Tony Charles Beyak

In loving memory of our dear husband and father who passed away suddenly, but peacefully in Paradise Island, Bahamas with his beloved wife Lynn at his side. Their deep and abiding love was evident to all who knew them.
Tony was born in Rainy River and his childhood friends and memories influenced him for the rest of his life. The Beyak’s owned the Rainy River Hotel and he grew up in the large circle of a caring family who loved to spoil him.
In 1964, at age 16, Tony travelled east to his mother's relatives where he met his future bride, 15 year old Lynn Smith. They were married on November 28, 1970 and have two sons Jason Anthony born January 25, 1975 and Nicholas Alexander born June 17, 1977.
The family moved back to Rainy River in 1978 after purchasing Windy Bay Lodge on Lake of the Woods and they operated it with their sons until 1990. Through the years they had the opportunity to form lasting friendships with people from all over the world.
Tony started work in the auto industry on October 18, 1966 and continued to do so, in the winter season, when the tourist business closed. In 1990 he sold the camp and moved full time into the car business, buying Causeway Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd. in Fort Frances. In 2000 the family was off to Dryden, proud new owners of Dryden GM, Pontiac, Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, GMC. The business was bigger and Nick stepped in to work with his Dad.
No matter what community Tony lived in he put his whole heart into helping make it a better place to live, work and raise a family. While in Fort Frances he served two terms as President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1994-1995 and 1999-2000. He was one of only two recipients, in the Chamber’s history, of the James Paul Award for dedication and commitment. In 2001 he received a Volunteer Award for ten years of community service, and he wore it proudly. He was a strong advocate for Northwestern Ontario, and promoted the beauty and benefits of the area to everyone he met.
Those of us who knew Tony will never forget his strength of character, his kindness and generosity, and his wisdom. He lived his life according to Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord require of thee O mortal, but to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God”. He encouraged us to follow our dreams and was always there to offer a kind word or a hand up.
Tony loved fishing, hunting, politics, travelling, and the great outdoors. Especially enjoying the loons, birds and ducks in their natural habitat and the beautiful lightening storms and sunsets over Windy Point and Lake Wabigoon.
His support for 4H, local charities, and the kids sports teams and church groups was something he never talked about, but everyone knew. Tony took a special delight in children and they adored him.
Tony had two specific goals in life. One was to be the best husband and father that he could be and the other was to own a small used car lot. He accomplished both, magnificently. He loved his God, his family and his work and he more than fulfilled every dream he ever dreamed.
Tony is lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Lynn, his sons Jason and Nick, the special women in their lives, Wendy Bennett and Claire Slevin, his brothers John (Sandra) of Burlington, ON, Dean (Judie) of Bancroft, ON. Joe Jr., Rainy River, ON, his sister Valli Barker (Bill) of Winnipeg, MB and his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers-in-law and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother Helen in 1963, and his father Joe in 1983.
Visitation took place in Dryden on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 from 2 -8:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church and Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Bruce Miles officiating.
Pallbearers were Christopher Rhodes, Paul Barker, Michael Beyak, Andrew Beyak, Tim Beyak, and Mitchell Beyak.
A Memorial and Interment Service will be held north of Rainy River at McInnes Creek Chapel Cemetery on Saturday, June 15, 2002 at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome and a fellowship lunch will be served afterwards.
Pallbearers are Jason Beyak, Nick Beyak, Don Beyak, Chipper Bourre, Doug Hodge, and Doug Kreger.
Honourary Pallbearers are all of Tony’s family and friends who loved him and whom he loved in return. You all know who you are.
In memoriam flowers, donations to the Tony Beyak Memorial Fund, or donations to the charity of your choice can be made in care of the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave., Dryden, ON P8N 2X3. Cards and expressions of sympathy can be directed to the family in care of Dryden GM, 489 Government Street, Dryden, ON P8N 2P6.
How do we capture Tony’s laughing, dancing brown eyes and his beautiful, teasing smile in a few words on a page? We cannot, but we thank God for our memories, so our loved one can live on forever in our hearts and our minds.
Life is not measured by the years that you live, but the love that you’ve shown and the things that you did. Thanks for the wonderful memories “my love”.
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