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David Beck Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Beck
Bob Shepard
July 30, 2021
I miss you my dear friend. Great memories and the very best of genuine laughs and friendship.
Eddra
September 25, 2008
Peace
Gwen Henson Payne
September 5, 2008
We were loyal customers of Sundance Automotive because Dave and the gang took such good care of us. He kept a clean shop and dealt fairly with his customers. My husband Paul always found time to shoot the breeze with Dave; they enjoyed many fun conversations. My son was captivated by all Dave's toy cars. I hope you're having fun on that big racetrack in the sky.
Michele Neff
August 28, 2008
We will all miss a truly great person and friend. I know that he lived life to the fullest and we'll miss his friendship as well as his additude toward life.
Pete & Michele Neff
Dave Keyes
August 19, 2008
Dave and I have been friends since the early 60's. We had one main thing in common- we were "Gearheads". We drag raced together, ran around together, shared an apt. together and served together in the AZ Air National Guard. I remember the many trips together to the drag races at Lions, or Fontana, San Gabriel and, of course, Bakersfield. When I was building my dragster, Dave and I spent a week sleeping on the floor in Doug Kruse's apartment while he pounded out the aluminum body at Jocko's shop in Long Beach. We were the 60's Drag Racers- baby! We have remained good friends for over 45 years now. Last fall I had the pleasure of going to the Annual Hot Rod Reunion at Bakersfield with Dave and his beautifully restored "Ridge Route Terror". It was like going back to the '60's - but with clean clothers and a few bucks in our pockets. We had a great time- saw old friends, met new friends, bench raced alot, participated in the "cackle fest" and relived some of our best memories. It just doesn't seem possible it has been 45 years- I'll miss you- you were just like family. Unitl we meet again at the Ultimate Reunion- God Speed and God Bless. Dave
Jim Kornemann
August 18, 2008
I was truly saddened to learn of Daves death.I hadn't seen Dave much in the past few months,as I was so busy getting my new shop ready for the hot weather. I was fortunate to have met Dave in 1998.
We did quite a few things together be it, drag races, circle track races, or swap meets!I'll never forget the day he came to my new shop in Tempe,He was so excited for me and I really appreciated that.He was a true friend and I will really miss him. Thank you Dave,for being my friend.May God bless and keep you safe.
Jim Kornemann
Bill Cahn
August 13, 2008
It was with tremendous sadness that I read of Dave's passing. I first met Dave and Bill in the early 1960s. During the years that followed I have many fond memories of time spent at Valley Speed later Valley Engine Service. Trips to California (Lions Dragstrip) and the days spent on the hill at PIR watching Indy cars and barbecuing steaks from Daer's Market. I remember the Congadelies (I think Dave's first experience with motorcycles) and the hours he spent at Valley Engine playing horse with Jack and John. Most of all I remember and will miss that glimmer in his eyes and the never ending smile. Dave, sadly I say vaya con Dios my friend. Rest in peace.
Chip & Dee Cunningham
August 13, 2008
Dave,
I stopped by Sundance today to say,"Hi" and they told my you were gone. I enjoyed going to work every when you were my boss. You really helped me and my family in the mid 1970's and we will always remember you.
Debbie Drastrup
August 13, 2008
What a very special chapter of my life I owe to David!!! I shared 6 wonderful years of memories with him during the 70's. We were married for a very short time but remained together even after our divorce. David was the type of man you simply felt good just being around. Such a wonderful wit and sense of humor. When hearing of this tradgedy I found myself taking out all 5 of my scrapbooks and slowly going through each page with joy and sadness. Could it have been that long ago? I was blessed to have David for those very special years.
I want to send my condolences to Bill and his family..Debbie Drastrup
Gary Rickard
August 11, 2008
I first met Dave Beck in 1959, where else but at a drag race. He was driving a yellow 48 Ford two door coupe with a modified flat head engine (cool then, cool now). That meeting started a 49 year friendship. If it had to do with racing, speed, swap meets, or attractive ladies, Dave was always at the ready. Dave worked at Franklin Press as a printing press operator, Xerox as a repair technician and started a parts and repair business called Sundance in Mesa. I had my own similar business in Phoenix and we swapped parts, gossip, and customer experiences for 20 years. Later in life, I didn’t get to see Dave as much as I wanted, but we talked often on the phone. He never changed, always racing, speed, swap meets, and attractive ladies. The last of the Valley Speed/Engine trio is now gone. I’m sure Dave is standing at the counter with a dice cup in his hand, playing ship, captain and crew with “China” Jack Daer, and John Becker, having the time of his life (but with “China” winning all the money) . It won’t be a too long time before we all join them. I will miss you Dave.
Gary Rickard
Otis Garnand
August 11, 2008
Dave,
Goodbye!
Lanny Berry
August 11, 2008
I met dave shortly after I moved to Phoenix from California. I needed a mechanic to fix my wife's car, which began a long, pleasurable professional and personal friendship. Dave and I shared a passion for good wine and fast cars. He had dinner at our house and my wife often sent him some of her cakes and pies. I also had the pleasure of visiting his new home. Dave was truly a friend who my family will miss.
Chad Ragland
August 10, 2008
What a great guy. All my memories of Dave will be good ones. A true trend setter that loved to have a good time, and always tried to make sure others were doing the same. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Bill Goosic
August 6, 2008
We will miss you Dave!
Your infectious laugh,that look in your eye,the smile on your face when they called "First Round" . . .
Rest In Peace. Rest In Peace
The Goosics
Warren Merriman
August 6, 2008
I was privileged to be able to participate in preserving some small part of the golden age of drag racing by photographing the reconstruction of the Warren/Coburn/Miller front motor fueler. I thanked Dave many times for him allowing me to do the photography, and I regret very much that I did not get to know him much better. My condolences to his friends and family.
Garry Smith
August 6, 2008
He will be missed at the Bull&Beer sessions...
Malcolm Hupp & G. Smith
Ralph Bray
August 6, 2008
Dave was great friend of mine. I enjoyed going to Nascar & Drag races with Dave.We use to go on weekend road trips to California & Las Vegas. I attended my first Drag race with Dave in 1997. Dave thanks for all the great memories.God Bless You
Pete Klees
August 6, 2008
Dave:
Having done business with you and having you as my ONLY mechanic I trust, I just want to say how much I'll miss you and seeing you around during my oil changes. You were a good business guy with a good head on your shoulders. You will be truly missed as one of my favorite clients and consider you a friend.
Pete
Lou Lane
August 6, 2008
Sure sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I met Dave in 1962 and we had a lot of wonderful times at the race track and shared many other memorable times together. I considered him a dear friend and a great guy. He will be missed dearly. God Bless.
Susie Shumake-Anderson
August 5, 2008
Those were the days my friend ... and without a doubt David was one of my best friends. We became "companions" in the mid 90's for almost 4 years and since we both loved racing, we traveled to Daytona, Vegas, California and spent countless hours watching races on TV. We enjoyed the finest food and wines, attended many musical events, art shows (Dave Newman Art Gallery) was one of our dear friends. Dave and I had the same circle of friends for over 35 years so it was natural we spent so much time together. He loved his brother Bill and I would think Albert was his best friend through the good times and the bad. Dave organized the "gang" going to the Supercross events, got everyone together for Birthday parties and always made sure everyone had what they needed. My children relied on his mechanical skills for their vehicles and more than that they knew that Dave made me happy! I will never forget our good times and will forever cherish our memories. I loved David Beck ... always did ... always will. Life goes on and so will we, but there will always be a spot in our hearts for this great man! Susie Shumake-Anderson
August 5, 2008
You will be missed at the Bull Sessions!
Malcolm Hupp & G.Smith
colleen ragland
August 5, 2008
DAVE WAS SUCH A GENTLE, FUN, AND WITTY GUY. WE ALL WANTED TO BE AROUND HIM AND HEAR OF HIS FUN EXPERIENCES AND GREAT STORIES. HE SEEMED TO BE THE FIRST TO GET IT AND THE FIRST TO SHARE IT. MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO LOVED HIM.
KAREN DYAR
August 5, 2008
DEAR DAVE:
IT WAS A SINCERE PLEASURE TO BE OF SERVICE TO YOU AND YOUR COMPANY. ALL OF US AT VALLEY TOWING WILL MISS YOUR KINDNESS AND GREAT PERSONALITY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND HOLD YOU CLOSE IN HIS ARMS FOREVER.
SINCERELY,
KAREN DYAR & FAMILY
Kathy E.
August 5, 2008
I knew Dave many, many years ago when he worked for Xerox. I worked in the office, and he was a field "tech rep", but he broke his foot or something, and so was assigned to work in the office until he could get around better. We took turns dispatching service, and got to know each other in a very fun, work-casual way. I enjoyed working with him and was sorry when he returned to the field. A great fellow, very amusing sense of humor - we laughed a lot.
Gil Cyphert
August 5, 2008
Dave, In the final race you made it to the finish line first. I wish I could have enjoyed more of the journey with you - Your friend, Gil Cyphert
Kim Beck-Spector
August 5, 2008
Dave, you were such a wonderful friend. Seems like I knew you my whole life. I laugh about the drag races you took me to, dancing and our trip to California. I'm sure god needs a tune-up. Rest well, you will be missed. PS. Always loved the last name. Goodbye dear man
Linda Brown
August 5, 2008
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. I met him in 1991 @ Sundance. I was dating his co-worker, Rick Brown, at the time. Dave was very kind to me and I have never forgotten him. Rick and I married but, unfortunately, Rick passed away last September. He had left Dave's employ in the 90's, but he always spoke highly of him. They both shared a love of automotive toys and I'm sure they are talking about them right now. I will remember Dave and his family in my prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy
Linda Brown
Ken Bowers
August 5, 2008
Dave, You will be missed, remembered and appreciated always. Your friends in motorsports are grateful for the part you contributed to their lives. Ken Bowers, Chaplain - Racers for Christ
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