January 7, 2021
1943-2021 ~ Carol (Kelly) Beacon of Braeburn Lake, Yukon passed peacefully the morning of January 7th 2021 at the Whitehorse General Hospital after a long battle with cancer, which she fought with a resolute spirit, enduring multiple treatments and surgeries for over 20 years.
Kelly was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, the younger of two children, to loving parents Ruby and Anton Jacowishen (deceased). Kelly grew up on her family's prairie farm and worked in the general store that the family also operated for many years. It was from this solid upbringing that she developed a strong work ethic and an impressive will to experience what life had to offer.
As a young woman Kelly studied in Lethbridge earning her credentials as a medical technologist. It was in 1965, while Kelly worked in the hospital in Fort Churchill, Manitoba, that she met her lifelong partner James (Jim) Beacon who was stationed there with the Royal Canadian Navy.
Following their marriage in December 1966, the couple found themselves posted to Moncton, New Brunswick prior to making another long trek, this time westward, to Richmond, British Columbia. During her time on the West Coast Kelly worked as a medical laboratory supervisor throughout the Lower Mainland of B.C.
Following a brief vacation to Whitehorse in 1970, Kelly and Jim found themselves lured back North just a year later, with this trip proving a more permanent rooting for the young couple. Kelly worked in the laboratory at the Whitehorse General Hospital in her early Yukon years and was soon blessed with the arrival of children Kim, and later A.J. in the early '70s.
After a brief, 3-year, venture to Creston, BC in the early '80s, Kelly and the family returned to their Whitehorse home, which saw Kelly transition her lab work to banking at the CIBC for several years. Like many, Kelly found her true vocational passion later in life, which revealed itself in the form of teaching.
After attaining her degree from the University of British Columbia Kelly spent more than a decade as an educator of young high school students in the Yukon communities of Carmacks and Faro. In 2007, Kelly reluctantly retired from her adored work teaching to spend more time on her hobbies, including time in her amazing garden and greenhouse, playing the piano, reading, fish camp, quilting, baking for friends and family, cross country skiing, kayaking, and her most favorite pastime, nurturing her grandchildren.
In retirement, winters often found Kelly 'snow-birding' with Jim throughout Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico playing golf, trying her odds at different Casino slot machines and Keno games, as well as making new friends at various RV parks while sightseeing along the way.
Kelly is mourned by her cherished and loving partner of 55 years Jim Beacon of Braeburn Lake, Yukon. She is survived and mourned by her daughter Kim (Jerry), son A.J. (children Ty and Dylan) all of Whitehorse, Yukon. Loving older sister Gloria Sauser (husband Doug) of Mexico, niece Deborah (Victoria), mourn Kelly's passing along with her extended family.
In keeping with Kelly's wishes, her cremated remains will find a peaceful resting place in the loving care of her family. Flowers are respectfully declined by the family. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Kelly are invited to consider charitable giving to the Yukon Cancer Care Fund.
Despite her long battle with cancer, Kelly had never a dull moment and her days were always used to the fullest. In this regard she was a triumphant survivor who never let anything diminish her will to live the best life that she could.
Kelly will be dearly missed, but never forgotten!