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Manfred Beck Obituary
Manfred "Fred" Joseph BECK Bellevue Entrepreneur, Master Tailor Dies Manfred "Fred" Joseph Beck, an internationally recognized Master Custom Tailor, died peacefully on Saturday, April 7, 2007 in Bellevue with his family at his side. He was 74. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sonja Beck and was the loving father of Norman (wife, Tracy & son, Karl) of West Seattle and Stefanie Finkelstein (husband, Stan & daughter, Olivia) of Issaquah. Born in Ullersdorf Silesia, Germany to Alfons and Gertrud (Taux) Beck on April 12, 1932, Fred immigrated from Seesen, West Germany to Vancouver, Canada in 1953 and then to Seattle, Washington in 1959 where he worked for the former Frederick & Nelson before starting Becks Custom Tailoring in Bellevue in 1962. Always self motivated and analytical by nature, he lived the American dream. In 1985 Manfred was elected President of the prestigious Custom Tailors & Designers Association. This was the first time the New York based organization selected a President residing west of the Mississippi. He learned his craft in his native Germany from his father. The tailoring business was and remains a family tradition. He completed a rigorous German apprenticeship program as well as advanced studies in fabric engineering. Manfred was a founding member of the Seattle Continental Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. Manfred enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and time on his computer. He was adored by his grandchildren and was known for his sincerity, wit, and good humor. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 12th at 1:30 p.m. at Sunset Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Bellevue, 1215 145th Place S.E. Bellevue, WA 98007 with a Celebration of Manfred's Life to follow at the family home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Manfred Beck to King County Medic One, 7064 S. 220th St. Bldg #9, Kent, WA 98032 or Overlake Hospital Foundation, CCU fund, 1035 116th Ave. N.E., Bellevue, WA. 98004. Please sign our Guestbook accompanying the online memorial at www.mem.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Manfred Beck
6 Entries
Arvid & Mardie Portin
April 23, 2007
Sonja, Norman and Stefanie:
We are so very sorry that Fred is no longer with us. We too will miss him. Our friendship goes back many year. We moved into our home in Newport Hills 41 years ago and shortly thereafter this friendship began. We watched our families grow up together and had many memorable times together. Those early years of skiing at Ski Acres and trips to Harrison Hot Springs along with the Hydrofoil trip to Victoria. Lake Wannacut for the kids to horseback ride and Lake Tahoe as well as Palm Springs just to remember a few special times together.
Our last special time to spend with Fred and you, Sonja was in February this year. We were surprised but happy you came down and we could spend those hours together. We were sorry we were not in town to lend support as friends before Fred's passing, however knowing of his condition before we left on our Panama Canal Cruise you were all in our thoughts and prayers often. We shall miss Fred and will always include him as one of our dear friends.
Sam Finkelstein
April 22, 2007
To Olivia, Stephanie, and the entire family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I want you to know that my thoughts are with you. Much love,
Sam
Steve Dennett
April 13, 2007
To The Beck Family,
I will miss Mr Beck very much.
As I have said before, thankyou Norman and your Father for custom making me that shirt on short notice.
You both made my wedding day even more special.
Paco Fernandez
April 12, 2007
our most sincere condolences to the Beck family.
Jerry Oldani
April 11, 2007
To The Beck Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to all. Fred was a delightful and kind human being who was a true master at his craft. No matter how difficult life was, he always had a smile on his face and a positive word for our family. He will be missed. The Oldani's, Jerry & Phyllis
Scott Robertson
April 10, 2007
Your sly yet sincere smile will be missed. I enjoyed interacting with you in business and still recall my first visit to the tailor when I was 17 years old. May God bless your family as we thank Him for providing us the opportunity to know you during your brief time with us.
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