We’d like to honour “Captain Bea” Leinbach, the creative force behind the popular and enduring Kitsilano Showboat that is now in its 80th year. Captain Bea passed away October 3, after 93 vibrant years on this earth. Bea was also the epitome of a proud Vancouverite and community volunteer.
Bea’s life-long enthusiasm for the performing arts, and endless volunteer energy on behalf of seniors, youth, women and persons with disabilities, earned her numerous awards, including the Order of Canada, the Vancouver Centennial Pioneer Award, Canadian Volunteer Award, Vancouver Lions Club Appreciation Award, the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Community and Humanitarian Award,and her own star on the BC Entertainment Walk of Fame. But, more than any award or accolade, Bea loved the work, whether it was introducing new talent on the Showboat stage, helping to found Meals on Wheels in Vancouver, or lending her considerable organizing skills to the Children’s Hospital Society and BC Special Olympics.
By any measure, Bea put every one of her 93 years to good use, leaving her family, friends and community with warm and wonderful memories of a life well lived, a personality as big as the province she loved, and a commitment to community service that made Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada better places because of her.
A Catholic mass and celebration of Bea’s remarkable life took place October 9, 2014, at St Augustine’s Church, 2028 W 7th Avenue. If you’d like to commemorate her life, Bea’s family asks that a donation be made to the charity of your choice as she was involved with so many over the years. The Leinbach family is still enmeshed in Kits Showboat. Captain Bea’s son Barry is the current vice-president and producer.
Do you have a fond memory of Kits Showboat through the years? We’d like to hear from you. Please share below.
Last modified: June 29, 2022
So many happy memories of Show Boat. My grandmother used to take me there when I was little. Sad to learn of Bea’s passing but happy to know her son is ensuring the legacy continues.
Bea.
A wonderful and kind lady who I remember from my early days of dancing and singing on the Showboat Stage to my young adult life as Miss Kitsilano and Miss Vancouver where she acted as my chaperone and took care of a young woman who always needed advice. She was remarkable.
Thank you for the kind remembers ce of mom. She was truly a remarkable woman and a great mother. We will celebrate her life at Kitsilano Showboat in 2015 in conjunction with our 80th anniversary.
Thanks all for your support. Barry