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Don Beckerleg Obituary
81, died April 28, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ. He was born in Miles City, Montana on June 16, 1933. His father died when he was only 7. When Don was 12, he moved to Phoenix with his mom and 3 younger siblings. Don attended Whittier grade school and North High School. At 17, Don went to work at Goodyear Aerospace. Within 1 year he was promoted to Flight test engineer for Automatic Terrain Recognition and Navigation (ATRAN) system for the MACE missile. He continued in development and flight test of the SAR (synthetic aperture radar) for the B-58 Hustler. He loved to work and loved to learn. From 1964 thru 1989 he was Development Engineer, Flight Test Director, Project Engineer, and Overseas field site manager for the radar system of the SR-71 'Blackbird". He was again Flight Test Director for the reactivation of the SR-71 and data link integration from 1995 thru 1997. He was involved with the MSAR, the TUXEDO SAR, the HIKER MTI and FTI operations and finally Flight Test Engineer and Deployment team supervisor for FOPEN radar system. Don was fortunate to fly 1150 hours in 14 different radar development/flight test aircraft. He traveled to all 50 states and 31 different countries. Don's two favorite places were the San Juan mountains of Colorado where he loved to 4-wheel drive his trusty Scout and explore old gold and silver mines, and Havasupai where he loved to hike. Don is survived by his wife Janice, his daughters Karen Scoggins of Poway, CA and Ronda Beckerleg-Thraen of Phoenix, and his sons James Beckerleg and John Beckerleg also of Phoenix. On Friday May 29 at 9:30 am his ashes will be inurned in the National Memorial Cemetery, Shelter #3, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. His Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church chapel, 4455 E. Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley. A lunch reception will follow.
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Memories and Condolences
for Don Beckerleg
Tom and Lydia Bagley
May 27, 2015
Such an amazing engineer and man. He always said he'd work as long as he was having fun, which was many years! Many of which we had the pleasure of working with him.
Clinton Hall
May 27, 2015
I always looked forward to working with Don. Over the year's, I knew from experience, that whatever the challenge we had before us, it would go as smooth as possible. Don's forward planning, heads up and foresight....and his humor made him a pleasure to work with. He would roll up his shirt sleeves and dig right in if need be....Rest in peace Don, you've earned it....
Jerry Zelenka
May 27, 2015
Although I worked for different companies, I had the pleasure and honor of working with Don on several advanced SAR projects that made a world of difference during the cold war years. He is now at peace with Jesus and his heavenly Father.
jerry lindfelt
May 26, 2015
I wont be around for the ceremony but ten years ago or so I gave you an award called one in a thousand. At that ceremony I said you were really one of a kind. It was a pleasure working with you Jerry
Carl Rizza
May 25, 2015
Don was a guiding light for everyone at the Goodyear, AZ facility. His hard work and dedication was an inspiration to all. My condolences to his family and to his many friends and co-workers. We will miss him.
Richard Gibson
May 25, 2015
Don was a true gentleman. It was a pleasure working with him. I often flew Don in the Lockheed Martin Sabreliner engineering aircraft. I had the pleasure of accompanying him on several engineering deployments. A great man.
Stevie King
May 24, 2015
I was fortunate to have met him. God Bless you all!
Monica
May 24, 2015
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one.
May 23, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about the passing away of your loved one. My deepest condolences goes to the family and friends. May God's word find in John 6:40 brings comfort to you all.
IB
May 22, 2015
To all Don family please accept my symphaty and may you find hope in this God promise that says those who had die will live againin earth, John 5:21,25.
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