In Loving Memory of

Charles Hugh McGibbon Beck

of Edmonton
Oct 18, 1935 - May 14, 2016

Charles Beck was born in Santiago, Chile to Canadians Marian Elizabeth Beck and Carl McGibbon Beck. Charles and his younger brother Fred grew up in the area of Timmins, Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, spending summers at the family cottage in Cognashene, Georgian Bay. Later, Charles attended secondary school in the city of Toronto.

Charles earned degrees from the University of Toronto and from Pennsylvania State University. After post-doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania, he took a position at the University of Alberta as a member of the Faculty of Science in the Department of Psychology. In his research, he was a student of brain function and behavior. However, throughout his career, teaching and mentoring was Charles’ passion. After retirement, Charles returned to earlier interests in painting and photography, and became involved in volunteer work. Continuing his scholarly work, he co-authored a book with Louis Irwin on evolution, human behavior, and our ability to curb the appetites that threaten our contemporary world. A lover of the outdoors, Charles shared rich and happy times with friends and family in Alberta and at his cottage in Cognashene.

Charles lived fully to the end of his life and died with grace, with his wife, Kath, by his side.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Beck; his daughter, Christine Beck and son-in-law, Sean Stewart; his granddaughters, Caitlin Beck and Rowan Stewart; and his brother, Fred Beck and sister-in-law, Susan Woods. He is predeceased by his parents, Carl and Marian Beck.

The family would like to express their warm appreciation of the staff at the Norwood Palliative Unit in Edmonton, in whose compassionate and capable care Charles spent the last week of his life.

A Memorial Service for Charles Beck will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday May 21st at Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home, 10011-114 Street NW, Edmonton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Canadian Celiac Association, Edmonton Chapter ("CCA, Edmonton Chapter"), 220 Capilano Mall, 5615 101 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T6A 3Z7.