Brian Gilbert Blackbeard

It is with sadness that the family of Brian Gilbert Blackbeard, 73 years, of Humboldt, announce his passing on Friday, August 13, 2021.  Brian was born on August 2, 1948 to Gilbert and Dorothy (nee Jessup) Blackbeard at Lestock.  He grew up on an acreage between Lestock and Cupar and attended school in Cupar.  During his school years, he helped local farmers in the area.  Following his education, he moved to Regina to work, for a short time, and also volunteered with St. John’s Ambulance.  Brian married Myrna Eckel on February 20, 1971.   He began a career in retail, managing Robinson Stores in various communities throughout Saskatchewan. When they moved to Biggar, he worked again as a volunteer ambulance driver with St. John’s Ambulance.  With Robinson’s being bought out by another company, he worked at various other jobs including a hardware store, the Regional Park and the Turbo Gas Station.  Taking a job with Style Rite, the family moved to Humboldt and in later years Brian worked with Big Sky, Humboldt Lumber Mart and Humboldt Home Hardware before retiring due to health issues.  In both Biggar and Humboldt, he was involved with the Gun clubs and participated in Shooting events.  Brian was a Ham radio operator – VE5ONB – was his call sign, which will be transferred to his grandson Blake soon.  He enjoyed woodworking, bird watching and wildlife in general.  He was an avid reader and loved his cats.  Two and a half years ago, Brian became a resident at St. Mary’s Villa where he could receive the ongoing care that he needed. In the Villa, Brian enjoyed tending to the raised gardens, outings, assisting other residents, when he was able, and fixing and painting garden gnomes, bird houses and decorations.  Brian will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 50 years, Myrna Blackbeard of Humboldt; their two sons and four grandchildren:  Geoff (Karrie) Blackbeard and children Blake and Logan of Marsden, and Chris Blackbeard (Jill Doepker) and children Milo and Harper of Humboldt; brothers-and-sisters-in-law:  Harvey (Isabel) Eckel of Quinton, Ken (Dianne) Eckel of Raymore, and Dennis (Louise) Eckel of Quinton; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Gilbert (1985) and Dorothy (April 27, 2009) Blackbeard; and his parents-in-law Joseph (Sept 14, 2002) and Veronica Eckel (Oct 1, 2013).  The Funeral Service for Brian was held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, officiated by The Rev. Matteo Carboni.  Memorial Donations in Brian’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Villa Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association.