday July 8 from 12 noon to 2pm. A funeral service will be held in the Oddfellows Hall on Thursday, July 8 at 2:30pm Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Face masks required. To register in advance, please call Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm at 705-759-2522 as capacity is limited. Friends are invited to view the service online starting at 2:30 pm on Thursday and it can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Keith's name to view the service.
For those wishing, donations (payable by cheque or online) may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Research Foundation, Masonic Foundation of Ontario or Algoma Manor. Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.
His Lord said unto him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler
over many things. Enter now into the joy of thy Lord".
Matthew 25:21
