Last week someone very dear to me and many others died unexpectedly. Caleb Beyers was a husband, father, artist, creator, and friend to many both near and far. He was responsible for much of the creative and playful spirit of Hemma. We originally hired Caleb to help us with graphic design, but he ended up helping us in so many ways. His generosity of spirit and caring have been a source of inspiration to me since meeting him.
I first met Caleb in 2007 when he was busy helping to put together habit coffee down on pandora street. He had papered over the front windows during construction, and was announcing a new business – indoor scuba diving – employees wanted. I knew right away I had to meet the person with this sense of humour. We both had a laugh over the number of folks wanting to apply for a job.
My partner, Aase and I hired Caleb to help us start Hemma. Caleb was the best person we could have ever found. He helped us envision and create the beautiful interior space on May street that was so loved for 15 years. He did drawings, graphics, a website, brochures, and even our own font! I was in awe of his creativity and productivity. Each day since I have enjoyed and appreciated his playful drawings, graphics, and our logo. Not a day goes by that I am not interacting with a part of his artistry and creativity through my work and life.
For 15 years we had five of Caleb’s whimsical animal mobiles hanging from the 12’ ceilings (from a previous endeavour where he handmade dozens of original paper animal mobiles that filled the ceiling of the restaurant Molè). Those mobiles brought so much joy and healing hundreds, if not thousands of people that lay beneath them in a recliner chair receiving acupuncture, or lay on a yoga mat during savasana. One still hangs now in my son’s apartment in Vancouver.
I didn’t get to see Caleb much over these past years. He and his wife Hanahlie moved to Pender island where they were raising two beautiful children. I cannot imagine how such a loss must impact their lives. Losing someone so special helps me understand why it is so important to remember and honour those who have passed on – to keep their spirits alive in us and to remember and be thankful for all they have gifted us with through their presence and sharing. The loss makes me think of and appreciate so many others who have long since passed on – my grandparents, my second father Daryl, my sister, Martha Henry, to name a few.
One way to honour those who have passed on is to appreciate this life we have – to avoid getting lost in small things, to be kind, to feel gratitude for the life we live. Caleb’s passing has had this effect on me. I pray I will always remember. Caleb you will be deeply and profoundly missed in the world but not forgotten. 💚
If you would like to support Caleb’s family here is a link where you may donate.