Theodore Beckwith Jr.

THEODORE (TED) BECKWITH, JR. Of Moreno Valley, surrounded by his loving family, peacefully went to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with leukemia on Thursday, October 21, 2010. Ted was born to Theodore Beckwith Sr. and Evelyn Beckwith on August 21, 1928 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He graduated from Stratford High School in CT in 1947 and served in the army during the Korean War. Ted worked for Sikorsky Aircraft in Bridgeport, where he met Doris Gustafson, the love of his life. They married in July of 1954 and together they had three children. When Ted was working for AMF, the company transferred him to Santa Barbara in 1961. Another career change brought Ted and the family to Riverside. Ted worked for TRW, now known as Northrop Grumman, at Norton Air Force Base, where he retired in 1989 after twenty-four years. Ted volunteered with the Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, and coached Little League Baseball. He was an active member of several churches over the course of his life. Ted and Doris were both involved in Marriage Encounter and Cursillo for many years. He was a people person who enjoyed the company of his family and friends. Ted loved to dance and was an excellent dancer. He had a keen sense of humor and liked discussing a wife variety of topics with people of all ages. Coming from New England, Ted was an avid Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots fan. Ted was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn; father, Ted Sr.; brother, Ron Beckwith; brother-in-law, Rae White. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Doris; daughters, Joanne McFerron (Rich) of Ojai, Pam Schlotterbeck (Matt) of Atascadero; son, Ted Beckwith (Daphne) of Riverside; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one due in June. Ted is also survived by his sister, Vivian Blasko (George) of Southbury, CT; brother, Bill Beckwith (Annie) of Citrus Springs, FL; sister, Evelyn White of Ellenton, FL and sister-in-law, Connie Beckwith of Punta Gorda, FL; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice for the exemplary care Ted was given during the last four months of his life. A Celebration of Life Service is planned for 3:00pm on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at Highland Congregational Church, 3606 Atlantic Ave. in Highland. In lieu of flowers, it was Ted\'s desire that donations be made by mail to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202, or by the internet at: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org ARRANGEMENTS Entrusted To The Care Of: Riverside, CA. (951) 785-4071