We Remember
BEAUDOIN, Gene Louis Joseph
July 17, 1952 — October 20, 2025
Gene Louis Joseph Beaudoin was born on July 17, 1952, to Jules Beaudoin and Vivian O’Neill in Québec City. He passed away peacefully at his home in Kelowna on October 20, 2025, after an eight-month battle with cancer.
Gene is survived by his partner, Gail Dougall, his daughter Allison (son-in-law Adam Haigler); son Jayden; and grandchildren Annalie and Cedar. He is also survived by his in-laws, Ann-Marie and Dan Reimer; Joe and Liz Heemskerk; Cecilia and Rob Vaile; Tom Heemskerk; as well as his 9 nieces, nephews, and their families. He was predeceased by his wife of 27 years, Margaret (Heemskerk) d. 2017; brother Gary, d. 2006; parents Jules and Vivian; and parents-in-law Leo and Rita Heemskerk.
Gene spent his youth growing up in Québec, often reminiscing about being able to sneak into the Forum to watch NHL games with his brother, Gary. He resided in Surrey for most of his life, where he raised his family until 2012, when Margaret and Gene moved to Kelowna to be closer to Margaret’s aging parents.
Gene was one of a kind and loved to make people laugh. He had a career with PLH Aviation Services at Vancouver Airport, where he met many lifelong friends, and then as a bus driver for Translink, where he would often make his passengers laugh with his many jokes.
He loved music, entertaining a crowd, and was influential to his son, Jayden, in becoming a musician. Up until his final days, Gene and his partner of 7 years, Gail, sang and recorded music together. Some of Gene’s other hobbies included mountain biking, motorbike riding, boating, and he enjoyed spending the last 8 winters in Arizona.
In memory of Gene, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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BC Cancer Foundation Link: bccancerfoundation.com
Condolences
Our sincere condolences to all who mourn his loss. We enjoyed living across from Gene & Gail in Arizona.
We are so very sad yo hear about the passing of Gene. We are glad to hear he passed peacefully at home. We enjoyed talking to Gene and Gail as they snowbird in Mesa, AZ. Every afternoon we would hear Gene and Gail play their music. We loved it. Billy Bob (the hummingbird) will miss him as well. RIP Gene. You will be missed by many. Ken and Corinne Glassman
With great sadness I say goodbye to a dear friend and express my condolences to his family. We met at school back in Quebec nearly 60 years ago. His humour, good nature, and caring built a bond between us lasting all these years.
In Montreal we always looked forward to watching the Habs hockey games together and after moving west his team became the Edmonton Oilers for which Gail and him dutifully wore the team jersey for every game.
His gentle nature was most revealing around pet animals especially the family dog, Kemo (back in Montreal days he’d wear his cat around his neck).
He got great enjoyment poking a little fun at others, even strangers. Being a joker he had an uncanny ability to make others chuckle without embarrassing himself, or them. In this way he endeared himself to others with his sense of humour, always careful not to offend.
He would affectionately give nicknames to those he cared about, Boing, Baydo Boy, Missy, Nurley, and others I’m sure.
His affection for his friends was legendary. He could remember with fondness many friends I had long since forgotten. Friendships really meant something to him and all who knew him I’m sure would agree. He cared!
I will miss you my friend!
Luv, Nur.