‘Lost piece of our collective memory’: Family, friends remember London veteran

George Beardshaw, a Second World War veteran, died July 11 at 102 after complications from pneumonia.

In a hall strung with small Canadian flags, dozens of mourners leaned over a long table of photographs and mementos, tracing the outline of a life that spanned 102 years. A military uniform draped with medals, topped with his cap, sat beside a photo of George Beardshaw – a Second World War veteran who died July 11 after complications from pneumonia. On Friday, dozens gathered at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 317, 311 Oakland Ave., for a celebration of his life.

Born Sept. 14, 1923, Beardshaw was the last living orphan to come to Canada through the Home Children program, which brought more than 100,000 youth from the United Kingdom between the late 1860s and 1948. Beardshaw was placed in an orphanage at age three and sent to Canada at 14. At 18, he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces.

A band played waltzes as guests filtered in. Les Homes, on guitar, said Beardshaw used to dance whenever he stopped by the legion. “He’s like an institution here.

He liked to dance and loved music,” Homes said. He remembered driving past Beardshaw’s house during one COVID-19 lockdown birthday to play him a few songs from the street. “When we got the word, it was a little upsetting,” he said.

“George was a fixture, you know. He was just a good-going guy.” Nearby, Beardshaw’s academic hood was draped beside the table.

In June, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, one of many recognitions over his lifetime. In 2022, Beardshaw was awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest honour, receiving the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honour. He received the honour in recognition of his role in the liberation of France during the Second World War.

At the time, he told The Free Press that it was “a wonderful day for me.” Rev. Kevin George of St. Paul’s Cathedral officiated the service at Parkwood Veterans Care, which he said drew about 150 people. “When a man of his advanced age draws a crowd of 150 people from all walks of life, it says something about who he was in life,” he said.

George first met Beardshaw in 2018 after inviting him onto his podcast to tell his story. “He came up the stairs, sat, had a beer with us and told us the war stories. I knew when I met him, I met somebody really special.

“We’ve lost a piece of our collective memory. One of the really important pieces in a culture is storytelling, and George was an exceptional storyteller.” Beardshaw fought in France as part of the Canadian forces during the Second World War, landing on Juno Beach and helping liberate French towns from Nazi Germany.

Toward the end of the war, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war for 18 days. Jennifer Field, who worked at St. Joseph’s Veterans Care and supported Beardshaw, said he remained active. “Every day he moved.

He didn’t stay stagnant and was always in good spirits. He was very content. Honestly, he was the most genuine soul,” she said.

In a statement to The Free Press, St. Joseph’s said it was deeply saddened by Beardshaw’s death. “Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. He was a beloved member of our Veterans Care Program and will be missed by staff and residents alike.

St. Joseph’s is honoured to have the privilege of caring and providing a home for our veterans who have sacrificed so much,” the statement said. Alan Beardshaw, 79, Beardshaw’s nephew, said he’ll always remember the good times with his uncle – trips to Pinery Beach in the summer and fishing off the dock. “Uncle George was like a father because I lost my father, and he lost his brother when I was 12 years old.

He kind of raised us and tried to teach us right from wrong,” he said. “He never had an angry or bitter bone in his body. He was always so upbeat.”

Their last visit was emotional, Alan said. “I held his hand, and he said, ‘I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m ready to go.’ It was a good visit.

Emotional, but a good visit,” he said.