K. Arthur Betteridge

Karl Arthur Betteridge (Art)

January 29, 1937-January 15, 2024 

~A life well lived is a tribute to all~ 

Art was born one of twins in Kirkland Lake Ontario. He also had 2 older brothers. He grew up with a love of nature, fishing and with a keen eye for building, inventing and fixing mechanical objects. He was introduced to the building industry by his father Horace who taught him construction and woodworking. Art had a very curious mind. 

The military called to him as a young man. He did his basic training in Ontario and his first posting was overseas in the late 1950’s. Art enjoyed being in the Military. His curious mind was challenged and his love of travelling was ignited. He remembers fondly being in Sardinia with military friends exploring the beaches and countryside on their motorcycles. France was another love with its bakeries, wineries and castles to explore. 

Back in Canada, while training in Manitoba, he met and fell in love with Bernice and they married September 10, 1960. Art was transferred to Zweibrucken, Germany. He and his new wife went overseas. At that time the Cold War was a constant presence. Art was trained in militants and armoury pertaining to aircraft. This training became the foundation of his 32 years in the Airforce. EOD (Explosive, Ordination & Detonation) was the area in which he excelled, eventually becoming an instructor himself in the latter part of his career. 

He became a father to Lori in 1962 and Linda in 1966. Shortly after Linda was born he was transferred back to Canada. Rivers, Manitoba became home until 1970 when he was transferred to Val-d’Or Quebec. In 1973 he was transferred to Comox, BC where he worked with Joint Task Force which is an extremely high-readiness and precise special operations forces unit. It exists to protect the Canadian national interests and combat terrorism and threats to Canadians at home and abroad. 

In the early 80’s Art was transferred to Borden Ontario. He was an instructor in explosives until his retirement. He then started a new Career for Transport Canada in the 90’s working at Lester Pearson airport in Toronto. His background directed him to be involved in Safety and Security. Visiting dignitaries, politicians, celebrities and the public are all protected by men and woman like Art. 

Throughout his life Art had an incredibly curious mind. He devoured books and journals when something caught his interest. He loved puzzles and taking things apart to fix them. He was an inventor and woodworker. He loved to fish. He loved music and dancing. 

He was a member of the Elks Club which he enjoyed immensely. Watching Football was a pleasure; often he would switch back and forth to ALL the games on those busy football days. He loved to laugh and was incredibly social. He immensely enjoyed visiting with his friends and neighbours. He never ran out of stories and his energy would light up a room. 

Leaving behind to mourn him are his two daughters, Lori Moore and Linda Betteridge, and 5 grandchildren, Kristi Moore, Travis Moore, Colton Marshall, Alex Fisher and Nicholas Fisher. Art was pre-deceased by his wife of 63 years, Bernice, in July of 2023, and his Granddaughter Angela Betteridge in July 1988. His brothers, Pat and Bryan and twin sister Karen also pre-deceased him. Remaining are many family members and lifelong friends who he valued and often thought fondly of them 

Heartfelt Thanks to Rev. Savio Bruto da Costa and the Parish staff of St Mary’s Church, Barrie Ont. for their support and guidance during this time of transformation.

The deepest thanks and admiration go out to Art’s team of Cardiologists, Cardio Surgeons, Dialysis specialists and Doctors & Nurses who provided an exceptional level of care during his times of challenges. 

Funeral services will be on February 16, 2024, 1pm, at Legacy Funeral Home, 55 Cedar Pointe Dr #600, Barrie, ON L4N 5R7. Inurnment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, 208 Sunnidale Road, Barrie.

In lieu of flowers Donations to the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, would be greatly appreciated by the family. 

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