Wilf Bean, Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia,  passed away peacefully on June 15th 2022 at age 76. He was a beloved life-partner, brother, uncle and great-uncle, friend of many across Canada and around the world, adult educator, justice-seeker, music-maker and community-builder. He thought of his life as a story with five chapters, with the call to build community as a constant. The first chapter was growing up on a farm near New Hamburg, Ontario. He often reflected on the privilege of growing up on the land and the emotional impact of the sudden death of his younger brother when Wilf was 12. Next was a decade working with communities in the Canadian North, a life-transforming experience, especially through working with the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories during  the Berger Commission. The third chapter included a return to Southern Canada, doctoral studies and contract work in the North with the "Indigenous Languages Commission." The fourth stage was working with the Coady International Institute where he deeply valued learning from and sharing with community development workers around the globe. At that time he married Kathryn Anderson, his soul-mate and loving companion for the past 30 years. The fifth chapter was program work with Tatamagouche Centre, retirement, and learning through the  cancer journey.

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Wilf was predeceased by parents, Ellworth Bean and Annie (Bond) Bean, and brother, John. He is survived by  his kindred spirit, Kathryn, sister, Marilyn Sararus (Lynn), niece, JaneAnne, and nephew, David (Juanita Laverty), and their children, Drew, Claire, Owen and Myrna. We are moved by the support offered by so many in Tatamagouche and beyond during Wilf's journey with cancer. We are thankful for the wonderful care Wilf received from Dr. Rob Bush, Dr. Don Rowe, Martha Ferguson and the Lillian Fraser Hospital and Truro Hospital chemo unit staff, as well as the wisdom of Dr. Rob Rutledge and Rev. David Maginley through the Healing and Cancer Foundation.

Donations may be made in Wilf's memory through Canada Helps online – use the search bar and type Tatamagouche Centre.  Choose option 1 – Tatamagouche Center Donations or option 4 – Breaking the Silence – Maritimes – Guatemala Solidarity Network, or a charity of  your choice.

All are most welcome to a Celebration of Wilf's life on Sunday, August 14th, 2022 at 2pm at Tatamagouche Centre. Arrangements are under the direction of Coulter's Funeral Home, Tatamagouche. Online Condolences are available by visiting: www.mmcfunerals.com