HARRY L BECK

Harry L. Beck Bud
passed away at home on August 8, 2009, at the age of 80 surrounded by his large family. He was born on September 26, 1928 at St Joseph Hospital in Phoenix. As a second-generation Arizona native he was very proud of his Arizona heritage which dates back to the 1870’s. He attended St. Mary’s grammar school and high school where he was mentored by Father Brian Lyons. He went on to attend Tempe Normal School ASU until the Korean War, when he enlisted in the Coast Guard. He served proudly on the Cutter Dwayne in the North Atlantic Ocean for three years. He met Anne P. Regan in Boston on a blind date that he referred to as a miracle and a gift from God. They were married for 56 years and he loved her every day with all of his heart. They returned to Phoenix to raise a family and begin their future together. He opened Vista paint store and obtained a contractor’s license for painting and roofing. After 10 years in business he joined the Phoenix Fire Department in 1962. He trained hundreds of recruit fire fighters in Phoenix and around the state, and implemented numerous new programs to improve the safety of fire fighters. He quickly ascended through the ranks to Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal. As a Chief, he was most proud of his implementation of an ordinance to assure fire sprinkler systems in new and existing high-rise buildings, a measure that has clearly saved lives and property in the City of Phoenix. He retired in 1984 and went on to fulfill his life-long dream of farming a large homestead in Bouse, Arizona, that was left to him by his grandfather. It was a challenging project that involved his entire family. Our dad and papa was a man of faith, integrity and courage who happily dedicated his life to caring for his wife and family. He set an example that will guide us for the rest of our lives. He touched many lives and was respected and admired by all who knew him. Preceded in death by his wife, Anne 2008, daughter Sharon 1993, sister Rosemary 1994 and sister Ann Marie 2005; survived by his sister Margaret and brother Marty; children Harry Becky, Patricia Lloyd, Danny Marilynn, Maureen, and Brian Robyn, 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 am, with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am, Friday, August 14, 2009 at St Mary’s Basilica, 231 N 3rd Street, Phoenix. Interment will follow immediately at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N 48th Street, Phoenix. Flowers can be sent to St Mary’s Basilica or donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phx., AZ 85014.