Obituary of Rodney William Beck

One of Seattles finest people and personification of the Greatest Generation has passed. Rodney William Beck (Rod), born on April 26, 1919, died July 2, 2009 at 90 years old, was first and foremost a dedicated husband of Ardis Helen Beck for 70 years in the Seattle/Ballard area. Rod was also a very, very loving father and was a stead-fast, honest and encouraging role model for the three children Gary, Marilyn and Curtis and the grand kids to follow. Material things did not matter to Dad. Only the people in his life mattered. It is hard to describe in words all that Rod has accomplished in his life. A book should be written as it would be an inspiration to people young and old. Rod was an especially loving child who lost his real mother at a young age, a straight A student, an extremely hard worker, a Seattle bus/trolley driver, a welder in the Seattle ship yards, an expert carpenter, an enlisted Marine in WWII and shipped off to Guam, a builder of his own home and five other homes on his block near Green Lake, a Seattle fireman for 13-years, a construction superintendent and structural designer for large commercial building projects including many in both Seattle and Anchorage, Alaska during the Alaska Pipeline years until retiring at age 72. Rod was the embodiment of Passion, Integrity, Drive, Dedication, Self Discipline, Courage and Caring. He is survived by his wife, Ardis; son, Gary Beck; daughter, Marilyn (Ron) Bunker; and son, Curt (Bonnie) Beck; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He will be missed, but will remain as a prime example of a fine human being. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, July 9, 2009 at Crown Hill Cemetery, 8712-12 th Ave. NW, Seattle. Memorials may be given to any Veterans association of your choice.