Word has been received of the death October 10, 2005 at Ladysmith of well-known educator Tom Beames at age 85.
He had lived in the Vancouver Island community for 43 years
Many local residents will remember Mr. Beames who took over as principal of the Williams Lake Junior-Senior High School (now known as the Marie Sharpe Elementary) in 1954 and stayed until 1960.
During that time the first big junior-secondary high school was built on Carson Drive
Prior to moving to Williams Lake, Tom had been boys' counsellor at the Quesnel High School for three years
Tom Beames was born March 1, 1920 in Vancouver, but grew up in the Interior, spending his early years in the Peace River, Revelstoke and Penticton
A man of letters with degrees from the University of B.C., the Oregon State University, and the Adlerian School of Professional Psychology, Tom was highly respected for his dedication to helping people and had an excellent rapport with clients.
He was described as a "wonderful caring man" in the Ladysmith Chronicle.
He is survived by his wife Mary, two sons and a daughter.