Cecil Beaven, after living a life full of happiness and joy, passed away peacefully on December 23rd, 2021 in his 88th year at the Seaforth Hospital with his loving wife June by his side.
“Cyril” was born in Elstead Surrey, United Kingdom on December 19th, 1934. After sailing the world in the Merchant Marines, he joined the Royal Air Force where he served as a Military Police Officer. It was in the RAF as a police dog handler that his love for dogs began.
Marrying June (Sheldrick) on January 5th, 1957, whom he met in the RAF, the two of them settled down in the Cottswolds in England where Cyril served in the Prison Service as a guard.
After having 3 children, Rebecca, Richard and Mark, the family immigrated to Canada in April of 1971, where “Cec” continued to serve the community as a Police Officer in Mitchell, Ontario and then as an Inspector for the Egg Farmers of Ontario, until his retirement in 2004.
Cecil was an avid outdoorsman and had a passion for bird-dogs. Over the years he had several Weimaraners and Springer Spaniels that he enjoyed hunting over and competing in field trials with. In 1992, it was his love of bird-dogs that led him to move to his dream home just east of the Hullett Wildlife Area, so that he could be closer to the grounds he loved to run his dogs on. His dog training ability was proven in 1999, when his beloved dog “Buddy” won the National Amateur Field Championship in Ardmore, Oklahoma, an accomplishment he was very proud of.
The last years of his life were spent loving his grandchildren and spending every available minute with them. Whether cheering them on in their athletics, or simply spending time with them laughing and joking, it was where “Grampy” believed he had achieved his greatest accomplishment in life.
Finally moving to Blyth, Ontario in the summer of 2021, Cecil was able to spend his last days enjoying precious time with his family. He will be missed by many but especially by his wife June, his children Rebecca, Richard and Mark, his grandchildren Julia, Colton, Travis and Kane and his great grandchildren Chevy and Layla.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to the Friends of Hullett so that future generations can experience the same joy of hiking the trails as Cecil did.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Trish MacGregor
Dear June and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Cecil’s passing. The MacGregor kids are sending gentle thoughts and care to “Mrs. Beaven”. Hold tight to all the great memories.
Trish, Paul, Sarah, Ian and Sam MacGregor
Friends of Hullett
The Friends of Hullett Board of Directors and staff send our sympathy to the family and friends of Cecil. Cecil lived a full and wonderful life and his presence will be missed around the wildlife area.
Rest in peace Cecil.
Friends of Hullett
John and Marian
Our condolences to you and your family, Mark.
John and Marian Van Dooren
Larry and Dianne McGrath
June and family: Our sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Our thoughts are with you.
Regi whyte
May your memories keep your hearts happy.
Regi and Bill Whyte
Lori campbell
We had the distinct honour of being neighbours with June and Cecil for a year while we did renovations to our farmhouse. Better people couldn’t be had. Cecil took my oldest son under his wing and taught him how to train a field dog, but more than that he encouraged him to have self discipline and self respect and helped foster in him a love of nature and the outdoors that holds true today. Cecil always had a kind word and a joke for my kids and his sense of humour made all our days brighter. Cecil was devoted to June and it was lovely to see them clearly enjoy each other’s company. He will be missed by many and our deep condolences go out to June and all the family at this time of loss.
Lori and Jeff Campbell and family.