Bev Beaver’s death at 77 brought deep sorrow to those who knew her, but also heartfelt memories of her love and loyalty.
Beverly “Bev” Beaver established herself as one of Canada’s most accomplished Indigenous athletes.
Born to Reg and Norma Henhawk on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Beaver developed her athletic prowess by competing with boys throughout her childhood.
By age 13, she had already become a standout player on a boys’ bantam hockey team.
Her career as an athlete spanned three decades from 1961 to 1994, during which she prominently participated in fastball, hockey, and bowling.
Beaver, pitching for the All-Native Oshweken Mohawks softball team, maintained great ability on the mound and at bat.
In 1980, she led the Mohawks to first place at the National Indian Activities Association women’s softball tournament in Oklahoma, winning five consecutive games.
Despite offers to join non-Native teams, Beaver proudly competed exclusively with All-Native softball teams throughout her career.
In hockey, Beaver played professionally for nearly thirty years with teams including the Burlington Gazettes and the Brantford Lady Blues.
Her bowling achievements were equally impressive, as she maintained the highest female average and high triple score for five consecutive years between 1969 and 1974.
Beaver’s athletic excellence earned her multiple prestigious honors, including the Regional Tom Longboat Award for Southern Ontario in 1967 and the National Tom Longboat Award in 1980.
In 1995, she was inducted into the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition, and in 2018, the Hockey Hall of Fame included her jerseys and badges in its diversity exhibit.
Bev Beaver’s Passing Is Mourned By Family And Her Community
Bev Beaver passed away on April 19, 2025, at the age of 77. Her family announced her passing with deep sorrow, noting that she remained surrounded by loved ones until the end.
The palliative care teams at Juravinski Hospital and Six Nations provided compassionate support during her final days under the care of Dr. Jimenez.
Beaver’s funeral arrangement included a viewing at the Styres Funeral Home in Oshweken beginning April 21, 2025, with a service at 7 pm that evening.
The funeral service took place at 11 am on April 22, 2025, at the same location.
She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughter Pam, grandchildren Brittany (Alex), Kurt, and Taima, and great-grandchildren Brody, Isabella, Alex Jr., and Lillian (affectionately called “Hurricane Lilly”).
Her siblings, Charlene (Dan), Toni (Ron), and Justine (Tony), survive her, while her siblings, Sidney, Frank, Sandra, and Wanda, predeceased her.
Her nephew Josh and her loyal companion, her dog Jojo Macy, were constantly by her side in her final years.
Known for her support of family activities, Beaver never missed her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sports games or birthday celebrations.
Friends and family recall her steadfast loyalty to the Toronto Maple Leafs, supporting the team through thick and thin.
Bev Beaver’s Husband, George, Passed Away In 2013
Bev was married to George Beaver, a respected teacher and community leader who passed away on July 7, 2013, at age 82.
George served as a teacher and principal at Six Nations and New Credit Schools for 34 years.
The couple shared a passion for sports and community service, with George coaching and managing the Ohsweken Mohawks Women’s Softball Team for many years—the same team where Bev starred as a pitcher.
George was also known for his literary contributions, writing a weekly column titled “Our Town” for the Brantford Expositor and creating scripts for the Six Nations Forest Theater Pageant.
He dedicated 28 years to the Six Nations Library Board and also served on the Southern Ontario Library Board.
Together, Bev and George raised two children: Pam and George Jr., who predeceased both his parents.
Their shared commitment to Six Nations and Indigenous athletics created a powerful legacy that continues to inspire Indigenous athletes across Canada.
Despite traveling throughout Canada and the United States for sports competitions, Bev always proclaimed that representing Six Nations and calling it home brought her the greatest joy.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Despite being offered a position on a non-Native team called the Toronto Carpetland, Beaver chose to compete exclusively on All-Native softball teams.
- She earned the “high triple score” in the Ontario Indian Bowling Championship in 1973.
- As a softball player, she won the most valuable player award eight times from 1962 through 1980.
