Beloved Support Worker Spends Final Days with Salvation Army Friends by His Side

Rodney Beamish is described by those who knew him as a selfless, gentle person with a deep love for God and people. He put his passion for helping others while working at The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light in Vancouver for many years.

“He loved his work with The Salvation Army,” his mother, Wilma Beamish, shared.

In early 2006, after several years of struggling to find direction, Rodney was worn out and needed shelter. He decided to enter the Harbour Light Treatment program, where he received much more than a bed.

“He found community. He found his purpose,” said Donald Melanson, a former staff member at Harbour Light.

After completing the treatment program, Rodney joined the local Salvation Army church and became part of the staff. During this time, Rodney and Donald built a meaningful friendship. They made it their mission to be beacons of hope and models of change for every client they worked with. Donald was fortunate to have Rodney stand with him as a groomsman at his wedding.

After Rodney and Donald moved on from Harbour Light, they lost touch for many years until reuniting in 2023. When Rodney had fallen ill, one of his family members got in touch with The Salvation Army to let them know about Rodney’s condition, hoping a chaplain would come to visit him at the hospital.

Jenea Gomez, current manager of transitional housing at Vancouver’s Belkin House, who also happens to be married to Donald, received an email that mentioned Rodney. She describes this moment as a “divinely orchestrated re-connection”.

“The natural person they could have passed the message on to would have been one of our chaplains, but for some reason, it was forwarded to me. That is how the connection happened,” Jenea said.

She phoned Donald to inform him of the situation, and he immediately went to the hospital. Rodney put on a big smile and was very animated despite his difficulty communicating verbally.

“Here we were, full circle, reunited for a proper goodbye.”

“I walked in, leaned over, hugged him and we cried for several minutes. Here we were, full circle, reunited for a proper goodbye,” Donald described.

Over the next five days, Donald, along with other members of the Army, accompanied Rodney, reading Scripture to him, listening to music and providing spiritual care during his final days.

In November 2023, Rodney lost his battle with tongue cancer. Before his passing, Rodney’s mother, Wilma, was able to speak to him one last time. Jenea, who assisted with the call says, “It was the most beautiful conversation I’ve ever witnessed in my life. She was at peace with the fact that he was okay with his situation. I think knowing that he wasn’t alone in his final days, brought her peace.”

Wilma is grateful to know Rodney was with people who loved and cared for him.

“The Salvation Army came together, and they were right there for Rodney,” Wilma said.

“The Salvation Army came together, and they were right there for Rodney.”

After Rodney’s passing, Jenea and Donald organized a Celebration of Life service at Belkin House. The event was live streamed to Rodney’s mother and sister on the East Coast. The service brought together Rodney’s family members and Salvation Army friends.

Rodney was known for volunteering and assisting people struggling with addiction. He received local recognition for his work.

In honour of Rodney’s life work, and as a thank you for their support, Wilma plans to assist The Salvation Army in any way she can.

“That’s going to be my work from now on, doing what Rodney did, helping other people. I will keep doing what The Salvation Army does.”

By Juan Romero