Beverley (Stimpson) Larkin

If Bev could have frozen time and stayed in her home with her boys forever, she would have. Sadly, we all know things don’t work that way. At some point, we all move on and say good-bye.

Bev cherished the things around her. Change was not easy for her to embrace. She was happier accepting people and situations just as they were. Bev treasured the good times and stood strong through the bad. Bev loved fiercely. She was always very generous and thoughtful to those around her. She enjoyed giving presents to humans and treats to her four-legged friends. She was always up for a chat and loved to share memories with anyone that would take the time to listen. In recent years, her mobility (and the pandemic) limited her work and social life. Instead, she spent hours on the phone with her dear friends and from time to time, she would check in on her grandchildren to get updates on their busy lives. She spent hours listening to talk radio or watching Anderson Cooper’s CNN with her youngest son, Timothy, and was unwavering with her regular traffic and weather reports to her firstborn son, Paddy.

Bev grew up in a happy home with her loving parents, the late Earl Stimpson and the late Cecile Stimpson (nee O’Hara) and shared many fond childhood memories with her surviving sister, Colleen.

As a young woman, she worked at Burkholder Furs and then at her father’s driving range, The 19th Tee in the West-end of Ottawa. Following her father’s lead, Bev was a repeat Ladies Club Golf Champion at the Manderley Club in the 1960s. She was a very accomplished golfer and was once sought-after to pursue a career in golf. Bev also did some modelling work for the late Canadian photographer, the legendary Yousuf Karsh. Karsh photographed Bev planting tulips at the Ottawa Tulip Festival. It has since become her family's favourite portrait of her.

Along with years as an accomplished hairstylist to those resting in funeral homes across the city, she also worked at CJSB radio station where she met her unforgettable friend, Helen. Throughout those busy years, Bev also devoted her time to organizations within the community. As a mother to two young boys, she still found the energy to be a founding member of the Block Parent Program in her corner of Ottawa. She became the Chair of the Block Parents organization in the early 1980s. Bev’s advocacy for the need of a Block Parent program, as well as her philanthropy and contributions to the community prompted her to be nominated as Ottawa’s Citizen of the Year (circa 1983). She always had an enthusiastically decorated and welcoming home to all. Her shining accomplishment was collaborating on the development of “The Halloween Extravaganza” held for many years at the Landsowne Coliseum.

In later years, Bev was a member of the Board of Directors at Westboro Kiwanis. She was seen volunteering every year at the Ottawa Exhibition and other local fairs in the “Bacon on the Bun” booth - even though she didn't like pork.  She was also part of the Knights of Columbus Ladies’ Auxiliary.

Bev will be lovingly remembered as a dedicated and dutiful mother by her sons, Patrick (Tania Tack) and Timothy. Her grandchildren Zach, Stella, and Adam will always miss her. Bev’s many nieces and nephews will also be able to reminisce about many treasured memories.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 24th at 3:00 p.m. at Hope Cemetery’s Chapel, 4660 Bank Street.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity you feel would honour Bev’s memory.

Thank you to all health care providers, friends, extended family, and colleagues who have supported Bev and her family.