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Robert Beck Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Winston-Salem Journal.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Iwan Herz
January 23, 2021
Walaupun belum pernah bertemu Prof. Beck, apresiasi setinggi-tingginya atas terobosan dan penemuan fenomenalnya. simpati dari hati.
Iwan_Indonesia
David Beck
January 3, 2020
Miss you Dad!
William Lee
January 20, 2012
I was entirely shocking and caught off guard upon finding out this news. I was Dr. Beck's student in the 1966-1968 master degree programs. He is a great teacher and a gentle friend. He is one of my most respectful persons that I know of. During the last 6-7 years we have been routinely exchanging Xmas emails until the year of 2010. He had delayed replying his mail until 1/24/2011. It did not occur to me that he might have a health problem, because he was always a go-go-go person and in great shape. I finally found it out today via sending a Happy Year Greeting mail to him and it returned with an invalid email mailbox. Through Internet I found this obituary news immediately. I was regretful that I was not sensitive enough to find this out earlier. Anyway, I am very sad in losing a great teacher and a nice friend. However, his teaching, hard working and friendship will be remembered by me and fellow students forever.
Finally my thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Beck and her family.
William Lee (San Diego, CA)
Alana Seibert
September 11, 2011
I was certainly caught off guard upon learning this news earlier today. I had the privilege of being Dr. Beck's honors student five years ago, but he continued to mentor me (in fact, I should be working on revisions to my long-lost honors paper as we speak). I shared this with him at his retirement, but the best advice he ever gave me (in prep for grad school interviews) was to "be myself." His conviction to science and passion for living were always evident. The Wake Forest family, as well as the Beck family, have lost a wonderful man. My sincerest condolences.
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Jennifer Slawinski Blessing
September 10, 2011
I just learned the news of Dr. Beck's passing. I am sad that his retirement years weren't as many as his exemplary years as a teacher, mentor, and scientist. As an undergraduate in his honors class, I must admit being a bit intimidated by him. But the next years as a Wake MA student, I found him to be an extraordinary teacher and an amazing wit. Much of what he taught - and how it taught it - I still use today in my own psych courses. And even more so - I fondly remember all the basketball conversations we had together during Wake "better " seasons.
My condolences to Dr. Beck's family. And to his friends at WFU. He was truly a wonderful man.
Drew Edwards
September 9, 2011
Bob's death is the end of an era at WFU, and his presense on campus is already missed. I first met him as a grad student in 1966, and remember him fondly from those days. That fondness and respect have continued during my 30+ years on the faculty. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and others who loved Bob.
Donna Hall
September 8, 2011
Bettianne,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Although I never met him, I always enjoyed talking with you about your family throughout the years we worked together in the Athletic Dept. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dear family.
George Graham
September 2, 2011
I served on the Wake faculty for more than five years, holding a chair in the Department of Philosophy. I had known Bob from a several year previous visit to the University as well as from reading and admiring his textbook on learning and motivation. From the day I joined the faculty, Bob welcomed me as a colleague. We then met and talked often, once over billiards in his home. He is one of the few academic professionals I have ever met who combined deep love for his institution with all of the people associated with it. The two were fused in his affections. People and place. A gem. That he has so many persons signing his praises in this guest book is no surprise. He will be much, much missed. A humble, intelligent, committed man.
Jessica Beck
September 1, 2011
Aunt Bettianne,
It saddens me greatly to know that I will never get to meet the man behind so many family stories my father has told me. From what I've been reading, and what I've heard from my father, Uncle Bob was a great man, and will be missed. I still look forward to getting to meet you and to hear more about Uncle Bob's life. (I'm Bill's daughter)
Tony da Luz
September 1, 2011
Bettianne, I want you to know I will dearly miss Bob and his loyal support of me and our Wake Forest womens soccer team. Bob would always take the time to write me a note to congratulate the team after every big win or console us after a loss. He was a true soccer fan and a fantastic person. The WF Community will miss him.
Alyssa Cantin
August 31, 2011
I had the privilege of being in Dr. Beck’s last honors class as well as his motivation of behavior class. Dr. Beck’s kindness, intelligence, passion for teaching and learning, and genuine interest in his students will be carried with me forever. He had this amazing way of bringing his honors students together, always supporting us while challenging us as well. I am so honored to have been his student and to have learned so much from him. I am very thankful I had Dr. Beck as a professor and will always remember him.
August 30, 2011
I worked with Bob for almost 33 years and will always value highly the memory of his impact on me and my life in the department. He will be missed.
Cecilia Solano
Dale Dagenbach
August 30, 2011
Bettianne,
I have so many fond memories of Bob it's hard to know what to share. I was fortunate to have an office next to his when I arrived at Wake Forest, and he went out of his way to make me feel welcome and to help me settle in to my new community. And being next to Bob meant that I got the benefit of his delightful sense of humor on a regular basis. And his work was impressive too. After all, he "wrote the book" on motivation. More recently, I also fondly remember him popping in near the end of his career to show me that he'd just had a research paper accepted for publication. He was a teacher, a scientist, and a fundamentally good person. We will miss him so much.
Eric Stone
August 29, 2011
There are few people who have affected as many lives positively as Bob did. His life continues to have a major impact on me and countless others, and I am saddened that he didn't have the opportunity to enjoy this next phase of his life for as long as he deserved. He is very much missed.
mike louca
August 29, 2011
really great smart man.
Lisa Kiang
August 29, 2011
I will never forget a story Bob told me once about being often mistaken for a student when he started working at WFU. What an amazing teacher, scholar, mentor, role model, legacy. He will be missed.
Will Fleeson
August 29, 2011
I will always remember and benefit from the many fascinating discussions Bob and I shared in the Psychology department, and I will miss working together on the research we were planning. I am very sorry for your loss and I will be thinking of you.
Jennifer Averill
August 29, 2011
Bettianne,
Several of my student-athletes were forntunate enough to have your husband as a teacher. Please know that he had a very profound affect upon them and their lives. May you find peace in knowing how much he was loved and admired by so many.
Sincerely,
Terry Blumenthal
August 29, 2011
I'm really sorry that Bob didn't get to enjoy his retirement for as long as he should have. But he certainly enjoyed the years before retirement, as we all saw whenever we had a chance to talk to him. Bob was a model of the great teacher, scientist, and mentor, and I learned a lot from him. He also taught me how to sink a double bank shot (the man was a terrific pool player). Bob was my colleague and friend, and he provided the perfect example of how to live a complete life. Thanks for everything, Bob.
August 29, 2011
Bettianne, sorry to hear about your loss. I enjoyed knowing you and Bob for the number of years I worked at WFU. You will be in our hearts and prayers.
Sara Mecham
Benita Claiborne
August 29, 2011
Dr. Beck was my professor while I got my Masters at Wake. He was a kind and fun man. You hosted the first party for the department on my arrival. I am so sorry for your loss. Benita (Bull) Claiborne
Brenda Scott
August 29, 2011
Bettianne,
He will be dearly missed. Thinking of you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With Deep Sympathy,
Brenda
August 29, 2011
My undergraduate mentor, who recommended that I attend Wake's MA program, was among the first class of graduate students that Bob taught at WFU. I had the great privileged of being among the last. The program has lost a truly great teacher, mentor, and friend, and he will be missed very much by all the students who knew him. But I feel even more sadness for those incoming students who will never get the chance to learn from him. Bob was a one-of-a kind teacher and scholar, and although his legacy will live on in the department, he truly is not replaceable.
August 29, 2011
Mrs. Beck,
I met Bob 10 years ago when I moved to Winston-Salem to work in the Athletic Department. Bob was one of the first professors I met and he made me feel right at home. He became a good friend and colleague. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dwight Lewis, Winston Salem, NC
Elizabeth Miller
August 29, 2011
Dear Mrs. Beck,
We are so sorry to hear about Dr. Beck. He was a special part of the Wake Forest community and will be missed!
Ann Flynn
August 29, 2011
Bettianne,
May God comfort you during this time of sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
August 29, 2011
Bettianne,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you feel the presence of God surround you and be filled with hope at the thought of your eternal reunion with him.
Blessings,
Krista Holgate
Wake Forest Athletics
Teresa Hill
August 29, 2011
I had the privilege of knowing Bob for the past 29 years through the Department of Psychology. He was such a wonderful teacher, mentor, and colleague and one of the most intelligent men I have ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
He will be missed in the Psychology Department "family."
Sue and Brad Bennett
August 28, 2011
Mrs. Beck,
We were sorry to hear about Dr. Beck's passing. You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sue and Brad Bennett
Kati Gigler
August 28, 2011
I was a student of Dr. Beck's the last year he led the psychology department's honors seminar. That was spring of my junior year, but Dr. Beck remained involved in my life and the lives of my classmates through graduation and beyond. He always had time to talk to us about our lives outside of research and really cared about what we had to say. I will always remember Dr. Beck as an integral part of my Wake Forest experience, for he was not only a fantastic scientist, but also a devoted teacher and mentor. He will be missed.
August 27, 2011
I had the privilege of being a member of Dr. Beck's last class of honors students, and I speak for all of us when I say that we adored Dr. Beck. He was kind, kept us on our toes, academically, and had a great sense of humor. I remember one instance in which I told him that I had woven a psychological theory that we discussed in class into an English paper, and he asked to read it! His thoughtfulness really left an impression on me. I am grateful to Dr. Beck for shaping my undergraduate education through his long history of involvement in the psychology department at Wake Forest.
Emily Pendergrast Taylor, '10
Julie Hines Stubner
August 27, 2011
Bettianne, we are so very very sorry to hear of Dr. Beck's passing. You & Dr. Beck are two of the kindest people I have ever known. I always felt so warm & welcomed in your home & have fond memories of visiting with you & dr. Beck at your kitchen table:)
I know that he impacted many!
Keep your memories close.
You & your big, beautiful family are in my thoughts & prayers at this time!!
Much Love,
Julie
Sheivon Benfield
August 27, 2011
Sheivon Bunch Benfield I'm so sorry for you loss Meredy. I did not know. My daughter and grandson moved back in with us and I have not been keeping in touch like I want too. You know I love you. Have you and your family in my thoughts and Prayers.
Patricia White Kiser
August 27, 2011
Patricia White Kiser
Meredy, Mary from etc just called to tell me. I am so sorry. what a shock. I really wanted to call you but know how hectic is is for you right now, so fb will do. Please know that I am thinking about you and your family. Love to you PK
Lisa Johnson
August 27, 2011
Lisa D. Johnson
So sorry to hear about your father. I know you will miss him. Stay strong and call me if you need anything
Candy Cornwell Barron
August 27, 2011
Candy Cornwell Barron
Been gone since earlyThursday moning and just got back last night so I just now saw about your father. I am so sorry to hear that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Pls let me and Ron know if ther is anyhting that we can do.
Debbie Klapprodt
August 27, 2011
Debbie Klapprodt
Dear Meredy, I am so sorry for your loss. I read the WFU article, his accomplishments are amazing. You are blessed to have had him as your father. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. If you ever need a long weekend away you are welcome to come to our humble home on the Outer Banks. Love Debbie
Regan Redding
August 27, 2011
Bobby, I read the article about Dr. Beck posted by Meredy via Amy. Please let Amy and the girls know how sorry I am and that my thoughts and prayers are with you guys. He was indeed an amazing man.
Tina Barnes Mitchell
August 27, 2011
Tina Barnes Mitchell
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and please let me know if you need anything.
Taggert & Cris
August 27, 2011
Taggert Siegel
Hey guys. Cris and I don't want to interject right now, just wanted to tell you we're keeping all of you an your kids in our thoughts. We are incredibly saddened by the news of Uncle Bob, and wanted to pass along our condolences.
Unfortunately no words of wisdom, just thoughts of all the fun over the years. If there's anything we can do from afar to help, just let me know.
We love all of you tremendously, and please give Aunt Betty a big hug from us.
Taggert and Cris
Meredy Swafford
August 26, 2011
I have copied and pasted posts from FB from Stuart and Kristin Hills
August 19Stuart Hills
Hey Guys,
I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about your Dad. I think he and our Dad were at the forefront of non-conformity in the neighborhood. I imagine they are doing the same together right now.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
All our best,
Stuart Hills
There are definitely a few shots of him in the home movies. i just watched them recently and was so struck when i saw him at our house on Christmas day, first Christmas after mom died and was just thinking how thoughtful of him, to know that we all and perhaps particularly Daddy, would be feeling sad and he was there supporting us.- Kristin Hills Bradberry
Edie Lucas
August 26, 2011
Meredy and family. I was only around your Dad a few times, but there was something that drew me to him. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Cheryl Hughes
August 26, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Meredy is a good friend of ours and we know by talking to her that her father was a great man. We also lived across the street from Amy when we lived in Winston-Salem. We hope you all find the strength to heal from this loss. He will never be forgotten. Cheryl & Dick Hughes
Mal & Berta Hart
August 26, 2011
We did not know Mr. Beck but in reading some of the comments and write-up's I must say, it is our loss not to have enjoyed him as a wonderful person, dad and husband. Our thoughts are with you and your trail of family & friends. Mal and Berta Hart (buddies to Meredy and fellow riders too)
Lynne Painter
August 26, 2011
To the Beck family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Even though I have never met him, I have heard many wonderful things from Meredy and knew she loved her daddy very much. There will be a lot of great memories to reflect on. May God comfort you all. Love, Lynne
Jan Krebs
August 26, 2011
Bettianne and family - I met Bob for the first time about 40 years ago at a political rally at your new home. I was impressed then with Bob's kind, academic demeanor. As I grew to know him better, though never well, I always emphathised with his love of family and animals and clunkers! He will be missed, but what wonderful memories you all have. My thoughts are with you. Jan
Cindy Stampe
August 26, 2011
Meredy, and all the family and friends of your dad, I am so sorry for your loss. You are close in my thoughts. Much love ~ Cindy
Bettianne S. Ford/Benefield
August 26, 2011
Uncle Bob played a huge role in my life - encouraging, guiding and interacting. He was a role model and a friend. I have so many fond memories of conversations and activities with him and the family over the years. I will miss exchanging humorous quips and interesting stories, as well as emails and photos. It is gratifying to know that there are so many others who have their own wonderful memories of him. My family will miss him greatly and our thoughts are with our aunt and cousins.
John Collins, Jr.
August 26, 2011
A true friend, father, brother,uncle, and grandfather has left us all with so much to remember and be thankful of. We'll remember and cherish the good times with friends and loved ones.
August 25, 2011
I can say, as one of his former students, that Dr. Beck was a wonderful professor and a tremendous asset to the psychology department at WFU. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the psychology department.
Jeremy Chapman, MA '94
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