John will be sadly missed by his family and friends in the UK and in Canada where he had lived since 1959.

We are conscious that some people from his time at the School may not be in contact with us and we would ask if you could pass on this information to those that you know.

As is the usual practice, we would like to place an obituary for John in the 2022-2023 OI Journal and would be very grateful for any stories or memories you may wish to share which we could put together for the publication. Please address any contributions to me through oldipswichians@ipswich.school.

Nicholas Allen

OI Chairman

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John was born in Malmo, Sweden on July 5th 1937 to Danish parents and passed away on March 10th 2023 in Whitby,Ontario at the age of 85. His final resting place is at St. John’s Anglican Church in Whitby Ontario, as per his final wishes.

He was a beloved father to his five children John (Dawn), Ginette, Craig (Susan), David, Kellan (Ian).Loving Granddad to Kane (Brenda), Toni (Emir), Amber (Cameron), Cameron (Emily), Kayla, and Great Granddad to Ella, Felix, Azra, Nova, and Eli. He was predeceased by his sister Mimmi (Henning) of Denmark and survived by his younger brother Christian Beck (OI 1950-55), (Suzi) of Vancouver, B.C., his nieces Lillian, Annette and Maj Britt of Denmark/Holland, Melissa and Amanda of the U.S., and Alexandria of the U.K.

John spent his years as a child in Denmark and Sweden. This is where his love of music began, he sang as a choir boy and sang opera on the Danish radio. It was classical music that soothed him throughout his life through celebrations and challenging times.

The family then moved to England where he attended Ipswich School. John was involved in rugby, soccer, boxing and tennis, the latter of which he played extensively as an adult. While attending Ipswich School, summers were spent at the family farm - Beckdale Farm in Suffolk.  Learning to drive, spending time with their horses, and sharing a box of sweets while laughing and chatting with his brother and sister were some of his favourite childhood memories.

John's daughter Ginette said her Dad loved his time at Ipswich school, and spoke of it often, particularly in his last days. He wanted to visit again in 2022, unfortunately his health would not allow it.

Studying metallurgical engineering at Sheffield University took him to a manufacturing plant to practice his skills in Australia. While in Australia, he decided to make a change, and he signed up for the Australian Navy. This commitment allowed him to explore exotic lands while serving.

John then met and married Pauline Sally Beck (Bramble) who was from Ipswich, they moved to Toronto Canada and raised five children together. Though they parted ways after 27 years, he spoke fondly of her until his dying day.

He had a successful career in corporate management for 30 years at General Motors of Canada before semi-retiring from GM in his 50s to exercise his entrepreneurial spirit investing in real estate, and in opening and running a pub for 10 years.

Loving, loyal, with a funny quip at the ready, a huge smile, and twinkly blue eyes he loved nothing more than spending time with family, laughing, and telling stories. John shared many family celebrations in Canada, the British Isles, and Europe.

He is greatly missed by all, a loving father and grandfather, “His true wealth, was in his generous heart.” Forever in our hearts.

Ginette Beck

Daughter