Obituary of Vincent Eldridge Beek

Vincent Eldridge Beek

January 1, 1930 - December 24, 2025

It is with heavy hearts our family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved father, Vincent Eldridge Beek, on December 24, 2025, at the Horizon Veterans Unit, Fredericton with family by his side. Born on January 1, 1930, in Storeytown, New Brunswick, he was the son of the late Minnie (Storey) Beek and the late Cornelius Beek.

Those left to mourn his loss are his children, Robert Beek (Frances) of Renous, Tony Beek (Vicki) of Storeytown, Ralph Beek (Roslyn) of Storeytown, Sylvina Mertens (Frank) of Storeytown, Geraldine O'Donnell (Cedric) of Storeytown, Rita Beek-Luce (Peter) of Doaktown; his daughter-in-law, Josephine Beek (late Ronnie) of Renous. He will be dearly missed by numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Vincent leaves this world to join his wife, Orella Louise (Thibodeau) Beek; his sons, Ronald Beek and Roger Beek of New Brunswick. Vincent was the last remaining member of his family. He was predeceased by sisters Pauline Storey, Bertha Holmes, Sylvia Woodcock, Verna Munn and his brothers Turney Beek, Cyril Beek, Donald Beek; his grandson, Michael Mertens of New Brunswick.

Vincent was a lifelong lover of the Miramichi River, where fly fishing was more than a pastime—it was a way of life.

As a respected licensed guide and later a proud member of the Atlantic Salmon Museum Hall of Fame, he carried a deep reverence for the water, the fish, and the traditions that surrounded them. That respect was passed down with care and patience to his children and grandchildren, along with countless hours on the riverbank and lessons that reached far beyond fishing.

An avid storyteller, he welcomed everyone with warmth and curiosity. There was always a chair, a laugh, and a story ready—each tale a thread that wove people together and made them feel at home.

To provide for his family, he travelled from coast to coast across Canada, taking on whatever work was needed. His life included service in the military, years in the lumber industry, and guiding on the rivers he loved so deeply. Through it all, his commitment to family never wavered.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and tradition—carried forward in shared stories, steady hands on a fly rod, and a lasting respect for the natural world. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

To honor Vincent’s memory a visitation will take place at Miramichi Valley Chapel, 7681 Route 8, New Brandon from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, December 29th, 2025. A Funeral Service will take place at 2p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Miramichi Valley Chapel, 7681 Route 8, New Brandon. As per Vincent wishes, cremation will take place following the service and a burial will take place in the spring at Clay Hill Anglican Cemetery.

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Diabetes Association, Royal Canadian Legion #23 or donor’s choice.

Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Horizon Veterans Unit. We will always be thankful for the kindness and compassionate everyone showed our father during his final years.

Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com