Basil Beech

Basil Beech

January 6, 1928 ~ November 6, 2021

Basil William Beech died peacefully on November 6, 2021 at the home of his loving daughter, Linda, who, along with her family, had tenderly cared for him the last year of his life.  Having lived a rich, full life, he passed away calmly and serenely, surrounded by family, and loved by everyone who knew him.

He was born on a Friday, January 6, 1928. His birth mother, Glenna Welch, died as a result of childbirth. He was mercifully adopted by his aunt and uncle, Matilda Wilde and William Henry Beech, who raised him as the only mother and father he would ever know. He was sealed to them in the Logan Temple on June 9, 1958. He often said they spoiled him with an idyllic childhood. He was allowed to play and explore, to imagine and dream – but mostly to play, something he loved to do throughout his life.  He was fourteen when his father became very ill and was bedridden for the remaining few years of his life. As a result, he was given the very grown-up task of running the family farm. But even with this heavy burden, he optimistically embraced life and still found time to play his beloved games of baseball, basketball, and football. He was a star athlete at North Summit High School, playing all three sports and becoming a championship pole vaulter on the track team. His love of sports never wavered. He died a devoted BYU fan, trying as best he could to watch one last game on the day he died.

He grew up in Coalville, Utah, and lived most of his adult life in Ogden. He played basketball and baseball in college, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education – just so he could become a coach. Although he would only coach for a few short years (first at South Jr High and then at Bonneville High School) he absolutely reveled in the experience and deeply treasured the relationships he had with “his athletes” until the day he died. His coaching years were among the highlights of his life and gave him rich and wonderful memories that he would cherish forever.

As much as he loved coaching, and his passion for sports of all kinds, his personal desires and pursuits were never allowed to overshadow the love he had for his family, nor the keen sense of responsibility he felt to provide for their needs. Accordingly, he left coaching as a young father to work full time for the Union Pacific Railroad, where his income would better support his wife and family.  He never complained about this career choice, but rather expressed gratitude, over and over again, that he had employment which allowed him to better provide for his family. He cheerfully went to work – on holidays, on birthdays, on weekends, at all hours of the day and night – always careful to never miss a call or to show up on time for his assigned train. He became a local chairman for the United Transportation Union, serving on national committees while striving to serve the best interests of his fellow union members as well as the Company for whom they worked.  He retired in 1992 to serve a mission with his wife for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

He met his Sweetheart, Romola Joy Richins, very early in life. They became best friends in the 7th grade and remained so ever after.  She was his inspiration and a true partner.  They loved one another unconditionally and were fiercely loyal to one another throughout their lives. They married in the Logan Temple on Thursday, May 12, 1949, just 2 months after he returned from his mission. He admitted that they had very little to start with – only the love they had for one another, and the dreams they shared together. That was enough to encourage them, and they embarked on life’s greatest adventure – marriage and family – together.

They weathered the storms of life as best they could. Mom would worry. Dad would soothe. His undying optimism was legendary. His zest for life and the sheer joy he found in daily living was a healing balm for her, and for our family. Mom was better because of him. And he, by his own account, was infinitely better because of her. They were a wonderful team. His weakness was swallowed up in her strength. Her weakness mollified by his tender care and loving devotion. Their legacy of love is a hallmark of the virtuous life they chose to live together.

They loved serving together. They were PTA presidents at Ogden High during the 1970’s and were instrumental in closing 29th Street (between Harrison Blvd and Tyler Avenue) so that the school would have a contiguous campus that included a football field, tennis courts, and baseball and softball diamonds. They felt it was part of their civic service and something they were very proud of.

Dad was devastated and heartbroken when Mom died of Leukemia in 1993. He never left her bedside for the four months she was in hospital and long-term care. His grief at her passing was almost more than he could bear. During this tender time, he was befriended by Sharon Ernst, who had lost her husband some years prior. They became good friends and married in a civil ceremony in Alpine, Utah in April 1994. Dad enjoyed his time with Sharon until her passing in 2008, along with the association of her family whom he loved.

Dad was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joy; and is survived by his six children:  Laura (Rob) Walton; Larry (Gloria) Beech; Dan (Kris) Beech; Linda (Kyle) Peterson; Jim (Kristin) Beech; and Marie (Doug) Moore. At the time of his passing, he had 17 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren.  His dying words, shared with each one of his children as they gathered at his bedside, were simply:  “I love you … so very much.”

What a blessing he was – and will always be – to us.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 20, at 11 a.m. at the Country Hills Chapel, 1401 Country Hills Dr, Ogden, Utah. Friends may visit with family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd; and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Coalville City Cemetery.