Byron Beckes

1941 - 2019

Byron Beckes obituary, 1941-2019, Walnut Creek, CA

BORN

1941

DIED

2019

Byron Beckes Obituary

Byron Hartley Beckes

June 2, 1941 - May 16, 2019Walnut Creek

Byron was born in Los Angeles, but grew up in San Francisco from the age of five. He graduated from Lincoln High School and San Francisco State University where he excelled in athletics despite battling lifelong severe chronic asthma. Byron was passionate about life and had a strong desire to be a contribution to others. He volunteered for Suicide Prevention, was a "Big Brother" to two "Little Brothers", helped school children improve their reading skills and finally found his true calling being a Little League baseball coach in Walnut Creek. In 2016, after 30 years of coaching, the Walnut Creek Little League Board acknowledged Byron's contribution by naming a local baseball field in his honor.
Although the odds were against him because of his illness, Byron was a fierce competitor in sports and card games. People enjoyed being around him because of his engaging personality and optimistic, yet realistic, view of life. At work and play, Byron was a man of honor, leaving a lasting impact on those who crossed his path, from the players he coached to the youth he mentored. He was an upbeat guy with a great sense of humor and a big heart who was loved and respected by many. This is how Byron will always be remembered. He will be greatly missed!
Byron is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Jutta, and his sister, Shelley, who adored him!
Friends and Family are invited to a Celebration of Byron's Life to be held on Sunday June 2, 2019 at 1:30 pm in the Eagle Room at The Greenery Restaurant, Diablo Hills Golf Course, 1551 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Sports attire welcomed!

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 23 to May 26, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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Man, Byron Beckes, we met when I was 10, 48 years ago, but you never forget a man like this, funny, good sportsman, didnt mind playing catch with a 10yr old bat boy, such a great guy, Im sorry our paths never met again, he was one of my dads favorite players and person and mine also, never forget!

Bobby Hammond

Friend

May 20, 2020

The Hammond family is so sorry to learn this. Byron was shortstop for my husband's (Jack) Round Table baseball teams and many other teams. . I was always the scorekeeper and nick-named Byron E-6., for any error he made at shortstop. Byron was always a spark for the team and well liked by all the players. This brings back many happy memories. Byron was also a fellow Abraham Lincoln graduate.

Barbara Hammond

July 4, 2019

Thanks for all you gave to Walnut Creek little league. Many kids , now adults, are much better off for having played on your teams

Harry Kirsch

June 3, 2019

Byron was my little league coach for the WCLL and TOC Champion Angels. As an emotional kid I took bad at-bats and team losses very hard. Byron had a way of coaching and mentoring that helped me develop and maintain a love of baseball despite all the frustrations the game caused me. He guided our team in developing fundamentals in both physical and mental skills. Byrons guidance helped me achieve my dream of playing Major League Baseball. From Tom Emanski break and throw drills to fielding ground balls with ping pong paddles, his passion for training and competition were infectious and inspiring. Lessons I learned from him as a 10 year-old have stayed with me through my adult life. Unfortunately I could not be at his memorial service, but for a reason I am positive Byron would approve: I was working, in St. Louis, for the Chicago Cubs where I currently serve as a Mental Skills coach, passing on the lessons I learned from Coach Byron to the next generation of MLB superstars.

I can see him now in Heaven, with a fungo bat, a ball cap, and a smile on his face, ready to help a new set of Angels develop a love for Americas past time.

John Baker

Student

June 2, 2019

My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May your cherished memories created, brighten your days and help sustain you at this time. John 6:40 gives much comfort by looking forward to Jesus promise of seeing your love one again

Ebony

May 29, 2019

With the Saints give rest, O Lord, to the soul of your servant Byron where there is not pain, nor any sorrow, nor any sighing, but Life everlasting.

With fond remembrance,

Bob Andrews,
WCLL Umpire in Chief

May 29, 2019

To my Lincoln High, Mustang Brother.
Rest in Peace Byron.

Pat Crocker

May 27, 2019

I knew Byron as a teenager.....played with and against him in baseball and basketball. He was a fierce competitor and always a great guy. My condolences to his wife, sister, and friends.
Chuck Krieger
Scottsdale, AZ

May 26, 2019

So very sorry to the family and friends of Byron for your loss. May God comfort you through this difficult time. John 6:40

Trish

May 26, 2019

I'm sorry for your loss. May God provide you comfort and peace during this time of sorrow and sadness. "Pray constantly" 1 Thessalonians 5:17 FP

May 24, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Jun

2

Celebration of Life

1:30 p.m.

Eagle Room at The Greenery Restaurant, Diablo Hills Golf Course

1551 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek, CA

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