Beckham, Norman Freeman (Died)

BECKHAM, Norman Freeman - Woodstock, ON, in his 82nd year. 'Mr. Harvard' took his final flight November 20, 2012 surrounded by his immediate family. Graduate of OAC (now U of Guelph) class of '53. Norman owned and operated Beckham Ltd (Farm Equipment) on Governor's Road, Woodstock for over 30 years, and could be found helping his wife Shirley, run Turn & Bank Miniature Golf. He was actively involved as president (AND NATIONAL DIRECTOR) of O.R.F.E.D.A. (Ontario Retail Farm Equipment Dealer's Association). Norman was a founding member (and first president) of the Woodstock Ontario Flying Club - home of the "Biggest, little Air Show in Canada" and the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (C.H.A.A.). His love of flying WWII Harvards led to many happy hours of aerobatic manoeuvres and formation flying across the country as well as a father & son aerobatic team. Norman was a music enthusiast having played trombone in the London Reserve Army Band, a 13 piece dance band in St. Thomas, Port Stanley's Stork Club, and the Norwich Band. He will be dearly missed by his wife Shirley, son Kent, daughters: Karen (Ben Hughes), Margaret Ellen (Andrew Horrocks), Alexandra (Jody Cross), daughter-in-law Jill Beckham as well as grandchildren Kirk, Zachary, Brittany (Mark Wijnker), Michael, Adam, Julia, Jordan, Alyssa, Hannah, Joel, and great grandson Caleb. Fondly remembered by sister-in -law Rose Hession. He was predeceased by his brother, Maurice. The family will forever be thankful to Dr Vu, Dr Harris, and all the staff of the Woodstock Hospital, LHSC vascular floor nurses, and Woodingford Lodge for all their care and support. Visitation on Sun. Nov. 25, 2012, 3:00 – 5:00 pm at BROCK & VISSER FUNERAL HOME , 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, (519-539-0004). Memorial Service Mon. Nov. 26, 2012, 2:00 pm at Huron Park Baptist Church, 199 Berwick St., Woodstock. Donations may be made to the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association or the Canadian Diabetes Foundation. Online condolences at www.brockandvisser.com