Joe Bestwick immigrated to Canmore in 1919. He obtained work at the Canmore Coal Company as a miner. One year after working for the mine, Joe was reunited with his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Mary. Three years later they had a son, Mel Bestwick.
Joe entertained the people of Canmore by playing the piano during the silent movies at the Canmore Opera House (now located at Calgary Heritage Park). Joe was involved in community work in town helping out with drama productions. He belonged to the B.P.O.E., the order of Elks, until his time of death. He was involved in hockey, sports, band and many other community Activities.
Joe was injured in the mine in the 1930’s, injuring his leg, and leaving him with a life-long disability. After being off for a lengthy time, Joe returned to the job at the Canmore Mines as a night watchman. In 1945 he retired and moved with his family to Calgary.
Even though times were tough, the family found time to be involved with the Elks, the Legion, also helping out at the Ralph Connor United Church. The kids – well, what can I say – we were kids. I had a horse at the age of two. But the darn horse found its way back to the Morley Reserve, so what else could we do but get another horse! When I started at the mine, I was a labourer, then worked my way up to be a teamster, driving and taking care of the horses.
My sister, Mary, graduated from Canmore High School, and then furthered her education by graduating from the Calgary General Hospital as a registered nurse. Bringing her skills back to Canmore Hospital, Mary worked at the old hospital until the time of her marriage. Tom and Mary relocated to Calgary and had three children.
I, Mel, left Canmore in 1942 to join the R.C.A.F. I was discharged in 1946 at which time I joined the Calgary Police Department, the start of thirty one years. During that time, I married a wonderful woman and have had three children, one who resides with our granddaughter in Canmore at Present.
I have never really left Canmore. We have a weekend trailer and still get together with “the boys” for coffee.
The Bestwick family:
Mel, Bess, Tom, Lorraine, Joanne, and granddaughter Sara Somogyt.
In Canmore Seniors at the Summit, ed. Canmore Seniors Association, 2000, p. 11-12.
