It is with mixed feelings of sadness yet pride at how he lived his life, that we announce the death of Reg Beaudette on January 31, 2024, in his 79th year.
Reg was the dedicated son of Grace (nee Davey) and Ab Beaudette and brother of Albert 'Bud' (Edith). He was the loving life partner of Cathy (nee Zeppa) for fifty-six years and the devoted, proud father of Michelle (Pete Hercus) and Marc (Sandra Forsell). His grandson, Quinn Fisher brought so much joy to his life.
When Reg married Cathy, he became like a son to Annie and Joe Zeppa and an instant big brother to a large and boisterous family. Steve (Emmie), Joe (Lisa), the late Karen (John Coyne), Linda and Joanne (Jack Potvin) truly loved Reg like a brother.
Reg had many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews in both families whose company he enjoyed. He can truly be described as a family man.
Reg worked at Algoma Steel for thirty-two years and made many friends. There were office parties and social gatherings that were joyful parts of his working life. It was there that, though politically incorrect nowadays, he received the nickname Frog.
Reg spent his youth at outdoor rinks in the winter and ball fields in summer. He was an athlete and excelled at any sport he tried. The Toronto Maple Leafs was his forever team and hockey was his favourite. He played for the Algoma Contractors, an NOHA champion team in the early sixties. In his twenties he switched from playing to officiating where he spent forty-five years in local hockey leagues, American College Hockey and for the OHL. He was linesman, referee, off-ice official and OHL video goal judge.
When Reg was not at the rink you could find him on the golf course.
In 2012, Reg was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was lucky enough to become a candidate for a lung transplant. He and Cathy had to relocate to Toronto where Reg waited for 19 months for his miracle. Due to the generosity of a donor and his family, the knowledge and skill of the Transplant team at Toronto General Hospital and the love and prayers of his many supporters he received his gift of life on February 2, 2015. During his wait he was blessed and privileged to be a part of a group of Lungbuddies also called The Hosers from all parts of Canada who supported each other and became lifelong friends. Reg now joins those who have lost their battle along the way.
Besides a Sports Fanatic Reg enjoyed traveling, music, drama, playing cards and parties with family and friends. He could pinch perogies with the best at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church.
We had Reg for nine extra years thanks to his donor. He saw his grandson grow from a small boy to a caring young man.
The last year was very medically challenging but for eight years he lived without even a cold and possessed what doctors described as a beautiful, transplanted lung right up until the very end.
Reg had excellent care in Toronto, in consultation with doctors in Sudbury and in the Sault. The healthcare system as it is may be broken, but the healthcare professionals Reg dealt with were skilled, devoted, kind and compassionate. From care staff, food services, paramedics, PSWs, therapists, nurses, doctors and specialists Reg received thorough and respectful attention. There are too many to name individuals here, but you are remembered and we are so thankful.
Those who wish may make donations in his memory to The Toronto Lung Transplant Civitan Club, Bring A Doctor Home organization or The Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen (payable by cheque). There will be a private family burial followed by a public celebration of life on February 17, 2024, from 1:30pm - 4 pm at Quattro in the Great Lakes Room. A short service will take place at 2pm followed by remembrances from those in attendance and the party atmosphere Reg always wanted.
“His life was gentle, and all the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, ‘This was a man.’”
~ Wm Shakespeare.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).