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Richard J. "Sandy" Beach

Richard J. "Sandy" Beach obituary, Tampa, FL

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Richard Beach Obituary

BEACH, Richard J. "Sandy", 83, of Tampa, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2014 in an AA meeting while reading from Step 1 in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. He was born in New Haven, CT on Sept 9, 1931. In his early teens, he contracted Polio and while in recovery he developed a fascination with magic. Sandy went on to be a high school track and field athlete with a passion for creative writing. In 1953, he graduated from Yale University with a degree in Spanish. With his first wife, Barbara Platt, he had six children, 15 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Four of his children survive him. For over a decade, Sandy flew as a fighter pilot with the U.S. Marines. His next career was as a speechwriter and lobbyist for the Credit Union National Association in Washington, DC. He retired in Tampa, FL, where he enjoyed couples dancing and volunteered as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. On December 7, 1964 (Pearl Harbor Day) Sandy stopped drinking and began a deep and lasting belief in the spiritual power of AA. Sandy became an inspired speaker in AA meetings large and small. He spoke about the principles of AA with a special blend of humor and wisdom all over the world. He created and taught an AA spiritual recovery workshop for men known as The Far Corners; true to its name, men travelled near and far to learn from Sandy. A viewing will take place on Friday, October 10th between 6-9pm at Blount and Curry Funeral Home 605 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609. Services will take place on Saturday, October 11 at 11am at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 San Jose St., Tampa, FL 33629. Condolences can be sent to Richard Beach 2413 Bayshore Blvd. #201, Tampa, FL, 33629. Donations in the name of Sandy B. can be made to the local Tampa AA office that supports, staffs, and provides phone lines and information on Alcoholics Anonymous to the general public and the local AA groups. Please make any donations specifically payable to "Tri-County Central Office" and mail to:Tri-County Central Office, 8019 N Himes Ave Ste 104 Tampa, FL 33614 Phone - (813) 933-9123. Arrangements handled by Blount and Curry-MacDill Chapel.

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

Published by TBO.com on Oct. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Beach

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Bruce C.

January 12, 2018

Sandy, I heard you mentioned the best prayers are "Wow" and "Thank You". You are my hero!

Debbie T

December 25, 2017

Thank you Sandy

Liz

October 7, 2017

I'm so sad I never met you, Sandy. Your speaker tapes have kept me going through the toughest of times. You are a total inspiration. I only wish you knew how many of us, from all corners of the world, you have helped and continue to inspire with your tremendous message of recovery. Thank you so very much. Liz (London, England)

Frank Dofelmier

March 25, 2017

Sandy youre message has made my life Happy, Joyus and Free. I have found your message on utube and You carried the message with a special gift of love that God blessed you with....thanks Sandy and his family for sharing this wonder full man with the people who really need his encouragement and enlightenment. RIP Sandy you will be carried in my heart as long as inhabit this planet.

Susan M

January 1, 2016

I wouldn't have made it without Sandy's brilliant stories and humour. So grateful for his life.

Chris B

December 19, 2015

Miss you pal, I know you are having fun. Say hi to Keith for me, Guy says hello. CB

Suzanne Courtmanche

December 17, 2015

Thanks , Sandy , for showing so many others that beautiful sobriety is possible when we keep coming and practice the 12 Steps in our daily life.

John Butler

December 7, 2015

Thanks Sandy for all the gifts you gave so freely to so many.
I first met you in 03 and your message is still touching lives. You were mentioned Sat night when I shared my story.
Thank You!

Ralph Deluca

December 7, 2015

Even though your body is not with us anymore your spirit lives on. There isn't a day that goes by I don't hear your voice in my head. Miss you.

Bill Ludwig

December 7, 2015

Sandy - I can't phone you on this 51st anniversary but I want to thank you nevertheless for your love and support of me a some many who knew you or heard you speak. - Bill

Nita Rentrop Carney

December 5, 2015

As I sit in the middle of a conference of AA, I feel your presence among us still. We live eternally in each other's heart. We truly are one in spirit. Love is eternal. Thank you for imparting so much to us!

David W

December 4, 2015

I have been in the program for 21 years and in the past year became aware of Sandy B. I have listened for hours and hours to his recordings and to say that he has had a major impact on me is an understatement. To Sandy's family - thank you for sharing him with all of us, he created so much good in the world. Thank you thank you thank you

Rebecca

September 1, 2015

Sandy has got me through so many tough times without ever meeting me. His wisdom and humour has allowed me to understand, and move on from, the hold that Fear has had on my for s0 many years. I'm full of gratitude for Sandy.

Claudia Wilson

July 14, 2015

The condolences have a meeting feel, I can just imagine Sandy's everlasting gratitude for that. The departed and great Sandy Beach will inspire for ages. I thank God for our paths having crossed although we never met.

Morris S

June 21, 2015

I miss u

rick baldwin

June 4, 2015

I quoted him again just last night,"If you have been in AA for a while & are not happy-YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG!".

S B

June 3, 2015

My deepest condolences to family & friends..
Since joining recovery in London in 2008, I really wanted to meet the man who helped me so so much without us even having met. He inspired me and many others here.
God sent a great servant.

Love u Sandy
from London

John F Kenney

January 28, 2015

The new post here brought me back to remembering all those Pearl Harbor Day meetings I attended at "St. Exxon" in Arlington, Va. Even though those were ostensibly Sandy's birthday celebrations, he was never the center of attraction. He always had lots of Vererans there to speak and what a hoot! Also attended by anybody who was anybody in the recovery business and of course lots of politicians and lobbyists in the program. Great memories. Thanks again Sandy.

Dave R

January 27, 2015

My condolences to Sandy's loved ones. A true giant. Thank you, Sandy, for sharing so much with so many, including me, and for working so hard to protect us from ourSelves.

Judy Horan

December 11, 2014

My very first AA meeting, nearly 30 years ago, was with Sandy...at Sibley Hospital in Washington DC. Saturday Morning Live. I was petrified and confused and his wisdom, mixed with humility, calmed and reassured me. Over the years I have always returned to his talks and his words for strength and guidance. I was so saddened to learn today (while preparing to chair a Step 11 meeting tonight in Mexico) of his sudden passing, in the place of his HP's choosing and I trust Sandy's too! RIP Sandy with much gratitude for all you gave.

Paul J

November 25, 2014

I was truly saddened to hear about the loss of Sandy. I attribute my long term sobriety to seed of hope and truth that Sandy spoke to my soul upon my arrival into the program. I always would listen to his step studies while I worked to remind me of how and why it works. Although you are no longer here in body you will always be here in spirit as long as I am sober I will carry your message.

Thank you my dear friend.

19 years sobriety

October 21, 2014

I am sad to hear that Sandy has passed. He was a great speaker and role model for me. I heard him several times over many years. My prayers and heart goes out to his family.

Sue Monaghan
Greenwood, S.C.

Barbara Dunlap

October 20, 2014

You have left your imprint in my life, in my recovery.....

October 20, 2014

When I was in rehab in Olney, Maryland they would bus us to NIH on Saturday mornings to hear him. He has a special place in my sober heart.

Mark P.

October 20, 2014

Thank you Sandy for your guidance and inspiration; for making the road to happy destiny easier to see and to trudge. Prayers of thanks and gratitude for you and for your journey; love and condolences to Sandy's family and close friends.
Mark P. Bethesda

Sandy, Bob B, Linda B, Christine B Orlando 2014

Chris Brubaker

October 18, 2014

Diaz Family

October 16, 2014

I fondly remember many times when Sandy came to our meetings in DC and spoke. He would always come up to me and give me a hug and say hi MOM! I loved hearing him speak. From my family to his family, our sincere condolences. AA Has Lost a Great Man and a Great Friend.

Doug Hart

October 14, 2014

One year after Sandy arrived in Tampa, I was in Washington DC in a hotel. Walking into the lobby, I noticed that an AA related gathering was taking place in the ballroom. I walked in, looking at their displays, introducing myself as being an AA from Tampa. The woman there said "If you are from Tampa, then you must know Sandy Beach! Tell him we love him and we miss him." I returned to Tampa and told Sandy. My sentiments toward him now are the same as hers.

Bill Ludwig

October 14, 2014

Sandy, Thank you for your love, as my cousin, as my guide the past 18 years of my recovery, through difficult times, and through helping others. Thank you for your legacy and for the opportunity to help keep it alive. Love...

Randy A

October 14, 2014

Prayers for Conway, Lew, Chris and Richard.... His voice was strong to the end. I will miss his guidance and friendship.. I will also miss laughing over a meal.

John F Kenney

October 13, 2014

Our condolences go out to the Beach family. For many years we were blessed with having Sandy in the Washington, D.C. area and therefore crossed paths often. Each and every time we heard Sandy speak at a meeting he touched on yet another tangent of the AA message. With great humility, wit and humor he inspired us to trudge along together on the road of happy destiny. Thanks Sandy

Bob Knaze

October 12, 2014

Sandy was a spiritual messenger. We often say we are here to save our tail not our soul. But they are often connected.

Sandy often expressed his issues with religion especially Catholics.....I hope he was not wrong............

Miss ya Sandy

Bob Knaze

October 11, 2014

You were and are a AA warrior. Thanks so much for your selfless contributions to Alcoholics Anonymous....Rest in Peace

David Grow

October 11, 2014

"Oh captain, my captain...!"

Irreplaceable, my hero in this program. God bless you dear Sandy! You've changed my life forever and I'm forever grateful to you!"

Chip Foerstner

October 10, 2014

Love You Brother, you Inspire me and will continue to do so, Peace

October 10, 2014

Such a privilege to know and speak with you one man to another. Thanks for your friendship; God's speed.

James Z. Tampa

Sam Crisinati

October 10, 2014

Thank you Sandy for your wisdom and humor in your talks.

Chris Brubaker

October 9, 2014

Christine and my weekends will never be the same. God speed my dear friend.

Chris & Christine

John B

October 9, 2014

God bless you, Sandy. Your message of hope, humor and the need to connect the God will resonate in me and so many thousands whose lives you touched. An inspiration. A friend. A true gift from God.

Marcia Brett

October 8, 2014

Listening to your tapes saved my life when I was struggling and traveling in foreign countries. Many times, I couldn't get to a meeting, and you gave me hope and laughter. Thank you,

October 8, 2014

Thanks. I learned a lot from you. Fred R. Pennsylvania

Mary R

October 8, 2014

Sandy was a true inspiration for so many people. I, for one, will miss him passing on the message. At least he's no longer in pain and is in a better place.

Mary R., Tampa, FL

October 8, 2014

Sandy was a true inspiration for so many people. I, for one, will miss him passing on the message. At least he's no longer in pain and is in a better place.

Mary R., Tampa, FL

Larry Surget

October 8, 2014

Thank you for many years of passion, laughter and carrying the message of hope. You will never be far from us.

Johnny G

October 8, 2014

A man who helped so many over decades of service work.

Mary Lobsinger

October 8, 2014

I have a new life with ever expanding spirituality thanks to God using Sandy as a channel to reach and teach me. God is sweet to have let Sandy record numerous AA talks that will reach and teach his AA brothers and sisters forever. Thank you Sandy. Thank you God.

Liz K

October 8, 2014

Thank you for your teachings that have helped aid myself and thousands in our recoveries. Though you have passed, you will continue to aid thousands through your prior live recorded teachings that continue to be offered in our program that is truly a gift for those who lend their ear, that will continue to carry your spiritual torch on your behalf. Thank you again for being such a wonderful spiritual teacher and leader through your decades of involvement in such a wonderful program.
Liz K ( Tampa, Florida)

Nanette Croteau

October 8, 2014

Bless you for all of your service work in the AA program, You changed my life and my way of thinking. I am truly grateful. My heartfelt sorrow goes out to His family and friends.

October 7, 2014

Love you cousin of mine. Just know that you had a reserved seat in Heaven. Please save a seat next to you for me.

October 7, 2014

Thanks Sandy, your message touched me on a very deep level. You are now "recovered"....We love you

Randy A

October 7, 2014

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Prayers for Conway, Chris, Lou and Richard.
Your father was a friend and mentor. I am honored to have known him.
I will miss our meals together. I will miss his guidance, but I suspect more than anything, I will miss the laughter.

October 7, 2014

Thanks for your wonderful service to the fellowship of AA. You were a gift of inspiration to many. We're glad our journeys in sobriety intersected. Chuck & Paula Tampa, FL

Mona Prior

October 7, 2014

Poem:

An angel was brought to us named Sandy Beach,
He was given the task to uplift the drunkard within his reach.

Through his own struggles and snares,
Sandy acquired the God-given gift of communicating he cares.

A sparkle in his eye with an outreached hand,
No more alone on an island strand.

When life pushes to and fro,
Sandy would say,
"Watch what happens when you finally let go!"

As time passed and he continued to give,
He taught us all a valuable gift on how to live...

"Forgive those who have hurt you for they too are sick,
The moment you make up your mind to forgive, joy returns just that quick!"

Dave barrelle

October 7, 2014

Sandy, thank you for your friendship and your help on my Spiritual growth . In Tampa, Turks & Cacos, Omaha, Venice and many other places . Your time and personal talks were a big help. God Bless & Rest in Peace

Dave Barrelle

October 7, 2014

Sandy, thank you for all of your tala we had. Your have helped me a lot in my life and growth. REDT IN OEACE.

BRIAN SAYLOR

October 6, 2014

I remember hearing a tape of yours in 1988 and you were talking about desepation and how AA throws us(Me) the life perserver and all I had to do was grab it and let go of what was dragging me down , Thank you , I've never forgot and never will.
Brian Saylor Grateful survivor

Noreen Donofrio

October 6, 2014

My prayers for the family. I did not know Sandy but he sounds like a great guy and one I would have been honored to have known. God Bless his soul and may he rest in peace. ??

Mark C.

October 6, 2014

Condolences and love from many many in the Northern Virginia and Maryland area. There really is one solution to all problems and that is conscious contact with God. The lighthouse disappears- but the light remains. Godspeed dear friend.

Bob Schlosser

October 6, 2014

I met Sandy shortly after he moved to Tampa and immediately asked him to speak at Palma Ceia. His "Drop the rock" talk was very helpful to me. Sandy will be hugely missed and taled about for years to come in the rooms.

Mark Meek

October 6, 2014

Thank you my friend for all you have given so many. You will never be forgotten and your message will be carried on by those whose lives you touched.

Margaret T-G

October 6, 2014

Such an inspiration, great heart and joy. You are forever loved. Thank you for making the 12 steps accessible to me. Sad that I won't be able to see and hear you again. Love,

Scott F.

October 6, 2014

Thank you Sandy for your beautiful message of recovery. Ours is truly a program of attraction, and you have attracted me as few ever have. I love listening to speaker "tapes" largely because of you. We will meet one day I am sure. For now it is my responsibility to help carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Peace be with you my friend and brother.

susanne

October 6, 2014

Thank you Sandy for the talks you gave at NIH many years ago. It was one of the few meetings that my husband and I could go to together and laugh our butts off and get insights into recovery at the same time. Peace be with you.

Gary B

October 6, 2014

Sandy You will Be Missed . Words can`t say how much you mean to all I AA . You Touch so many with your words ! Thank You For That Friendship!
God Bless
Gary B Bethlehem Pa

Jeffrey Hakanson

October 6, 2014

There is a Solution. Thank you for showing me the way.

Ron B

October 6, 2014

You were a important part of my "Journey " God bless you & keep you !!

RIP

Tom Edwards

October 6, 2014

Thank You for all the words of encouragement and hope ! You will be missed !

Bill Neary

October 5, 2014

I'll miss your wisdom and humor. You've been such a large part of my life for the last 9 years. Thank you for your friendship and support.

Matt and Amy Williams

October 5, 2014

Thank you for your service, Sandy. Your amazing gift for communicating the message is such a treasure. You will be missed, but will live on in each of us! God bless you and yours.

Suzanne B

October 5, 2014

You are truly blessed and have left all who come after you a wonderful legacy!! Thank you for all you have given so freely to our recovery community.

Kevin Mccullough

October 5, 2014

His light is shinning bright ,love you kevin st Pete beach fl

Donna Cassady

October 5, 2014

Rest in Peace, Sandy. You left this world while being where you loved. God bless you and thank you for your great messages, support and willingness to give it away.

John W.

October 5, 2014

Conway, to you, your brothers and the entire family my deepest condolences.
I will miss our chats on the drive to Mid-day Matinee and his voice from behind me saying "good job" if he liked the topic and meeting when I chaired. I'll always envision him sitting on that oak pew with the small American flag that hangs from the ceiling above 'his spot' at his home group. Thank you Sandy you are missed, but always remembered.

Nancy Mitts

October 5, 2014

Sandy was a brilliant speaker and teacher of AA's principles and way of life. He led by his example and humor. He has blessed my life magnificently. I hope his family and fiends are comforted in knowing how many lives he touched.

Steve f

October 5, 2014

Thanks for everything. Guidance, "big bang theory" and the " treasure map" but mostly, the humor.

Debbie H

October 5, 2014

a wonderful man, carried the message to the very end, maybe he rest in peace and may his family be comforted in this time of great loss.

Gary Roy II

October 5, 2014

Rest in Peace Sandy, you will be missed. GOD bless you. And thank you for the inspiration.

Jan Jones

October 5, 2014

Sandy was one of a kind. He was such a powerful example to all of us. He will be missed by so many!

Ted Hasle

October 5, 2014

It was always a joy to have Sandy present at our many conventions. A beautiful man and a beautiful soul. Thank you for your passion and messages of love and inspiration. You will be missed.

Sue Haase

October 5, 2014

Thank you for all you gave. It was an honor to have known you. You will be missed deeply.

John McCormick

October 5, 2014

A Man With An Answer. Now We Get To Carry His Torch A Little Further. Rest In Peace Sandy B. God Has Blessed You And Us With Your Gift. John McCormick

Dick C

October 5, 2014

I take solace in knowing that Sandy has no more pain and suffering and is able to have his "chat" with Bill W. as one of his first priorities when he finally meets him in heaven. It has been a privilege to be one of his many sponsee's and learn so much over the past 16 years.

Eric and Loueita Hargens

October 5, 2014

Always in our hearts. A truly unforgettable man. Condolences to his children, especially our friend Conway. Rest in Peace, dear Sandy.

Chris P

October 5, 2014

I was blessed to be able to see and hear sandy share for many years here in Tampa. Thank god his message was so well preserved

rick baldwin

October 4, 2014

I met the man several times & he may have even remembered my name.My first introduction to him was on a tape,30 years ago,which he ended by saying,"If you've been in AA for a while & you're not happy-you're doing it wrong!"How right he was.

Joseph Ryan

October 4, 2014

I remember in 1994 when I heard Sandy share and it really made sense. What a beautiful ability to communicate and love.

Robert Knaze

October 4, 2014

I met Sandy in Houston. He was a gifted speaker. Now he has finally "Dropped the Rock" and will be at the meeting in the sky. he always set the bar high at conferences now he has done the ultimatum.. Passing away at a meeting. Will remember him always and he will be with me always in spirit. Tell Gene Windsor and Chuck C. I said Hi Sandy.

John Adams

October 4, 2014

During the last ten years of my journey, your voice has become the voice of inspiration, love and Truth. You changed my life, although I only met you once. I told you that when I met you and you simply said that Chuck C. changed yours. Your light still burns brightly in the thousands of lives of those who love you.

Diane E

October 4, 2014

I will always remember your smile and your passion for the fellowship. You were a gifted story teller and helped me laugh at myself and not take life so seriously. A big hug to you Sandy B.

Nita Rentrop Carney

October 4, 2014

So sorry for the loss. I know it is a large one for the family. And a large one for our fellowship. And a large one for this heart heavy woman. Sandy pulled me through one on the darkest times as we both travelled the path of grief. He will live forever in our hearts and minds.

Don Claeys

October 4, 2014

I had made arrangements to fly into Tampa on Monday some time ago. Naturally I was hoping to see Sandy on my visit to his city. God had other plans for both of us. Sandy you had said you wanted to see what was on the other side and God has given you your wish. Enjoy it my friend for you have certainly earned it. I will miss you but I will see you again. Be well.

Mark A.

October 3, 2014

Sandy's voice was one of the few that helped me get through the roughest patch of my sobriety. I am sad that the man behind the voice has moved on; I wish much love and comfort for his family and friends. Once again I am humbled by how much I have been blessed by Sandy and others who came before me. I will endeavor to Drop the Rock and ask for the courage to "change the things I cannot accept."

October 3, 2014

You saved my life--and that of many others. Bless you on your new journey.

Rene R

October 3, 2014

Thank you for "showing" me how to live....God truly gifted you to us. I might even have some chicken noodle soup...My deepest condolences for your family. Love, Hugs and Prayers...xo

October 3, 2014

Thank you for my sobriety, Angie O.
Lexington, South Carolina

Patty V

October 3, 2014

I am one of the 'many' whose life you've touched. Your presence will be missed. May your family find comfort and peace during this time of grief.

john

October 3, 2014

Your legacy will live eternally...Thank you sandy B

Paul P.

October 3, 2014

Thanks Sandy for all you've done for me and countless others... and all the echoes we will hear of your voice for years to come.

Jackie Clarke

October 3, 2014

I began my journey in DC in 1984 listening to Sandy every Saturday morning until he moved to Tampa. I then moved to St.Pete in 2003 where I could listen to him in person again. His wisdom and humor will always be remembered by me and so many others.

Fred Jeske

October 3, 2014

Here's how Sandy helped me: You'd call him, his answering machine picked up and said: "Hi, I'm not here right now. I'm out trying to change the things I cannot accept!" I will miss this true icon. Most fitting that he passed in a meeting...

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