News Release: Remembering former municipal Councillor, Sheila Beech

May 14, 2020

The District of Sooke is saddened to share news of the passing of well-known Sooke resident and former municipal Councillor, Sheila Beech.

Sheila was first elected as a Councillor in 2005 and served for two consecutive terms, until 2011.

Councillor Beech made many contributions to the community during her six years of service. A talented and celebrated artist herself, Sheila was a passionate advocate for arts and cultural organizations and events. She believed the arts were important drivers of tourism and economic diversification and recognized their benefit for community and individual health and vitality.

Sheila was actively engaged in many local organizations, including the Sooke Literacy Committee, the Sooke Region Tourism Association, and the Sooke Rotary Club, where she was a long-standing member. A frequent contributor to the Sooke Fine Arts Show, she could often be found demonstrating her feltmaking skills as an artist in residence during the event, quick with a smile and an in-depth explanation of the finer points of her craft.

“I had the pleasure of working alongside Councillor Beech during my first term on Council,” says Mayor Maja Tait. “Her warmth, generosity, and passion for our community will always be remembered by Council colleagues, municipal staff, and the many Sooke residents whose lives she touched.”

Details regarding a celebration of life are unavailable at this time.


Media Contact:

Mayor Maja Tait
(250) 642-1634
Email: mtait@sooke.ca