93-year-old, Joseph Beckman, pictured here at his road dedication ceremony, celebrating his years of service in the local community. (Submitted photo/Betty Johnson)

By Martin Martinson

Community Man

Local Reeve, Beckman receives road dedication for community service

Dec 11, 2019 | 3:08 PM

For those in the the Rural Municipality of Battle River #438, the name Joseph Beckman has become synonymous with the word community.

That is why earlier this month, the R.M. held a Road Dedication Ceremony to honour Beckman, for his dedication to the community over his time as reeve and council member.

Beckman was elected as reeve in 1965, spending 55 years as a member of council. Throughout his time as reeve, there was not another election for the position.

Over his more than five decades as a member of council, Beckman attended nearly 650 council meetings, never missing more than two over his tenure.

In addition to farming in the community throughout his life with his family, Beckman has also been involved in many boards and committees during his time in council.

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Among his contributions to the community, Beckman served as a member of the Table Mountain Regional Park Board from 1965 to 1993, the Battlefords Union Hospital Board from 1965-1994, and the Battleford Fire Protection Services Board from 1978 to the present day.

Additionally, Beckman was also actively involved on the Sask. Wheat Pool Board, where he served as committee chair for four years; and the United Grain Growers Board, as a member for about 10 years.

Beckman said he was grateful to receive the call when he was notified of the Road Dedication in his honour.

“It was a surprise to me, and it was above any expectations that I may have had,” he said. “It is quite an honour of course; you know it doesn’t happen very often.”

Beckman’s achievements include being awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan in March of 2014, and the Canada 150 Certificate of Achievement in recognition of Outstanding Contributions made in [one’s] Community in July 2017.

When asked whether there was a moment that stands out from his time serving within the R.M., Beckman said there is not just one, but simply too many to count.

“It has been exciting all the way through,” he said. “It has been interesting meeting and getting to know all these different people on council and throughout the municipality. I always enjoyed it.”

The road sign in honour of Beckman is located in the East of sections 29 and 32, Township 43, Range 17, West of the 3^rd Meridian.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1