Chemainus lost one of its most respected and beloved citizens this week.
Mike Beggs passed away on Tuesday, June 24.
A key member of the Chemainus Legion Branch 191 for many years, Beggs was known for his leadership abilities and tireless service to the community. A veteran of the Canadian military who served in Germany, he transferred his organizational skills and ability to lead others to civilian life.
As well as devoting many hours to the Legion, Beggs was a long-serving and passionate member of the Chemainus Rotary Club.
At this week’s Rotary meeting, Jennifer “Doc” Morrell, honoured the man who represented the best of what Rotary is all about.
“Our Rotary Club, our community and the world has lost a bright light. Tuesday, we lost Mike Beggs, a man, who in the eyes of anyone he crossed paths with, was an exemplary Canadian and Rotarian,” Morrell said.
“Mike was a man who would offer anyone a hand up and do it with a smile on his face. Even in the last year, with his health in decline, Mike always had a grin and a quick wit, even if his mouth couldn’t find the words as fast as his mind, and what we ended up getting was an “ah shit” followed by the laugh that always made you and him smile.”