Robert (Bob) Arckland Beacham

Robert (Bob) Arckland Beacham
January 17, 1949 - April 28, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our most beloved husband, father, papa/grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. Robert (Bob) Arckland Beacham, of Sioux Narrows, Ontario, formerly of Kenora, passed away after a brief illness on April 28, 2022 at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, at the age of 73 years. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Bob managed his illness with strength and grace, and on his final day, he was surrounded by his family, whom he loved very dearly.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Mary, children and their spouses: Lanette (Shaun), Tara (Kevin), Robert (Marilyn), Jessica (Clayton), Randel, Raymond; his adoring grandchildren Joshua, Abigail, Nolan, Arya, Ava, Bentley, Olivia, Rebecca, and baby Barrett, as well as his dog Mukluk. He is also survived by his sister Cheryl, his sister-in-laws Marg and Doris, brother-in-law Randy, and many fond nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his parents James and Olga Beacham, brothers Brian, Melvin, Barry, Ole, and sister Gail.

Bob was born in Kenora, grew up in Sioux Narrows, and attended school in both places. From there he went to work at the Red Lake and Dickenson mines, after which he worked as a fishing guide for many years for White Birch Lodge, Red Indian Lodge, Tomahawk Resort, White Pine Lodge, Crawford’s Resort, Wiley Point Lodge, Yellow Bird Lodge, Shingwak Resort and Totem Resort. He also worked at many of the grain elevators in Thunder Bay, and for a time as an underwater welder and demolition/blasting for Tom Jones Construction. He helped to blast the Red Lake highway and helped to build Kenora’s Harbourfront Pavilion in the early 80s. He also commercially fished on Lake of the Woods for Clarence and Flora (Tut) King.

Bob and Mary moved to Sioux Narrows 9 years ago to be on the lake. He was a loving husband and enjoyed many hours on the lake fishing and houseboating with his wife. He was known by many as the best fish filleter with no bones in each filet. He was also one of the greatest trappers around, with years of bush knowledge that he was always willing to share, such as volunteering his time at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School to instruct students in a beaver skinning workshop, or passing on knowledge of animal tracks and habitats to the students at Sioux Narrows Public School. His reward was seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and he loved it when they asked questions. In his spare time, you would likely find him on beautiful Lake of the Woods with a fishing rod in hand, on the trapline at French Portage during the last 23 years, or spending time with his family and friends telling stories about landing that big one or about the one that got away.

Bob had a genuine way of making people feel welcome, whether he was volunteering with the Kiwanis Club, or just being supportive to all of his loved ones near and far. He was a kind and loving man, willing to give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. Bob was very proud of his Indigenous heritage and a member of Norway House Cree Nation. He followed the Ten Commandments as well as the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and instilled these values in his children and grandchildren. One of Bob’s greatest accomplishments was being a father and a papa/grandpa. He was so looking forward to having the whole family together this summer, especially to see all of his grandchildren under the same roof for the first time ever.

Visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Thursday, May 5th, 2022 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.  Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 6th, 2022 at the Lake of the Woods Chapel at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Sioux Narrows Community Centre. 

You can also attend the service through live stream at https://fweb.tv/77722.

Pallbearers will be Darryl Beacham, Matthew Beacham, Brendan Beacham, Jimmy Beacham, Shawn Cranston and Larry Beacham.  Honorary Pallbearers are Mel Beacham, Edwin King, Ryan Wiebe, Crystal Wiebe and Bruce Beacham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s honor may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Beacham family.