BEELIEN, John Jacobus Beelien

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Jacobus Beelien at the age of 84.

John was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Jacobus and Johanna Beelien. Proud of his Dutch heritage and family history, he often shared stories of his early life, including his family’s marina, rabbit farm, soap factory, and their estate outside Amsterdam where tobacco was grown. In 1959, his immediate family immigrated to Canada, where John built a full and meaningful life.

John spent 33 years with the Toronto Star, where he began in the composing and photo layout departments and evolved with the industry into computer-based design, training, and systems planning roles. He retired in 1997.

A true hands-on individual, John had an exceptional ability to build, fix, and improve just about anything. His projects ranged from home renovations to designing and building a pickup camper from scratch. He also helped build a mahogany runabout with his father and brother and completed a full refurbishment of a 33-foot Chris Craft houseboat.

John and his beloved wife Marja-Leena shared a life built on partnership—they were rarely apart and enjoyed travelling extensively together. Their journeys took them across Canada and the United States, often by road in pop-up trailers and later motorhomes, as well as to the Caribbean, Morocco, and throughout Europe.

Known for his outgoing nature, John could strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved music and took great pleasure in entertaining family and friends by playing his keyboard.

John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Marja-Leena; his son Paul (Tammy); his brother Ronald Beelien; his grandson Ryan Beelien-Cass (Lori); his great-grandchildren Bella, Tony, Maizie, and Liv; as well as his nieces and nephews.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home – Wasaga Beach Chapel, 509 River road west, Wasaga Beach on Saturday May 2, 2026 from 11 am until 1 pm. Words of remembrance will be shared at 12 noon. Light refreshments will be served. The graveside entombment will follow at Wasaga Beach cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff and doctors of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and to Matthews House Hospice for their compassion, kindness, and care, which meant so much to us.

He will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, and ability to connect with anyone he met. His legacy lives on in the family he built and the life he shared with Marja by his side.