William Frederick Beckett
January 22, 1942 - August 3, 2026
Funeral Details: A Celebration of his Life will be held on a later date.
It is with a sad and heavy heart, but wonderful memories, that we say goodbye to William Frederick Beckett, who passed away on August 3, 2026 in his 85th year.
Loving husband and best friend of Nancy (Blay) for 61 years. Proud and loving father to Connie Foli (Nick), and Kevin Beckett (Chris), proud grandfather of his treasured granddaughter, Rachael Beckett.
Cherished brother of Nancy Anne Beckett and brother-in-law to Ron Blay (Marion) and Michael Blay.
Bill is predeceased by his parents Gordon and Isabel Beckett, and his sisters Doris Maxwell (Fred), and Pat Adams (Ken).
Lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and close friends.
Bill was the founding Secretary Manager of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority and retired after 31 years of dedicated leadership. The staff at the Authority held a special place in his heart and were like his second family.
He played an integral leadership role in the development of the North Bay waterfront and served as Secretary Treasurer of the Trans Canada Trail.
Bill was a strong community volunteer and member of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce and the Nipissing and North Bay Rotary Clubs. He was presented with Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Governor General of Canada.
He was a founding member of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame; Past president of the North Bay Minor Hockey Association; and manager of Brown’s Supply Fastball Team.
A Celebration of his Life will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to a worthy charity or non-profit organization would be appreciated by the family.
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Susan Christian
Posted on: Wednesday, August 5, 2026Dear Nancy, Connie, Kevin and families: It is with shock and deep sorrow that I have come to hear of Bill’s passing. Since I was 24 and came to work for Bill at the NBMCA he became an integral part of my life. It became my first and only full-time job. I was young and had much to learn, and Bill was the perfect mentor, providing me with guidance and the opportunity to focus on environmental issues and awareness and grow with my job. I will forever be in his debt for offering the best workplace experience and memories. Indeed throughout the 1980s and 1990’s the NBMCA and staff under the helm of Bill was my 2nd family.
Knowing Bill has enriched both my and Karl’s life and we will miss him dearly but remember him forever.
Karl and I send our deepest condolences.
Paula Scott
Posted on: Wednesday, August 5, 2026So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill was so much more than my former boss—he was an exceptional mentor and someone who had a profound influence on my career. I will always be grateful for his guidance, his wisdom, and the confidence he instilled in me. Most of all I am grateful for his friendship which continued even after his retirement.
Bill’s leadership and kindness touched so many lives, and his legacy will live on through the people he mentored and inspired. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him and to have learned from him.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Nancy, Connie, Kevin and family.
Thank you, Bill, for everything. You will be remembered with gratitude and respect.
Love Paula
Barbara Saunders
Posted on: Thursday, August 6, 2026My thoughts are with you Nancy, Connie, Kevin and families.
Susan and Paula said it so well, Bill was an exceptional role model and boss during my employment at the NBMCA. I was fortunate to have his guidance and support and I started my career.
May you rest in peace Bill! Sincere condolences, Barb
Brad & Leslie Price
Posted on: Friday, August 7, 2026Our thoughts are with the Beckett family during this difficult time.
There are so many wonderful memories of Bill. Not only was he a proud husband, father and grandfather; a great mentor to those who worked with him; he was also friendly, kind, and a real gentleman.
We always felt so welcomed into his home and we got a real kick out of his great sense of humour!
He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Brad Openshaw
Posted on: Saturday, August 8, 2026Our deepest sympathies to Nancy, Connie, Kevin and family.
I was so very fortunate to work with Bill at the NBMCA for sixteen wonderful years. Bill greatly influenced my life by being that perfect gentleman. Through his leadership, guidance and calming demeanour Bill made all of us so much better. I was honoured and proud to call him my friend.
So many good times over the years from the annual Canoe Race, fish stocking Wasi Lake to those staff Christmas parties.
So many other great memories on a personal level from bringing in the Chisholm hay to ice fishing on Lake Nipissing, Wasi Lake and all those summer Quebec fishing trips with the KPMG boys and Jim. And to share his birthday with Geri’s birth date by ice fishing on January 22.
With Bill it was always about family and friends.
A life well lived.
Thanks for ALL the memories Bill.
Our deepest condolences
Brad & Geri
Rebecca Morrow
Posted on: Sunday, August 9, 2026I was saddened to hear the sad news of Bills passing. My sincere condolences to you, Nancy, Connie, Kevin and family.
I have such fond memories of Bill. He was an exceptional boss and I am thankful for my time with him at the NBMCA.
Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rest in peace Bill, you will always hold a special place in my heart.