John Beeching: A Legacy of Principled Activism and Sumoud
UPDATE: Help us honour John’s legacy with a medical aid project to help the Palestinian people in Gaza. In coordination with John’s family, NECEF Sabeel have set up a fund raising campaign in John’s memory for Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza City; we are also working to have a commemorative plaque placed in the hospital to reflect his lifetime of commitment to the Palestinians.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation either online or by sending a cheque to NECEF Sabeel Canada.
The online donation is through CanadaHelps and the form includes a place to chose which fund your donation should go to. Please put #3 In Memory of John Beeching.
This is the mailing address for cheques and again, please note in the memo “In memory of John Beeching”.
NECEF Sabeel Canada
7565 Newman Blvd.
PO Box 3067, Station LaPierre
Montreal, QC , H8N 3H2
John, we will continue the struggle!
Presente!
Hanna Kawas
Chair, Canada Palestine Association-Vancouver
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With heavy hearts, Canada Palestine Association-Vancouver learnt yesterday of the passing of one of its longest-serving members John Beeching. John, a WWII veteran, was an ardent supporter of Palestinian human and national rights and helped construct the foundation for much of the solidarity work that has developed in recent years. He worked with CPA for 35 years, joining with us to further the struggle of the Palestinians after the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon and continued with his support right up until his passing at 95 years of age. He was chair of Medical Aid for Palestine in Vancouver during the 1980s and helped host many leading Palestinian and pro-Palestinian figures who came to the city during that period, including Dr. Chris Giannou, Dr. Fathi Arafat and Dr. Ismail Zayid (to mention just a few). He embodied the best kind of solidarity that puts the priorities of oppressed people first and foremost, and always was a true internationalist who embraced the struggle against fascism in Spain to the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa to peoples’ struggles in Cuba, Venezuela and beyond. We will miss him greatly.
We send our condolences to his wife and life-long partner, Betty, and his children, grandchildren and all of the family.
John, we will continue your legacy until Palestine is Free!!
Family Obituary:
John Beeching passed peacefully at the age of 95 on May 6th. A loving husband, father and grandfather he will be missed by his wife, Betty, and entire family. John will always live on in in our hearts and memories with his love, sense of humour and his passion for social justice.
Born in Saskatchewan, he had many fond memories of growing up with his 4 brothers in Qu’Appelle and Regina. After joining the Canadian Air Force to fight against fascism during WWII, John returned to Saskatchewan where he met and married his wife Betty. John and Betty spent the rest of their lives dedicated to creating a better world. Their fight for peace and social justice will never be forgotten. John leaves behind a legacy of solidarity born of love.
In accordance with family wishes, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the “Near East Cultural and Educational Fund” for Gaza Medical Relief.