Obituary of Jack Franklin Bean

To view the livestream, please click here.

Passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at WRHN @ Midtown, Kitchener at the age of 98, following a brief illness. Son of the late Frank Bean (1970) and Fannie (Richter) Bean (1964). Predeceased by his wife Betty Bean (2019), with whom he shared 71 wonderful years of marriage, his brother Vernon (2012), and his sister Marilyn Papadopoulos (2021). Survived by his daughter Judith Bean and son Dr. Michael Bean.

Jack was born in Stratford and attended the Stratford Normal School, where he studied to become a teacher and met fellow student and future wife Betty, whom he married in 1948. Jack began his teaching career at the age of 18 in a one-room schoolhouse but was soon hired by the Waterloo School Board and served as principal in numerous schools including Elizabeth Ziegler, Harold Wagner, Lincoln Heights, J.F. Carmichael and Wilson Avenue. He also completed a Bachelor of Arts (University of Western Ontario) and a Master of Arts (University of Toronto), which was unusual for the time.

Jack was actively involved in the life of Zion Church, Kitchener, where he served as a Clerk of Session for many years. He also enjoyed woodworking and was a fine craftsman, as the many bookcases and cupboards in our homes attest. However, above all, he was a devoted family man, always ready to provide support and guidance when we needed it the most. His dedication to this role ensured that we became the people we are today.

We are truly blessed to have had him and our late mother in our lives all these years and are grateful that both of them were with us until the end. We trust that they will continue to watch over and guide us in the years to come.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Jack with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 10 - 10:45 a.m. The funeral service will follow in the chapel of the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Fireside Reception Room. Interment will take place at Elmira Union Cemetery.

A livestream and recording of the service will be made available on Jack’s tribute page at www.erbgood.com

Condolences for the family and donations to the Mennonite Central Committee or a charity of your choice may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St., S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445