In his 80th year, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and MDS, Doug passed away peacefully on September 6, 2014 surrounded by his close family. Doug was born in Humphreys, NB and was the eleventh of twelve children of the late William and Athelia (Lutes) Beaman. Doug served in the RCAF and Canadian Air Force from 1954 until his retirement in 1988. He had many interesting postings including: Montreal, Summerside, Ottawa, Greenwood, Brussels, Belgium, Brunssum, The Netherlands, Rome, Italy and Athens, Greece. It was while posted to Greenwood in 1956 that he met his soulmate and the love of his life, Abby Marshall. Following his retirement from the military, Doug joined IMP Aerospace where he worked until 1997. After leaving IMP Doug began his own consulting company which he continued for another ten years. Since retiring from the Canadian Forces, Doug has been actively involved in a number of volunteer activities including: the Wilmot Garden Club, where he served twice as President; the Kingston Village Commission as Commissioner; the Kingston Lions Club, the Nova Scotia Association of Garden Clubs, where he served as President; and the Atlantic Baptist Foundation, where he served as a Director for 10 years as well as Vice-Chairperson and the Board Chairperson. Doug also volunteered for 10 years as a founding Director of the Greenwood Art Association. As a long time member (58 years) of the Kingston United Baptist Church, Doug served as a Deacon for several periods over 20 years. Doug was also a founding and active member of the Greenwood Amateur Radio Club (VE1RDB). Doug was predeceased by five sisters, Vivian, Kathleen, Vera, Margaret and Pauline; two brothers, Clarence and William. Doug is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Abby (Marshall), his daughter Candice Dunn (Michael), grandsons Marshall and Ciaran, his son Peter (Adriana), granddaughters, Emma and Olivia, three sisters, Fay Taylor, Marion Harris and Geraldine Palmer and one brother, Kenneth (Marilyn). In addition, he is survived and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Some of Doug's most cherished moments in his life were those times spent with his devoted wife during their assignments in Europe and in Canada; the times spent with his grandchildren, both the grandsons and granddaughters, especially their fishing adventures; and, of course the times spent with his daughter and son and their spouses. In Doug's own words, "I have lived an exciting life. Every day was filled with love. I was lucky to have the perfect mate to share my dreams." He will also be missed by his very special canine companion, "Bella" whom he loved dearly. Cremation has taken place and at his request there will be no visitation. A service will be held at the Kingston United Baptist Church in celebration of Doug's life at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2014 with Rev. Paul Bannister officiating. A reception in the church Fellowship Hall will follow the service. Private interment will follow the reception. The family would like to extend special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at both the Cancer and Chemo Centres in the QEII VG Site and at the Valley Regional Hospital for the wonderful care given to Doug over the past four years and in particular Drs. Jyri Ainamo and David Macdonald. At the family's request, no flowers, please. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the QEII Health Centre Foundation (Cancer Center), the Canadian Cancer Society, the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation or the Kingston United Baptist Church, in Doug's memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home 398 Main Street (902) 825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com During the latter period of his illness, Doug discovered this poem, which, to some extent, expresses his thoughts about leaving his loving family and friends: When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, Why cry for a soul set-free. Miss me a little - but not too long, And not with heads bowed low. Remember the love and great times that we all shared, Miss me- but let me go. This is a journey that we all must take, And each must go alone. It's all part of the Master's plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know. Bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss me - but let me go