Anthony "Tony" Jan Hendrik Beeftink

Sunday, September 3rd, Tony Beeftink peacefully passed away after a series of health struggles. Wife Alana, children Jon (Tara), Cara (Jordan), and Kimberly (Todd) and ten grandchildren Shayla, Ethan, and Lauren, Parker and Kenzie, and Ty, Tria, Ari, Rio, and Kiva all live on in his legacy.

Tony was born on Vancouver Island in 1951 to Herman and Alida Beeftink. He spent his childhood combing the beaches for treasures and playing sports. His younger sisters, Anne and Helen joined the family before they lost their dad when Tony was just 13. His mother remarried and his brother Jamie was born.

Tony was fortunate to find a great group of friends in highschool whom he stayed close to throughout his life. During his highschool years, he played every sport and was known for his work ethic and sportsmanship.

Many of his highschool friends went to university in Victoria together where Tony soon met Alana. They married at age 20 and had a wonderful 51 year marriage. Tony graduated with a degree in Education, specializing in PE, History and Geography. His first teaching job was back in his childhood town of Port Alberni, but a desire to live off the island took them to Sicamous soon after. Here, at Eagle River Secondary, Tony would spend the rest of his career. He loved the school, the kids, and his ability to make a positive influence there. In his early years, he taught all PE and coached every team! In his spare time, he ran and trained for marathons and triathlons.

In 1988, the marathon running PE teacher started to notice unexplainable changes in his health. He complained to the doctor that he would now get tired around the 30km mark, which wasn't normal. Originally his concerns were dismissed, but things quickly escalated to an air ambulance ride to Vancouver and a frightening wait for a new heart. On Boxing Day, 1988, Tony received a heart transplant, the second ever performed in BC. Despite living on immuno compromising medications, Tony was never sick. His *new* heart remained strong and healthy till the end. Tony and his family are eternally grateful to the BC Transplant Society, Dr. Virginia Gudas and Ahmed Eldon for their care, and to the donor family for their amazing gift.

Tony took his second chance and went on living his best life, returning to teaching, coaching, and running marathons. He enjoyed supporting his kids in their sports and activities and raising his young family. Against all odds, he was able to see all his children graduate, get married, and he got to know all of his ten grandchildren.

Another passion of Tony's was woodwork. He built the beautiful log home his family lived in and was often in his shop building other masterpieces like rocking horses and hope chests. Much of his legacy will live on through these creations in the homes of people all over western Canada.

The last several years, Tony experienced other health struggles. He stayed strong and stoic throughout all of the challenges life threw him. He never complained.

For so many reasons, Tony was an inspiration to his family and to his community. Much loved and respected, we are grateful for the life he lived and the legacy he has left behind.

Donations may be made in Tony's honor to the BC Transplant Society or your local food bank. A small, private gathering will be held at a later date.

As a part of his legacy, the family would like to create a book of stories/memories from the community. If you have a story or memory to share, please submit it in the comments, so we can create this keepsake. Thank you.