Born in Sedgewick AB, Dick Beairsto enlisted in WWII service in 1942 and took pilot training. He became a flying officer and “flew combat missions over Europe at the controls of Halifax bombers.” After the war, Dick enrolled at University of Alberta and earned his Civil Engineering degree in 1949. In May of that year he married Phyllis Fraser whom he met at university. They lived in various places in Alberta and eventually settled in Grande Prairie. Dick worked at PFRA in Stettler AB, and in oilfield exploration at Western Geophysical in Grande Prairie for 5 years until 1955. Then he was the city engineer for 8 years until 1963. After resigning from this position, he became the manager of Beairsto, Stewart Weir Engineering Ltd. In 1979, Dick earned the L. C. Charlesworth Award for “substantial contributions” to the Association of Professional Engineers Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA). He was a member of the Kinsman Club, and Rotary Club, and was also a Public School Board Member. Dick loved sports and camping. Phyllis and Dick had 3 sons: Bruce, Ric, and Randy.
Source:
Herald Tribune Dec. 17, 1963, June 27, 1979, May 8, 2015
SPRA Family Reference Files
