In the early morning hours of April 30, 2025, in Toronto, our dear Dad, (Edmond) Geoffrey Beatty, passed peacefully into his heavenly home - three days shy of his 98th birthday.
Born in Toronto on May 3, 1927, to Rosamond (Ryckman) and Geoffrey B. Beatty, he was predeceased by his wife and partner of 56 years, Muriel (Stewart); and sisters, Virginia (Leach) and Veronica (Little). Left to remember him: his children, Jennifer, Lorna, Allison (Groten) Geoff, Sheila (Gorlitz), Christina (Northey); his 13 grandchildren; and nine great-grands who knew him as ‘ Daddad.’
At Upper Canada College ('44) and the University of Toronto (Medicine '53), Dad excelled at football, hockey, cricket, tennis, and playing the bagpipes. Skiing was his joy until a serious accident on the hills. The resultant months-long hospitalization changed his vocation from engineering, to a 'calling,' medicine. This detour became life changing as it led to his ultimate calling, a follower of Jesus Christ. His born from above
faith introduced him to Mum, a nursing student at U of T.
Most of Dad's medical career as a surgical pathologist and cytologist was served at the Hamilton General and St. Joseph Hospitals, in Hamilton, ON; and as an Assoc. Professor at McMaster's Medical School. For 60 years, Geoff was an active member, and one time Director of, the Christian Medical Dental Society of Canada.
Together with Mum, they opened their hearts and homes to our friends, international students, missionaries and refugees. They were keen supporters of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and the churches they attended in Whitby, Hamilton, Kingston, and Richmond Hill.
Upon Dad’s retirement, they moved to Kingston, ON, where they became as involved as ever. At First Baptist Church, this included leading Sunday school classes for both adults and kids; helping refugees settle into the community; and Dad leading bible studies for prison ministry outreach. In that period, one of the most meaningful chapters of Dad's life was when he and Mum went to Kathmandu, Nepal, where he assisted in the Pathology Department at Patan Hospital.
Despite his work and other commitments, Dad somehow managed to be the year-round activity director of us six kids, born in quick time - 7.5 years; organizing and instructing us in ice skating, skiing and other outdoor outings.
Summers at our 120-year-old Georgian Bay family cottage, ‘Minoyah,’ meant Dad was full-on-waterfront director and instructor: swimming, boat driving, sailing, fishing, paddling, waterskiing. In the truest sense, Minoyah was Dad's heart's home. It provided the space and time for him to be his contemplative self. The rocks, water, trees, and quietude fed his soul. Last summer, though his mobility and strength were flagging, Dad's strong will enabled him to return one last time, giving him and us such Joy … one of his most favoured words.
In a nutshell, our Dad, Geoff Beatty, was an honourable and unassuming man of few words, with a quiet confidence and strength, humble, engineering-ish,
resourceful, generous AND frugal, well-read, dependable, balanced, consistent … a true Gentleman.
During his sojourn at The Claremont Residence, Dad was so appreciative of all the caring staff, especially Andre, Arlene, Cathy, Erlinda, James and Juanita; additionally, Dr. Russell Goldman and the Temmy Latner Palliative Care Team.