Born in Shoal Lake, MB, Robert Beamish graduated B.A. from Brandon College in 1937 and M.D. University of Manitoba in 1942. After intern and residency training in Winnipeg, he served for two years in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Receiving a Nuffield Dominion Travelling Fellowship in 1947, he studied at Hammersmith Hospital in London, England and later became a registrar at the National Heart Hospital. While in England, he obtained membership in the Royal College of Physicians of London and also, in the speciality of cardiology, membership in the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Later he was advanced to Fellowship in these colleges. Returning to Canada, he qualified for the FRCP, FACP and FACC and served as a physician and cardiologist at the University of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and the Manitoba Clinic.  In 1970, he joined the Great West Life Assurance Co. becoming Vice President, Underwriting and Medical but retained his interests in teaching and research in the University. He was appointed Professor Emeritus in 1989 and received honorary degrees from both Brandon University and University of Manitoba. Dr. Beamish was a Founding Director of the Manitoba Heart Foundation and served on its Medical Committee for over 30 years as well as chairing the Medical Advisory Committee of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (1970-1972). He was a Member of Council of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society for many years and served as Secretary-Treasurer and later President (1968-1970). He served as President of both the Manitoba Medical Association and the Manitoba College of Physicians and Surgeons and received Distinguished Service Awards from Brandon University, the Canadian Heart Foundation, the Manitoba Medical Association and the Medal of Service from the Canadian Medical Association.

Dr. Beamish was active in many civic activities. He was a member of the United Nations Association in Canada and served as its National President. He was General Chairman and organizer of the Winnipeg Centennial Symposium on "Dilemmas of Modern Man". He sat on the Boards of Directors of the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre Foundation, the Manitoba Medical Services Foundation, the Medical College Foundation, the Paraplegia Foundation, Brandon University Foundation and the Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba. He had a long association with the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre in the Cardiovascular Sciences Section where he worked closely with Dr. Naranjan Dhalla. In 1984, he became the Founding Editor of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology and remained as Editor-in-Chief until 1997.

In recent years, he pursued his longstanding interest in the history of medicine, culminating with the publication, co-authored with Dr. Ian Carr, of Manitoba Medicine - A Brief History. In recognition of his achievements and contributions, he was awarded the Order of Canada in 1990 and the Order of Manitoba in 2000.

Dr. Beamish's family wishes to gratefully acknowledge the care given by Dr. Lloyd Bartlett and Dr. Ralph Wong and the Cancer Care staff at St. Boniface General Hospital. A memorial service was held Thursday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church, 255 Oak St., Winnipeg.

Donations may be made in Dr. Beamish's memory to the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A7 or to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, 301-352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2H8.

Arrangements were entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM