Obituary for Christopher Cardwell "Bear" Beam
Bear, also known as, Christopher Cardwell Beam, died on, October 24th, 2019, late afternoon, at home, in Wells Maine. He is held in love by his spouse Pamela Mahraiah Brouker, family and friends. Dwight Allen and Angela Allen are remaining cousins as well as Margie, Charlie, and Betsy. His Aunt Joanne on his mother's side also remembers Bear. Likewise, survived by his sister Elizabeth Mata and her spouse Jose Mata, daughter Elizabeth Beam and her two sons William and Georgie. Friend and mother of their children Dee Beam and son Bill Beam live in Chicago Illinois. Son Ted and his spouse Thena Beam live in California with their two sons Field and Francis. Love and care for Bear will be held in many hearts.
Bear was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 12, 1949, to his father Field Beam and mother Marion Cardwell Beam. Wilmette and Winnetka were childhood homes for Bear and his sister Liz. Bear studied at Britannica Academy and received a degree in 1968.
Bear entered the US Army, in September 10, 1969, through the draft. He won a National Defense Service Medal, as Sharpshooter. He understood his position as Conscientious Objection. Bear was honorably discharged, on January 29th, 1971. Bear married Dee. In 1974 and earned a degree in Communications from Ambassador College in California while he worked as a pastor. The family lived and Bear pastored in many communities in states, such as Buffalo, North Carolina and Texas. They divorced in 2003 and remained amiable friends throughout their lives.
The tumultuous times of the 60’s provided lifelong material and throughout Bear's life he wrote and worked for reconciling peace. Pamela and Bear married in 2005 and Bear worked finding aid for survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when they lived in Galveston, Texas and Austin, Texas. Bear wrote often and attended many open mics and did stand up comedy. His work with groups always moved toward greater recognition of the gifts of individuals and the power of equanimity and respect. His hope for everyone was for tolerance and justice for all. Bear loved a good cup of coffee and a smoke to share reflections on what mattered and toward new consciousness. Most recently Bear won awards for his poetic visual art at the 2018 Veterans Art Show, recognized at the Capitol in Augusta, Maine with Veteran friends and supporters. Lifelong learner Bear attended one Writing to Heal class, at York Community College where folks shared about his significant influence and depth.
He leaves a legacy that is filled with humble respect, self-awareness, and hope in creativity. Bear's pursuit to be himself a reflection of love and compassion, strength, and courage offers a warm kindness to live our best lives with one another. Bear will be held forever in love.
In shared honor there will be gatherings to join as is possible.
Saturday November at 2nd at 1pm, a Life Giving Walk and Creativity Share will be held at Laudholm Farms, in Wells Maine.
On Sunday morning, November 3rd, at 10 am, St Ansgar Lutheran Church, 515 Woodford St, Portland, ME 04103 where their All Saints service will remember Bear and all our Beloveds.
Later on Sunday at Great Works Regional Land Trust a Return to the Garden ceremony.
In January or February there will be an Open Poetry Mic at the Wells Public Library. Peace we offer through these memorials of gathered remembrance.
Bear was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 12, 1949, to his father Field Beam and mother Marion Cardwell Beam. Wilmette and Winnetka were childhood homes for Bear and his sister Liz. Bear studied at Britannica Academy and received a degree in 1968.
Bear entered the US Army, in September 10, 1969, through the draft. He won a National Defense Service Medal, as Sharpshooter. He understood his position as Conscientious Objection. Bear was honorably discharged, on January 29th, 1971. Bear married Dee. In 1974 and earned a degree in Communications from Ambassador College in California while he worked as a pastor. The family lived and Bear pastored in many communities in states, such as Buffalo, North Carolina and Texas. They divorced in 2003 and remained amiable friends throughout their lives.
The tumultuous times of the 60’s provided lifelong material and throughout Bear's life he wrote and worked for reconciling peace. Pamela and Bear married in 2005 and Bear worked finding aid for survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when they lived in Galveston, Texas and Austin, Texas. Bear wrote often and attended many open mics and did stand up comedy. His work with groups always moved toward greater recognition of the gifts of individuals and the power of equanimity and respect. His hope for everyone was for tolerance and justice for all. Bear loved a good cup of coffee and a smoke to share reflections on what mattered and toward new consciousness. Most recently Bear won awards for his poetic visual art at the 2018 Veterans Art Show, recognized at the Capitol in Augusta, Maine with Veteran friends and supporters. Lifelong learner Bear attended one Writing to Heal class, at York Community College where folks shared about his significant influence and depth.
He leaves a legacy that is filled with humble respect, self-awareness, and hope in creativity. Bear's pursuit to be himself a reflection of love and compassion, strength, and courage offers a warm kindness to live our best lives with one another. Bear will be held forever in love.
In shared honor there will be gatherings to join as is possible.
Saturday November at 2nd at 1pm, a Life Giving Walk and Creativity Share will be held at Laudholm Farms, in Wells Maine.
On Sunday morning, November 3rd, at 10 am, St Ansgar Lutheran Church, 515 Woodford St, Portland, ME 04103 where their All Saints service will remember Bear and all our Beloveds.
Later on Sunday at Great Works Regional Land Trust a Return to the Garden ceremony.
In January or February there will be an Open Poetry Mic at the Wells Public Library. Peace we offer through these memorials of gathered remembrance.