George Robert Beach

1920 - 2014

George Robert (Bob) Beach

Bob was born to parents Lloyd John and Elsie May Higgins Beach in Hallock, Minnesota on June 24, 1920 and passed on August 18, 2014 as a result of a tragic fall from the roof of his home.

His family left Hallock, MN to farm in Ada, MN. Bob worked the farm from a very young age with his father and the hired men. At age 12 his father was seriously injured and Bob had to take over the daily operations of the family farm throughout his father's year-long recovery. Bob had a strong bond and deep love for his father throughout his life.

In 1937 Bob and his family moved from their Ada, MN farming community to Renton, WA. At 17 years old, he drove the family truck with the family belongings (following his dad, mom and siblings in the car) over the difficult roads and mountains. He always remembered that challenging trip!

He met his future wife, Viola (Vi) Anna Corlis when he arrived in Renton. She and her family had just reached Renton moving from their home in South Dakota. Bob and Vi were married April 19, 1939. Bob loved, cherished and respected Vi throughout their 74 year marriage and experienced deep sorrow and loneliness since her passing July 18, 2013.

Bob and Vi were devout Christians, accepting the Lord in 1952 and faithfully serving their life-long churches, Roadside Chapel and Highlands Community Church, until their deaths.

After moving to Renton, like so many others, Bob did factory work and any other work that was available. In the late 1940's he completed Barber College and became a beloved barber and friend to many. He practiced his profession in Washington, Arizona, California, and a few other states in his travels.

A great love of Bob's life was music. He played the violin, Hawaiian steel guitar, Spanish guitar, and everyone's favorite, the harmonica (most requested song "The Ranger's Waltz"). From a very young age until the Wednesday before his death he entertained at dances, parties, church, social clubs and most treasured of all, family events. He loved to dance and he and Vi made such a striking couple on the dance floor and throughout their life together.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Vi, parents, grandson Gregory Lee Hallock, brothers Floyd, Raymond, Erling (Swede), sisters Doris (in infancy), and most recently Dorothy Carey.

He is survived by daughters Bobbie (Lee) Hallock and Iola (Paul) Rehn, grandson Jeffrey (Jessica) Rehn 2 great-grandchildren: Hallie & Colton Rehn, sisters Beverly Johnson and Donna Colvin, numerous nieces and nephews, and our family friend, the son dad never had Dennis Wickstrom.

Our dad was a very special man. We know that his gentle presence will always be with us until we join him and mom in Heaven.

A Memorial service will be held at the Highlands Community Church, Renton, WA on Friday, September 26, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.

Luncheon Reception Immediately

Following Service. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Please share your thoughts

and memories of Bob at:

www.greenwoodmempark.com.