It is with hearts full of love and memories, that we announce Robert James Beatty lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, June 1st at the age of 84 years.
Robert was born November 21, 1931 to Frederick and Hilda Beatty - one of seven children. He lived on a farm southeast of Carlyle and attended Carleton Junction School. Robert left home in 1950 to pursue employment with the CPR in Calgary. He found he didn't enjoy office work so left to work with International Harvester in Regina.
In 1953, he married Elizabeth Pontius and they continued to live in Regina until Robert's Dad had a farming accident and they moved back to look after the farm. Robert was later employed with a seismic crew and then Tidewater/Marathon Oil. Following his retirement in 1988, Robert purchased a water-hauling business which he operated for a couple years.
In 1975, Robert and Betty moved to Kenosee Lake and built a two-story, six-sided house. They also purchased 40 acres of land adjacent to Moose Mountain Provincial Park which he developed into a hobby farm. It was here that his ever-changing assortment of animals provided many hours of enjoyment to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
For many years, Robert delighted the community with his unique and creative outdoor Christmas displays. Preparations would begin in early November and build up to an impressive showcase of lights and moving decorations.
Robert was well-known for his intense love and passion for the dance floor. When the right beat found his ear, he would, without hesitation, be on his feet with his beautiful wife, daughter, granddaughter or anyone else that was lucky enough to take hold of his hand. He moved around the dance floor gracefully and with a twinkle in his eye bringing energy and happiness to everyone in the room.
Robert’s memory will be forever cherished by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth (Betty); children, Dianne (Ken), Brenda (John) and Tim (Cathi); grandchildren, Cory (Jodi), Crystal (Jeremy), Sheldon (Reni), Amy (Travis), Ryan (Jen), Shana (Bill), Riley (Laura) and Keisha; granddaughter-in-law, Sherry; great-grandchildren, Dessa, Taylor, Kadence, Jayla, Daphne, Clara, Darius, Carter, Keisha, Ryder, Elliot, Lucas, Nixon, Anna, Liam, Sophia and Quin; siblings, Cecil, Isabel, Freda and Dennis.
Robert is predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Hilda, brothers, Carl and Ron and grandson, Adam.
Whether you called Robert, Bob, Brother, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Uncle, or Friend, you are part of the legacy of a truly loving, generous and caring man. His spirit will live on for generations through his family, his amazing sense of humour and his gift of time spent with family and friends.
A celebration of Robert's life was held Saturday, June 11that 2:00 p.m. in the Carlyle Memorial Hall with Michelle Moore officiating.
If friends so wish, donations in Robert's name may be made to the Canadian Transplant Association.
