Paul Beckow 1944-2022

Paul Arthur Beckow was born on December 27th 1944, in Vancouver - son to Jack and Prue Beckow and brother to Steve, David and Suki.

Educated at David Lloyd George Elementary, Churchill High School, University of BC and University of Oregon, Paul was popular, active, and loved sports. He excelled on school teams in basketball, football, and soccer - including the UBC Thunderbirds soccer team.

At UBC, he fell in love with Frances Woolsey and created a romance to last a lifetime. They married in 1969, and soon they were a family of four with son, Simon, and daughter, Natasha. Three cherished grandchildren followed: Emma, Ava, and Remy. Paul and Frani's relationship was a model for others and supported his effectiveness in marriage counselling.

His work at Deka Lake Camp led him to work in a Browndale therapeutic group home, inspired by John Brown's ground-breaking "Normalization Therapy". Though still in his twenties, he soon rose to head an organization of over 60 staff and 18 therapeutic homes. The close-knit staff, brought together by Paul's leadership, have stayed in touch over the years and many are still numbered among his closest friends.

With his master's degree, he began work with the Kamloops School District in 1976. Ten years later, he established himself in private practice as the Victoria Family Institute and was also the Director of the Counsellor's Training Institute. He created programs including the "Opportunities Evening", which led to many relationships even some marriages. Thousands of people have been touched by his counselling and remember Paul as a special contribution to their lives.

While still in Kamloops, Paul participated in the est training, which started him on an exploration of Transformational and Mindful work. This included apprenticing in Contextual Therapy with Bob Shaw, trips to the Krishnamurti Centre, studying with Byron Katie, and always keeping an open mind. During these journeys, Paul opened the door for hundreds of people to learn who they really are.

Paul did what he loved all his life and had a way of being that made whoever he was with feel important in his life. Wherever he went and whatever he did, he touched people with his warmth, sincerity, and humour. Paul will always live on in the memories of the people he touched.

Paul died on March 18th in Victoria at the age of 77, after an extended illness. He was surrounded by his family and close friends in the last days of his life.

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