Suddenly and unexpectedly, Merv Beckstead in his 84th year. Deeply loved by his wife, Mary Jo, his son, Todd (Tammy), and his sister, Marlene Droppo. Also survived by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, several cousins, nieces and nephews, and by his former wife, Edie Smith. Predeceased by his brothers, Mac and Francis.

Merv had a distinguished career as a municipal public administrator, as Chief Administrative Officer for the former Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton and the City of Nepean. He was also the recipient of the Ontario Lieutenant Governor’s Medal of Distinction in Public Administration and the former Chair of the Board of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), as well as Co-Chair of the Capital Fundraising Campaign for the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Center.

Merv was very active and was blessed with good health. He enjoyed life to the fullest and those around him enjoyed him. He was generous to a fault and will be irreplaceable. After retirement, he continued to contribute, volunteering with many community organizations in and around the Ottawa area and the Valley including, Renfrew Hydro and Renfrew and Area Seniors Home Support. He was also a mentor to many.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date, after we have had time to deal with this tremendous loss, to ourselves and the community. The family, and Merv, would be grateful for donations in his memory to Hospice Renfrew or the Perley-Rideau Veterans Health Center. He was a friend to all and will be greatly missed.

Condolences/Tributes/Donations
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
www.hpmcgarry.ca
613-728-1761