It is with great sadness that the family of James “David” Beck, 83, of Lunenburg, announces his passing on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg. Born in Lunenburg, he was the son of the late Raeburn and Clara (Lohnes) Beck. After graduating from high school in 1951, David immediately joined the staff of CIBC, working in Lunenburg, Moncton, Dartmouth, Kingston NS and Saint John NB, returning home in Oct 1956 to join the family business of Beck’s Flowers, taking over operations in 1979 after his father’s passing and serving the community with diligence and pride. In 1989 he purchased “The Weed Man” franchise, a top line lawn care business which he operated in conjunction with the florist business, selling it in 1994 when he was forced to lighten his load due to health problems.. He continued to operate the florist business until 2004 when he turned the key for the last time, a total of 57 years. Over the years, he was very active in sports, playing soft ball, hockey, participating on three maritime championship firefighters track teams and his greatest love, curling, serving as past president of the Lunenburg Curling Club and winning six provincial firefighters curling championships. David joined the Lunenburg Fire Dept. in 1957, rising to Deputy Chief under the late Victor Corkum. Upon Victor’s retirement in 1974, he became chief and served in that capacity until 1990, the longest serving chief in the history of the fire department. During his years as a firefighter, he was active in the provincial organizations, where he was an original member of the board of directors, NS Firefighters Training School, and served a term as chairman of the board. He served two terms as President of the Maritime Firefighters Association and one term as President of the Maritime Fire Chiefs Association where he was made an honorary life member. His awards included: In 1977, the 25th Anniversary Medal, Queen Elizabeth II; In 1987, NS Long Fire Fighter Service Medal; In 1987, Canadian Fire Services Exemplary Services Medal; In 2013, Medal for the occasion of 250th Anniversary of the Town of Lunenburg and 183 years service by the fire department. David had many interests and actively served in his community as a member of the Lunenburg Citizens’ Band from the time it began after WWII and was one of the original members of the “Highliners” dance band that played all over Western Nova Scotia. He was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church and played in the orchestra until its dissolution. He is survived by his loving wife, Norine, daughter, Denise (Steve) Drennan, Lunenburg and his “Shining Stars”, grandsons, Josh and Jesse. David was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral home, 11213, Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg. A memorial service to celebrate David’s life will be held Friday, July 15, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church, Lunenburg, Rev. Rick Pryce officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Lunenburg. Flowers greatly appreciated, memorial donations in David’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca