Walter H. Beck's Obituary
Big Rapids Walter H. Bud Beck, 54, of Whitman, Mass., formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, May 23, 2008, at Brigham & Womens Hospital in Boston. Bud was born January 15, 1954, in Detroit, the son of Walter and Grace (Astin) Beck, and graduated from Detroit Redford High School in 1972 Bud served his entire adult life to the Emergency Medical needs of many communities beginning in the Detroit area during the early 1970s. He moved to Big Rapids in 1977, and attended Ferris State College. With the Mecosta County Emergency Medical Service in Big Rapids from the mid 1970s into the 1980s, Buds lanky fame (6ft, 7in) and laid-back demeanor was a comforting sight to the sick and injured of this community. Buds professional accomplishments include: Charter member of the National Registry of EMTs, Current Licensed Paramedic, and Instructor/Coordinator with State of Michigan. Bud served the citizens of Mecosta and Lake Counties as a Paramedic and paramedic/supervisor. He also became an EMS Administrator for Dickinson County in the Upper Peninsula and later as the Director of the EMS division of Gerber Memorial Hospital in Fremont. Bud thoroughly enjoyed teaching people the skills of EMS. He also loved to watch the Detroit Tigers and participated in a yearly visit to the ballpark with many friends from Big Rapids area. He also had a profound likeness for seafood with crab legs of all varieties on his must taste list. Bud was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, and formerly a member and Past President of the Big Rapids Jaycees. He was a great sports enthusiast and an avid fisherman, and was truly a family man who will be missed dearly. Bud is survived by his wife, Carolyn E. O'Reilly-Beck of Whitman, MA.; sons Jason Beck of Westland, and Adam Beck of Big Rapids,; daughters Courtney Sokoloski of Haslett, and Lindsay Sokoloski of Grand Rapids; stepchildren Kristin Bixler of East Bridgewater, MA., Erin O'Reilly of Brockton, MA., and Matthew O'Reilly of Whitman, MA; 5 grandchildren; 3 sisters Marilyn Hunter and Marlene Steele of California, and Terry Rimatzki of Waterford; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 30, 2008 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. Dan Lochner officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland View Cemetery. Buds family will greet friends on Thursday, May 29, from 4-8 p.m. at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and at the church after 10 a.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Marfan Foundation, 22 Manhasset Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050, or left in care of the funeral home.
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