Obituaries

Victor Jean Baptiste Beland

April 19, 1930 - January 12, 2023

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Obituary For Victor Jean Baptiste Beland

Longtime community member Victor Jean Baptiste Beland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 12, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer, at the age of 92 years.

Vic was born on April 19, 1930, to JB and Blanche Beland in Donnelly, AB. He grew up in a close-knit French-Canadian family and community.

He married Joan Kelly of McLennan, AB on August 24, 1955. Upon the death of his father that same year, he took over the family general store supporting his mother and his siblings. He continued in the grocery business throughout his life. He purchased a general store in McLennan in the late 1950’s, and it was during this time he was a founding member of the Super A Foods chain of independent grocers. The McLennan store burned to the ground in 1966. After trying other ventures and much soul searching, the decision was made to move his family of 3 boys: Marc, Michel, and Paul and daughter Nicole to the new town of Grande Cache, AB in 1971. Within a year of moving to Grande Cache, the fourth son, Stephen, was born. Vic always maintained that this happened due to the effects of the mountain air of Grande Cache!

After living in the very close knit and familiar communities of Donnelly and McLennan, Vic was very worried that he might not fit-in, in Grande Cache. This was definitely not to be the case as he and Joan quickly formed many lifelong friendships and he became active in many aspects of community life. Over the years Vic was an active member in many of Grande Cache’s organizations and clubs including the Chamber of Commerce, The Knights of Columbus, the Lions, the Elks, and his beloved Muttoneers, to name a few. He also served numerous terms as a Town Councillor.

Throughout his working life he took great pride in growing his grocery business and in providing the best possible service to the community. He hated having “holes” on his shelves, and on more than one occasion sent his sons on an emergency run to the warehouse in Edmonton, AB, to bring back product needed to fill those “holes” before opening the next morning. After a memorable retirement banquet held in the local Golf Club House, his son Michel took over the store. Vic did his best not to interfere with the daily operations of the store by continuing with his volunteering efforts in the community and with mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and golfing. He greatly cherished the many golf trips that he was included in by friends, even as he grew older and was not as agile on the links. In the autumn season he would head up to the McLennan area to shoot some geese and to visit the farms that he rented out over the years. He loved these farms and the people who worked them, and one of the last things we were able to do as a family was to join him on what was to be his last his “farm tour” this fall.

While working very hard in his business he was always dedicated to his family of four sons: Marc (Wanda), Michel (Jillian), Paul (Loraine), and Stephen (Erin), and his daughter Nicole (Lorne Ternes). He showed boundless patience and compassion as he and Joan cared for son Paul in his long difficult ordeal living with ALS. He was always deeply touched by the great generosity that the community of Grande Cache showed towards his family during Paul’s last years.

Both Vic and Joan have always expressed, and especially in these past few years, how truly blessed they have been to be part of this unique and beautiful community of Grande Cache. And how happy they were that they made that decision all those years ago to move to Grande Cache. They describe it as a community made up of generous, caring people who have always been ready and willing to work hard to make their town a better place to live in. They loved and thrived in this spirit and made many lifelong friends over the years. Our family would like to thank the community of Grande Cache for the great generosity you have shown to our parents during these difficult couple months. You have made them feel truly loved. A special thanks to the members of the Holy Cross parish including its very kind members from Susa Creek who were so supportive in their prayers and love to our parents and all our family. We can never thank you all enough! We only hope that in our lives we can carry forward the example of loving kindness that our parents and this community have given us all our lives. Thank you, Grande Cache.

Vic was predeceased by his parents Jean Baptiste and Blanche Beland; sister Yvette Beland; brothers and their spouses; Marcel and Mary Beland, Gerard and Lilian Beland, and Roger and Jeanette Beland; as well as his son Paul Beland.

A Viewing will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 7:30pm, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Grande Cache (10734 Shand Ave W).

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 2:00pm, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Grande Cache. Luncheon to follow at the Legion (2400 Pne Plz Rd.).

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Condolences

  • February 03, 2023

    I knew Vic in the late 1970's in Grande Cache and he was always a class act and a fine person. My condolences to the family on the loss of a fine man.

  • January 30, 2023

    Condolences to the Beland family. I always smile and think of Vic when I hear someone say "lucky basturd". Bruce Harris

  • January 23, 2023

    My condolences to Joan and the family. Many good memories of Vic. He also played an important role as a sponsor in town for many events and the local hockey teams. God bless Vic Beland.

  • January 23, 2023

    My deepest sympathies to Joan, Marc, Michel, Nicole, Stephen and all the family. Vic was an amazing man who cared about his family and his community. He was fair, honest and hardworking. It was a pleasure working for him and I always admired the fact that he was able to keep his finger on the pulse of his community and his business and still keep up with his golf game.

  • January 23, 2023

    My condolences to Joan, Marc, Michel, Nicole and Stephen. Vic was a memorable man and his legacy will remain for many years though his family and many friends. Wayne Wall

  • January 22, 2023

    Sorry to hear of Vic's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tim and Pauline Pattinson

  • January 22, 2023

    Our condolences to Joan and the whole Beland family. It has been a privilege to have had his friendship since we moved to Grande Cache in 1976. So many great memories....Such a wonderful man, friend and mentor. George, Jean & the whole Endall family

  • January 21, 2023

    My sinceres condolences and my prayers to Joan and family. Noella Bouchard.

  • January 21, 2023

    Joan & Family. Although the years have slipped by the fond, gentle and happy memories are near and dear. My prayers are with all of you. Shawn

  • January 21, 2023

    Vic was the first person I met in Grande Cache. I had arrived the night before with 2 kids under 2 and I had ran out of diapers. First thing in the morning I go to Super A find what I was looking for and head to the till. Here was Vic standing there saying good morning to me. I go to pay for the diapers and he says well the store wasn't actually open yet, but he figured I needed them badly, so he took a twenty ( less than the cost) and told me to go enjoy my day. He always had smile for me and will be missed. Our Condolences to all his family. Jane and Don Dyer

  • January 21, 2023

    Our condolences to Joan and family. During our time in Grande Cache we, Travis, I and the kids, had many visits with Vic at the store or about town. He was a generous, fun, loving man in my experiences. He will certainly be missed by his family and community. RIP sir.

  • January 21, 2023

    My deepest sympathies to you Joan, Micheal and families . Vic was such a wonderful man and had such a giving heart! His warm and kind spirit spoke volumes to me, as he was always willing to give a helping hand to everyone and anyone in need! I loved that about Vic and I too, will dearly miss him! May God bless each of you with much comfort through this difficult time of mourning. AnneMarie Smits

  • January 21, 2023

    My deepest condolences to the family. I worked at Super A for many years and always felt like I was with extended family while being there. Vic will certainly be missed.

  • January 21, 2023

    Terry and Cobie Coray would like to send our deepest sympathies in the loss of Victor Beland. We lived across from them for many years and they were the best neighbors. Terry served in Council with Vic for 2 terms and the two of them collaborated on lots of projects and some shenanigans as well! He was always smiling and always stopped for a chat. I was very close to their son Paul and admired him for all the help he gave to him. I do believe Paul lived longer due to the love he was shown by his family. My fondest memory of him was the time he took a photo of our front yard at Christmas time, had it made in to a postcard and then mailed it to me. It was such a sweet gesture. Our memories are countless and whenever we think of Vic we will be smiling. Rest in peace Vic.

  • January 21, 2023

    Joan, please accept my deepest sympathies over the loss of your husband. Vic was one of the kindest and most generous people I've met. He had such a positive impact on so many others. My most heartfelt condolences. You and your family will be in my prayers.

  • January 20, 2023

    My deepest condolences. Such and wonderful man always had a smile and hello when I visited home. Rip 🥰 hugs to you all.

  • January 20, 2023

    I remember the camping trips to Pierre grey lakes. Setting up our little 23 foot trailer . Getting the firewood gathered for the campfire. Parked next to Vic's trailer or fifth wheel. Which was huge. He and Joan had everything in this mobile. As we sat around the campfire, he came out and sat with us. His built in microwave along wit his air conditioning unit , had blown his breaker. He cooked a wiener on our fire, and joked with us. He was a riot, and good company. Joan stayed in the mobile. Never a dull moment. We move to grande cache in 1980 straight from Wales. Never had groceries in brown bags before. The Beland family have contributed to this great community spirit .Vic will be remembered with love ❤️ our condolences to the family .. Lynne Jones and family

  • January 20, 2023

    He was a wonderful, kind, generous man who had a smile for so many. Our thoughts and prAyers are with the family at this difficult time.

  • January 20, 2023

    My family would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Beland family. Vic was a staple at the golf course and he would often stop to let us know what was going right or what was needing improvement. The many conversations over the years in the aisles of the store or at the course or whenever we ran into one another are cherished memories. Move forward with the comfort of your memories and of his love. Pam & Shawn Brown

  • January 20, 2023

    Our condolences to Vic's family. I have known Vic my entire life and remember his coming to the farm every year to visit, ride on the combine and tell stories. My nephew and sister in law continue to farm some land that has been rented from the Beland family for at least 60 years. He will be missed.

  • January 20, 2023

    A great life lived and a loss that many will feel. Condolences to the Beland family.

  • January 20, 2023

    Condolences to Joan and family. I was very blessed to call Vic my French friend. Every time I saw him he made me smile. He was such a kind soul. He will be missed tremendously by so many who knew him. You are all in my prayers at this time. Love Francine and Danny DesRoches and family.

  • January 20, 2023

    My sincere condolences to the Beland family; Vic was a special, special man. RIP Vic.

  • January 20, 2023

    Hugs to Joan and family..we always enjoyed our visits with Vic. Had a great visit with him last time we were in Grande Cache for the town reunion. He always had a big smile when he met you.. may he Rest in Peace.

  • January 20, 2023

    Condolences and prayers to Joan, and family. I known Vic since I was just 5 years old. Him and my brothers were buddies. I would meet him later on when he came for his annual goose hunts. He had a nickname for me and many others. May he be granted eternal rest. Dn. Reg. Bouchard

  • January 20, 2023

    My love, prayers and condolences to the Vic Beland family. I was one of the lucky people who got to know Vic and his family since I was a little boy. Vic was such a wonderful person who always had a grin on his face. I know I still owe him for a broken window on his house. I'm sure Vic was called up because God needed a practical joker to keep everyone on their toes. I'm so glad the knack Vic had for laughing and enjoying life was inherited by his children. Have fun up there Vic. Francis Lessard

  • January 19, 2023

    You are in my thoughts and prayers I too was born in Donnelly in1930 we started school together. Went to St John College even though I live in,Surrey b.c. we met in McLennan when I visited there I came through grand cache in 2019 we met for an hour great memories May GOD help you in these difficult times and have mercy on his soul in my prayers Patrick (Fudge ) lamoureux

  • January 19, 2023

    Please accept our deepest sympathies on the lost of Mr. Beland. He was such a great person. Very friendly and always enjoyed chatting with him when he came to McLennan.

  • January 19, 2023

    Many fond memories of our family driving from McLennan to Grand Cache via the old Forestry Trunk road to spend time with the Beland family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take comfort in the memories of his life well lived. Richard Lamoureux

  • January 19, 2023

    Our sympathies to all the family, Maurice and Fern Giroux

  • January 19, 2023

    Our sincere condolences to your family on this tremendous loss. We have many fond memories of Mr Beland and the treasures in "Vic's Store" in McLennan. Kindest regard's. Harvey & Carrie (Whelen) Howe.

  • January 19, 2023

    Our deepest sympathy on Vic's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these very difficult times. Morley and Colette Sych

  • January 19, 2023

    Our deepest sympathy to the Beland family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Pauline and Randy Jones

  • January 19, 2023

    Our deepest condolences to the family I still remember the days of rock picking back in the day Greg & Joan Clemens

  • January 19, 2023

    prayers are with the family... i got to meet him through Marc who is a great friend of mine...He was very good to talk to was always took the time to talk...RIP

  • January 19, 2023

    Sending sincerest condolences on your loss, I have many fond memories of your Dad when I was growing up in McLennan. Let a lifetime of wonderful memories comfort you over the coming years.

  • January 19, 2023

    Our condolences to Joan and family. I had the opportunity to be on regional committees when Vic was a Grande Cache town councilor. He was an excellent representative of his community but also supported regional initiatives. He was wonderful to work with at all times. Rest in peace Vic. Ross and Gail Risvold

  • January 19, 2023

    My sincerest condolences to you Joan, Marc, Michel, Stephen, Nicole and all your families. Vic was one of the kindest and nicest man I have ever met and truly made a positive impact on my life. He was such a great boss and I truly enjoyed working for him with Lise Daley in the store office. Best job ever and always so welcoming when I stopped in to see them when I made it back to Grande Cache. So many memories and such a great guy and family. RIP my friend

  • January 19, 2023

    My condolences to the Beland family on the passing of Vic. My family knew him in McLennan, and I remember his smile and our conversations for he was always up for one. I kept up the acquaintance periodically when passing through Grande Cache. I would see him at the store where I usually bought my lunch. It was always an interesting visit. Pat Wearmouth

  • January 19, 2023

    My deepest sympathies to to all family members. I remember my brother John and I used to watch the TV through the store window. Therefore, Mr. Beland convinced our parents to buy our first TV. Also, I was very sad to watch the store burn down. May Mr. Beland Rest In Peace. 🙏🤗❤️

  • January 18, 2023

    Joan, Marc, Michel, Nicole, Stephen and family. Our families have been friends for many years, both of us arriving in GC in 1971. While we didn't visit back and forth, there has always been a connection and closeness. I always thought the world of Vic and even though I was many years his junior, he always treated me with respect and greeted me with that million dollar smile of his. Going to miss this man. Unfortunately I am unable to be there Saturday for his funeral. Please know that our prayers have been, are, and will continue to be with all of you and of course for the repose of the soul of your wonderful husband and father. God bless. Love and prayers, Phil and Marie Schmidt

  • January 18, 2023

    My condolences to you Joan, Marc, Michel, Nicole and Stephen. Praying the Lords peace for you all during this sad time. Karen Bolton Lutton

  • January 18, 2023

    Our prayers and condolences, Joan and family, during this time of grieving for Vic. May your loving memories and God's gracious peace comfort you.

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