Ronald Joseph Beckman
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The Daily Sentinel page 3D Obituary - December 23, 2018
Ronald Beckman September 21, 1932 - December 17, 2018
Ronald Joseph Beckman passed away on December 17, 2018. He died at age 86 following a prolonged battle with bone cancer. Ron was born September 21, 1932, in Buffalo, New York to Samuel and Margaret (Schneider) Beckman and lovingly raised by his step-mother, Meta (Peters-Connolly). Ron grew up in Lake View, New York and graduated from St.. Francis High School in 1950. He became a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of New York in 1954. In 1956, he was commissioned in the US Army and began a life of service and travel that allowed him to see many parts of the world and to build the foundation of friendships across the globe that would define much of his life. While serving in the Army, he completed the Army Course in Anesthesia for Nurses in 1958 and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 1971 from the University of Maryland. Ron served in Vietnam from 1971-1972 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976. He was awarded many service honors including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal. Ron’s life was defined by his service and contributions to his country and to those around him. Those who benefited from his time and support included Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, Grand Junction Symphony, Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Marillac Clinic, Blood Mobile, Retired Officer Association, St. Francis High School, the kids he read with at Tope Elementary and Orchard Avenue Elementary Schools, Redlands Methodist Church Bell Choir, and Grand Junction Senior Theatre. Ron was a runner before running was cool! He began a life of running while stationed in Japan in the 1960s and eventually completed over 50 marathons. Some of his favorites included the Marine Corps Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and two of The Daily Sentinel Marathons in Grand Junction in the 1980s. It is challenging to sum up a life that was so fully lived! Simply, we are the lucky ones to have known and loved him. Ron left us with many endearing pieces of advice but his best may have been "Always accept the first invitation!" He is survived by his brother, Martin (Sally) Beckman of Albany, NY; numerous nieces and nephews; 16 godchildren, and a great number of friends who are like family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Margaret; step-mother, Meta, and siblings, Mary, Gertrude (Robert Hull), Samuel (Anna), Paul (Irene), and Robert. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in the spring at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction. Details will follow. Donations, in Ron’s memory, can be made to Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, the Grand Junction Symphony, or the Western Colorado Center for the Arts.
