In memory of
Elmer Beddome
August 25, 1935 - July 14, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elmer Beddome of Blackstock, Ontario in his 91st year, he will be greatly missed. Elmer passed away with his family surrounding him at Lakeridge Health in Oshawa.
Elmer grew up in Gimli, Manitoba and often spoke of how he learned to build bikes, a gas powered scooter (without brakes) with the help of a neighbour, and later on he learned to fix and upholster a very used car in which he piled as many friends as it could hold when an airplane landed in Gimli during his late high school years. It was quite the site and started a life time of inspiration by becoming a pilot, and flying his own award winning homebuilt airplane a Christavia. Elmer also became a Delegate Amateur-Built Aircraft Inspector for RAA, and won the Frank Jenkinson Memorial award twice for outstanding contributions to recreational aviation. On July 14th, 2026 Elmer took his last solo flight.
From Gimli he ventured to Winnipeg to medical school at the University of Manitoba. Late in his studies General Motors offered him a Senior Clerk position with benefits and a vehicle so off he went to Ontario. He dedicated over 30 years to General Motors. From Superintendant of the Chassis Plant to overseeing the complete modernization and automation of the car and truck plant in the mid 1980’s, Superintendant of Manufacturing Engineering, and then coming full circle with his medical training to assist one of the largest back pain industrial studies which combined efforts from General Motors, the Institute for Work and Health, the Ontario Universities Back Pain Study staff, the auto workers union, Mr Graham, the occupational health nurses and GM medical staff, this position he enjoyed immensely.
He built a cottage on Lake Rosseau where he had previously been a water ski instructor at Wigwassan Resort on Tobin island. He also enjoyed racing sailboats on Lake Rosseau.
He sold the cottage on Lake Rosseau to buy a farm located outside of Oshawa.
After retirement from General Motors, Elmer enjoyed challenging himself by restoring antique automobiles and helping his friends with their restoration projects. He always said a car with a crank window was a good car because there was less to go wrong with it.
His memory was encyclopedic and his ability was unlimited. He believed in respecting every single person as well as helping and gently guiding people to reach their potential and enjoyed listening to people to learn new information.
Cherished husband of Jacqueline Beddome (nee Cameron). Loving father of Christine (Floyd) Dickson, and Jeff Beddome. Proud grandfather of Katherine, Allison and Cameron. Missed by his sister and brother in law, Alice (Robert) Radbourne of Fort Frances. Predeceased by his brother Robert (Jean) and his parents, Hugh and Lillian Beddome formerly of Winnipeg. He will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.
The family will be holding a private funeral at his resting place located under the flight path of Oshawa Airport at Thornton Cemetery & Funeral Centre (1200 Thorton Road North, Oshawa, 905-579-6787). A celebration of life to be announced at a later date.
Elmer grew up in Gimli, Manitoba and often spoke of how he learned to build bikes, a gas powered scooter (without brakes) with the help of a neighbour, and later on he learned to fix and upholster a very used car in which he piled as many friends as it could hold when an airplane landed in Gimli during his late high school years. It was quite the site and started a life time of inspiration by becoming a pilot, and flying his own award winning homebuilt airplane a Christavia. Elmer also became a Delegate Amateur-Built Aircraft Inspector for RAA, and won the Frank Jenkinson Memorial award twice for outstanding contributions to recreational aviation. On July 14th, 2026 Elmer took his last solo flight.
From Gimli he ventured to Winnipeg to medical school at the University of Manitoba. Late in his studies General Motors offered him a Senior Clerk position with benefits and a vehicle so off he went to Ontario. He dedicated over 30 years to General Motors. From Superintendant of the Chassis Plant to overseeing the complete modernization and automation of the car and truck plant in the mid 1980’s, Superintendant of Manufacturing Engineering, and then coming full circle with his medical training to assist one of the largest back pain industrial studies which combined efforts from General Motors, the Institute for Work and Health, the Ontario Universities Back Pain Study staff, the auto workers union, Mr Graham, the occupational health nurses and GM medical staff, this position he enjoyed immensely.
He built a cottage on Lake Rosseau where he had previously been a water ski instructor at Wigwassan Resort on Tobin island. He also enjoyed racing sailboats on Lake Rosseau.
He sold the cottage on Lake Rosseau to buy a farm located outside of Oshawa.
After retirement from General Motors, Elmer enjoyed challenging himself by restoring antique automobiles and helping his friends with their restoration projects. He always said a car with a crank window was a good car because there was less to go wrong with it.
His memory was encyclopedic and his ability was unlimited. He believed in respecting every single person as well as helping and gently guiding people to reach their potential and enjoyed listening to people to learn new information.
Cherished husband of Jacqueline Beddome (nee Cameron). Loving father of Christine (Floyd) Dickson, and Jeff Beddome. Proud grandfather of Katherine, Allison and Cameron. Missed by his sister and brother in law, Alice (Robert) Radbourne of Fort Frances. Predeceased by his brother Robert (Jean) and his parents, Hugh and Lillian Beddome formerly of Winnipeg. He will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.
The family will be holding a private funeral at his resting place located under the flight path of Oshawa Airport at Thornton Cemetery & Funeral Centre (1200 Thorton Road North, Oshawa, 905-579-6787). A celebration of life to be announced at a later date.