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Glen Lewis Beere

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Bingham High School Snow College University of Utah Utah State University

Glen Beere Obituary

Glen Lewis Beere
1934-2014
Loving, caring, non-complaining, brave husband, father, and grandfather, Glen Lewis Beere passed away January 3, 2014 from ALS. Glen was born December 7, 1934 in Eureka, Utah to Charles Lewis Beer and Cleo Donna Pace Beer. He grew up in Spanish Fork, where he was a talented athlete in football and track. Later, he learned to golf and played as often as possible. He sported a "3" handicap for many years. Glen loved walking Willow Creek Country Club golf course with great friends and served as president there for two terms.
Glen married the love of his life, Sonja Thursby Beere, in Ephraim, Utah on August 2, 1958.
Professionally, after graduating from Snow College, Utah State University, and University of Utah, Glen taught middle school math then served as vice-principal and principal at Bingham High School. Later he served as principal at Brighton High School and Alta High School. Then Glen became Executive Director for the Utah High School Activities Association. During that time he was honored in the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, Southern Utah University's Wall of Fame, Utah Summer Games Hall of Honor, and the UHSAA Circle of Fame. In 1983, he was honored by President Ronald Reagan as one of the top 50 administrators in the nation. After retirement, Glen discovered his amazing talent in wood-carving, especially carving Santas, which earned him many awards.
Glen is survived by his wife, Sonja, his children, Grant Beere (Salt Lake City) and Sydney (Robert) Nakken (Cedar City), grand-children: Erik, Josie, Abigail, Samantha, and Ellie, sister: Maxine (Mark) Thomas (Camas, WA), and many much loved nieces and nephews. Glen was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Charles Beer, Max Beere, and Donna (Beer) Evans.
Funeral visitation will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.) from 6 - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at the Wasatch Fifth Ward Chapel, 8100 S. 3675 E. Visitation will be 9:30-10:30am; funeral service will follow at 11:00am. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.
We would like to express our appreciation for the kind and loving care given by the VA Hospital and Superior Hospice, especially Samantha Olsen and Cindy Sutter, as well as Sergio and Anna. We would like to thank many kind neighbors and friends that came to our aid in a moment's notice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 5 to Jan. 6, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Glen Beere

Sponsored by DR. SCOTT LINSCOTT.

68 Entries

Kristine Johnson Peterson

April 25, 2014

One of the greatest men I've ever known as a math teacher, principal and advisor. Loved him

JOHN WHITING

March 27, 2014

I will truly miss Mr. Glen L Beere. He was my first principal and the memories that I have are filled with love and admiration. He helped support me in so many ways. He was the father and older brother that I never had. My heart goes out to Sydney and Sonya as they also were a part of the Brighton High legacy of greatness. With his gentle and firm leadership he made me a better man. I not only was inspired to achieve greatness in getting my Drama teams to consistently win region and state titles, but many plays and musicals were under his guiding hand. He never once showed disrespect. His favorite of all the musicals I directed was FUNNY GIRL with Julie McLane playing the lead role. His demand for greatness and perfection got Brighton HS in a number one spot and it was a great place to work due to his gentle, yet firm leadership abilities. He will be greatly missed. I will dedicate my final and 35th year of teaching to him.

Best love to his family in this time of mourning.

--JOHN E WHITING, BHS class of 1970 and Drama director, 1978-1987

March 13, 2014

Glen was a dear friend, fellow golfer and probably the nicest, kindest, and most generous person I've ever known. Glen and I would be the first golfers to "tee it up" at Willow Creek CC many mornings for over 20 years. We were later joined by Steve Walker, Yukse Kwon and many others. Glen would arrive at the club as early as 530 AM in order to get our "first off" tee time. He enjoyed talking to the Willow Creek kitchen staff during those early morning hours as well as having his coffee and reading the newspaper.

He was a great golfer and a great sportsman. One of his favorite sayings was "My expectations are low, so I'm never too upset when I hit a poor shot or post a high score". To quote Gale Sayers from the movie "Brian's Song" about Brian Piccolo, "I love Glen Beere". Like Brian, he fought a losing battle against a fatal disease with dignity and courage.

I regret being out of town when Glen passed and I was unable to attend his memorial service. As a permanent tribute to this wonderful person, I have kept his guest book open for perpetuity, so those of us who couldn't comment on Glen before, can continue to do so every time we think of him and think how much we will miss him.
Scott Linscott - friend and fellow Willow Creek golfer who was on the receiving end of Glen Beere "hammering my chicken" (Glen's way of saying that he beat me badly) many times!!

Colleen Bluhm Hancock

January 22, 2014

I just found out about the passing of your father. He was a wonderful man and touched my life while a student at BHS. My heart goes out to your family. Please accept my condolences.

Marianne Young

January 16, 2014

I was in Mr. Beere's 8th grade math class at West Jordan Jr. High School. He was a remarkable man. There was something about him that couldn't be forgotten. I still remember Mr. Beere writing the number 8 on the board. He would always use 2 circles- One on top of the other to show the number 8. To this day, whenever I write the number 8; I write it the way Mr. Beere wrote it. When Mr. Beere called roll, He never said Marianne; instead he would call me " Mariannie." I remember when Mr. Beere's wife had a baby girl. The whole school was excited and talked about the new baby on the bus that day. Years later when I substituted at Hillcrest High School, I met Mrs. Beere. What a kind gracious lady she was to me.

January 16, 2014

God bless, my thoughts are with you. Glen was a great friend and supporter for years. He always made a point to say Hi. He will be greatly missed.
Lenna Learned

Julie McLane Ellsworth

January 14, 2014

Please know that my whole family is thinking of your dad at this time. We send our prayers and love. I have so many good memories of "Alpen Way" and Brighton High and your family was a big part of that.

Richard Jaffe

January 11, 2014

For over 40 years that I have known and played with Glenn, I always found him to be a great golfer and competitor, and most importantly a real gentleman. He always had time to chat with his friends.

Sydney Beere Nakken

January 10, 2014

Thank you so much for all the kind words about my dad! He made me want to be a better person....if only I could be like dad. Thanks to all for the way you touched his life as well. One thing about my dad...he sure knew how to surround himself with the best of the best...in his words, "A1A!" Thanks! Love to you all! Sydney Beere Nakken

Bill and Ann Bordner

January 10, 2014

I loved the man he was the Brother I never had and my best friend. Our hearts and Love go with the Sonja and the Family

Cal Hughes

January 9, 2014

Sonja, my dear, YOU have touched my heart for many years and Glen brought a smile to my face every time we met over the past thirty years. Carol and I love you dearly and wish you wonderful memories and acceptance of your loss.

LaPrele Sumsion

January 8, 2014

Wish I'd have known Glen. From all the very special comments, I would have loved to be in his classes. Our prayers are with you and your family, Sonja, at this very tender time. Hoping you'll join us at the Ephraim Ladies Luncheon again this year. LaPrele O. Sumsion

January 8, 2014

Wish we had known Glen. Enjoyed reading the MANY special comments about him, I would have loved being in his classes, too. Our prayers are with you and your family, Sonja, at this very tender time in your life. Hope to see you at the Ephraim Ladies Luncheon this year. LaPrele O. Sumsion

Ronald Hill

January 8, 2014

Mr. Beere was an inspiring Mathematics teacher. He had the respect of all as the Bingham High School Vice Principal. His smile was always contagious. I admired his athletic prowess, and his integrity. His leadership qualities are ever embedded in mind. My condolences to the family.

Annette Day

January 8, 2014

Glen was so loved by all of us in the ALS Support Group (along with Sonya). He handled one of the worst illnesses on earth with such grace. Glen was so full of love and touched our lives greatly in the year we knew him. He will never be forgotten. We'll look you up in the future Glen. Watch for us! Sonya: You were an amazing and devoted wife & caregiver! We love and respect you, and wish you all the best.

Jody Cathey Curtis

January 8, 2014

GodSpeed to the Beere family. I was privileged to have been one of the many that were guided by his expertise and professionalism. It is never easy to lose a treasured loved one. My thoughts and prayers to each of you

Alison Tueller

January 8, 2014

So saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Beere. Most of my memories of him were from the perspective of a little girl at the Brighton basketball games. He was always kind to me and my dad (Duke Reid) loved him very much. My dad often told us that Glen Beere was a true and loyal friend. We will miss him.

January 8, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family, Sonja. Glen was a great colleague and friend during the years we served together in state association work. I still have Glen's chalk art of a Native American on the wall in my office. Please know that we were informed of his passing during the recent NFHS meeting and that those of us who worked with Glen shared our memories of him.

Mike Colbrese; Bellevue, Washington

Lisa (Mayfield) Buttars

January 7, 2014

Sydney and the Beere family, my thoughts and prayers are with you as happy memories of high school days flow through my mind!

Cathie Bristow

January 7, 2014

I am honored to have known Glen. He was a gifted artist and a very kind man.

Sally McLane Bashford

January 7, 2014

Mr. Beere was my principal but also my neighbor and father of my good friend, Sydney. I haven't seen the family for years but they are dear to my heart. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. We will love you always!

Steven Wardle

January 7, 2014

What a great principal gave me more chances than I deserved rest in peace sir

Tom and Ann Mayes

January 7, 2014

Glen was truly a kind and gentle man. It was an honor to be able to call him our friend. We will miss him terribly.
Sonja, Sydney and Grant, we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Wendy Crawford Groen

January 7, 2014

Mr. Beere was principal when I attended Brighton High School. I was the Yearbook Editor in 1975, having the privilege of working with him on many yearbook projects. He was so kind to give me his time and attention. He had such a positive impact on my life and no doubt countless others. What a good man he was. I have thought of him many times over the years. My sicerest condolences to his family.

January 7, 2014

Mr. Beere was pretty scarey when I was in Algebra at West Jordan Jr. High. He helped me trough, just barely. I never really had a head for math until going through pharmacy certifications. If I had just listened more to him! I am note sure where his grey hair came from but I am sure at least one came from me. So sorry to see such a good person leave this world. My prayers are with the Beere family. Afton Bray Babecki

Jean Gill

January 7, 2014

We have lost the presence of a true gentleman. Glen molded my career as a mentor and friend. As part of his administrative team at Brighton High I was privileged to work with such an exceptional man. I cherish him as a true and lifelong friend. Sonia, Sydney and Grant, I know how precious you have always been to him and what a constant support you have been in these past few years. You are in my thoughts and always in my heart.

Janet Wheadon Criner

January 6, 2014

Mr. Beere was an amazing teacher who changed the lives of so many of us. He pioneered a new math curriculum at West Jordan Jr. High starting by teaching Geometry in 8th grade. We became a tight-knit group who loved Math, loved Mr. Beere, and never tired of his classes. We respected him and never wanted to disappoint. He even took our class to see The Battle of the Bulge! Some of my children were students of his son at Bingham High School 30 years later! As I watched his career move onward and upward, I was always proud to have known him and been his student. He has left his family a great legacy. My sincere condolences to them.

ValJean Wright

January 6, 2014

Dear Sonja, Grant and Sydney, How sad I feel about Glen's death. He was such a great example of a father and husband. And, of course, professionally he excelled. I was proud to call him my friend. I feel so badly for all of you, but, know there is comfort in knowing and experiencing his great love and example. My love to you at this time and pray you may be comforted.
[email protected]

Jeff Arbogast

January 6, 2014

My first appreciation of Mr. Glen Beere came through his son Grant and the unique relationship they had with Glen's support of Grant's track coaching and golf career. Distinguished, confident, and professional in any peer group, he led as an administrator, family man, and friend to many. The measure of a man is usually not what he does within his lifetime, but the legacy he leaves as his influence expands for generations. In this case, as a teacher and coach, I can certainly say, Glen Beere's legacy will be far greater than any of us might comprehend now. A powerful and loving man who will leave an even more powerful legacy.

I hope Sonja, Grant and Sydney will take some comfort in knowing that here was a loving man who lived a life dedicated to others. In many ways, that is all we can hope for in this life, and in that case, Glen succeeded in this world to a level that will inspire countless others.

Godspeed Glen, and thank you from all of us who are better from knowing your inspiration . . .

January 6, 2014

Sonja,
Keep your happy memories close to your heart. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you in our Monday art class soon.
Love,
Dawna McQuiston

Susan Malone

January 6, 2014

Mr. Glen L. Beere has positively impacted the lives of thousands upon thousands of students, teachers and colleagues. My life was changed for the better as Glen hired me at Brighton High as a rookie debate teacher and coach. I valued my time in working at Brighton High lead by the greatest of all leaders--as a principal today I learned so many valuable lessons watching Mr. Beere. Glen was a man of honesty and integrity that always let others know where they stood. I am proud to have worked for and learned so much from Glen's leadership by example.
My heartfelt thoughts are prayers are with Sonja, Grant and Sydney.

Janeen McMillan

January 6, 2014

Sonja,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and your family at this time.

Karyn Gingras

January 6, 2014

Dear Beere Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Glen, not only was he a great and fair Principal when I was at Brighton, he was a family friend and my parents so much enjoyed their times with you at Willow Creek, and in Az. I spoke with my Dad yesterday, and he was saddened to hear of your loss, and he is thinking of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Karyn [Sherman] Gingras

Cecilia Walker

January 6, 2014

I remember Mr. Beere as one of the best teachers I ever had. He was firm but fair. A tremendous asset to the teaching profession. My sympathy to his family.

Eric Nielsen

January 6, 2014

Glen was a true gentlemen. He had a special way about him, and always showed his concern for and interest in others. His honesty, fairness, and integrity is unsurpassed. Sonja and family may you always be filled with the wonderful memories from his great life!

Christine Holt Bundy

January 6, 2014

I had the privilege of having Mr Beere as my algebra and general business teacher at West Jordan Jr. High and my vice principal at Bingham High. Best teacher and educator ever. Much thanks to his wife and children for allowing him to share his time and talents with his very grateful students.

Dave Blonquist

January 6, 2014

So sorry to learn about the passing of Glen. As I knew him at Brighton High, "Mr Beere" .I visited his office frequently. He was a great role model for many young people and always pointed me in the right direction. He was a great leader for academics and athletics. After high school he became a friend and I saw him quite often. My deepest condolences go out to all of his family and friends.

vicki phelps

January 6, 2014

Dear family of Mr.Beere i just wanted to tell you how much this man was loved by his students such a caring person very patience so fun to be around great teacher. My you have comfort at this time in your life.

Alan and vicki shulsen

Jay and Yvonne Blydenstein

January 6, 2014

Thank God. Glen Is in a better place. Our prayers are with you.

Jennifer Denhalter

January 6, 2014

I'm so pleased I knew this man if only for a short time. Such a sweet and talented human being. And a wonderful father and grandfather. Love and prayers to all family and friends.

January 6, 2014

I forgot to sign my entry.
Douglas Miller, Washington, Utah

January 6, 2014

Sorry to hear of the loss of Glen. 'Mr. Beere' influenced the lives of many of us that knew him as a math teacher and administrator at West Jordan Jr. High and Bingham High. He was and everyday part of my life for not lonely those six years but many other opportunities during my years as an educator involved with accreditation and high school activities. We've lost a true friend, a great man. His influence in our lives will live on.

David & Jackie Chavis

January 6, 2014

Sonja, Sydney, and Grant,
Our hearts are with you at this difficult time. We will always remember Glen as the best principal ever at Brighton High. He was so supportive of all aspects of the Brighton community. He was also a loving husband who was proud of all Sonja's accomplishments. He spoke often of Sundays spent with Grant and watching Sydney run her marathons. He loved travelling to watch his talented grandchildren in all their endeavors.

victoria brinton

January 5, 2014

Sonya;
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish all the wonderful memories; and I know that there were a life time of them.

January 5, 2014

What a great teacher and administrator. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Vickie Jones Widerberg

Doug Wheadon

January 5, 2014

Mr. Beere was the best math teacher I ever had. He truly cared that his students learned the material. So sorry to his widow and family for your loss.

Lanny and Sharon Lund

January 5, 2014

Sonia and family,
Our thoughts are with you. Glen will live on in our memories.

January 5, 2014

To a good friend and talented fellow woodcarver. Ellis Olson

My parent's 50th Anniversary. Thanks for everything dad. Love your son, Grant

January 5, 2014

Stephanie Nakken

January 5, 2014

Glen was one of the best examples of a grandpa i have ever seen. I watched him travel great distances to each of his grand children's activities to show his love and support. I was always so impressed with his dedication to them. What a great man!

Dave McCallister

January 5, 2014

Thanks for your years of service and support.

Dave McCallister MM (Brighton Class of 1985

Jim & Kathy Smith

January 5, 2014

Heartfelt condolences to Sonja and the entire Beere family. Glen was an extraordinary friend and mentor. May his spirit soar!

Earline Pedersen-McGrannahan

January 5, 2014

I'm so very sorry to here about Mr Beere;s passing. He was a wonderful educator, administrator and friend to me at West Jordan Jr High and at Bingham High School. I became an educator because my life was influenced by him and many like him in the 60's and 70's,

Julie Koplin

January 5, 2014

Dear Sonja, So sad to hear of your loss. Glen is someone, I would have enjoyed knowing, what a great man. You are surrounded by love and support during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love and peace, Julie Koplin (SWCG)

Beverly Lopez Ronquillo

January 5, 2014

Beere Family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss.
How sad to hear of his departure. I too have to acknowledge his influence on my love of mathematics, as well as sports.
I have thought of him many times over the past years.
May he rest in Peace.

At Bingham High School, Copperton, Utah 1971

January 5, 2014

Dave Wilkey

January 5, 2014

What made us friends in the long ago
When we first met?
Well, I think I know......
The best in me and the best in you,
Hailed each other because we knew
That always and always since life began
Our being friends was part of God's plan.

Love this man like the brother, friend, mentor that he is. He took ordinary experiences to create extra-ordinary things.

Tom Waldron

January 5, 2014

Glen was a tremendous example of good leadership. He was always so supportive of my goals as an educator on his "team." He leaves a big footprint of excellence in education. May your family find peace as you celebrate his life and mourn his passing.

January 5, 2014

Dear Sonja, I am so sorry to hear of your sweet husband's passing. You have been the very picture of courage and compassion throughout this challenge. Please remember that you have a Monday cohort ready to help in any way needed. Much love, Karla

Connie. Sheppick Lloyd

January 5, 2014

The best math teacher ever! I loved the way he wrote his numbers. I would sit in class and be so entertained by him and his knowledge of math. He was a man you had respect for. My sympathies and condolences go out to his family.

Paul Wicks

January 5, 2014

A 1 A! Best friend ever!

January 5, 2014

A very special, and great man A very very good boss/administrator
Knew how to be. An honest friend!,,
Fred tanner

Kathy Larsen Cooley

January 5, 2014

Mrs. Beere,

So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Roxanna Beckstead-Naylor

January 5, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. It is always hard losing those we love. I am sorry for your loss. Mrs Beere was my English teacher (my favorite) at Hillcrest High School.

Mr. Beere at Bingham High School, Copperton, Utah 1971

January 5, 2014

Brent Overson

January 5, 2014

Mr. Beere was a giant of man. I revered him. I too learned to love math because of his teaching. He taught me principles of algegra and geometry that I still use today. To watch him play sports was amazing. In the parking lot of West Jordan Jr High, I saw him throw a football underhand farther than most college quarterbacks could throw it overhand. My condolences to his family.

January 5, 2014

Dear Sonia,Grant,Sydney.
We are so saddened by Glen's passing.
Glen and I have been special friends for many years and I have always considered Glen to be one of my "BEST".
We spent a lot of time together over the years and I always enjoyed his company and his friendship. He will always be missed.
Thinking about all of you at this sad time.
Gregg and Eldyth Wakefield

Marilyn Richards

January 4, 2014

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend and mentor, Glen L. Beere. He is one of my all time favorite people! He was a fantastic math teacher and was such an example to so many of his students. I have many fond memories of sitting in his class and learning to love math! It was his example and excellent mentoring that gave me the confidence and motivation to become a math educator myself, as did several of my peers. We were known as the "party" class because we held several parties with our class outside of school. Mr. Beere was always there! I truly love this man...he is a giant among men in my book. I will forever revere his name and memory. Please know of my sincere sympathy at this very difficult time.

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