Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Christopher Beckman Obituary
News Death Notice
BECKMAN, Christopher "Doc" age 38, of Oakwood in Dayton, OH, recently of Summerville, SC, passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2011, after a courageous four-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease.) A 1990 graduate of Oakwood High School, Chris joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during Desert Storm. Extremely passionate about Harley Davidson motorcycles, Chris used his knowledge and enthusiasm to pursue a career in the Harley industry. "Doc" was known for his genuine smile, positive attitude and infectious laughter, all of which helped lead him to great success during his years of selling Harleys at multiple dealerships in South Carolina. Doc easily gained admiration and respect from his customers and co-workers, who also became good friends. In 2007, he began his dream job when he became Sales Manager at Cox's Harley Davidson in Rockhill, SC, where he remained until ALS completely stole his ability to work. Chris is survived by his high school sweetheart, caregiver and loving wife of 10 years, Erin Beckman (Hoffman); two beautiful daughters Morgan Eileen, 3, and Mackenzie Emma, 6 months; mother, Victoria Beckman; father, James (Cindy) Beckman; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Pauline (Noah and Mileena) Beckman; grandmothers, Jane Culp and Patricia Beckman; grandfather, Raymond (Eleanor) Duzick; mother-in-law and her husband, Carole and Harmon Schade; brother-in-law and his wife, Todd and Micki (Nathan and Michael) Hoffman; brother-in-law and his wife, Jon and Claudette Hoffman; sister-in-law and her husband, Laura (Hoffman) and Si (Roe and Drew) Pitstick; and numerous wonderful friends who helped his family during this journey. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 14, 2011, at 11:00AM at Fairmont Presbyterian Church, 3705 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering, OH, with Rev. Dr. Robert Wade officiating. Casual dress is welcomed. Family will greet friends at the church following the service. The family requests no flowers. In honor of Chris, contributions may be made to the Beckman Family Fund (payable to: Erin Beckman) or to ALS-TDI (ALS Therapy Development Institute): http://teamturnbeck.alscommunity.org. Checks for both may be sent to: P.O. Box 162, Dayton, OH 45409-0162. Please share memories and condolences with Chris's family at www.routsong.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Beckman
Marnie Prigozen
January 15, 2011
Erin,
Chris was a great guy. He will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family.
Angel Perkins
January 14, 2011
Erin,
Although I never had the privilege of meeting Chris, I have heard so many great stories about him, his adventurous spirit, and the incredible love that the two of you shared. His battle was not fought alone, but with his best friend/loving wife by his side. Your strength has inspired many. Best wishes to you and your beautiful daughters. May they continue to bring you joy and I hope you see their father in the twinkle in their eyes.
Kipp Seidl
January 14, 2011
Erin, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Niki Lutz
January 14, 2011
Though I never met you I am inspired by your courage and the strength of you and your family. Rest in peace.
Kathy (Bullock) Waldman
January 14, 2011
Erin, Mackenzie and Morgan, I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace as you move through this and I am sure that he is looking down on you and those little girls. Thinking of you. Fondly,
Kathy (Bullock) Waldman
Mia Calarese Cyr
January 13, 2011
Absolutely heartbreaking. Such a sweet person, always kind to everyone, always danced to the beat of his own drummer. Much respect and love to you Erin and for your girls and both of your extended families. May his spirit shine on.
Jodi Hudson
January 12, 2011
Erin, Mackenzie and Morgan, I am sorry for your loss. Having the opportunity to share in your lives has changed mine. You had an amazing spirit and courage through such a difficult time. No one could have loved him better. He will be missed by all who met him. He brought laughter to everyone with his winning smile and positive attitude. He spent everyday trying to make life better for everyone he knew. I will never forget the day after he found out you were pregnant for Morgan when he looked at me and said Momma I finally have everything I ever wanted out of life. A beautiful wife, a new baby coming and the Sales Management positon at Cox's Harley-Davidson. Little did he know that you were going to make that happiness double with the birth of Mackenzie. When I think about how he suffered I go back to that day and I am grateful that I was able to share in that moment. People spend an entire life waiting for a moment like that. He had it with you everyday. In the days that follow I hope the knowledge of him being at peace will bring you some comfort. I will miss my friend but I am so grateful I had the opportunity to know him and all of you.
Andrew Ross
January 12, 2011
Erin, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. Chris was a wonderful person and he will be missed!
Marnie Staud
January 12, 2011
What an honor it was to call him friend. What a difference he made in my life and the lives of many others. What a beautiful soul he was. May his spirit live on in his precious daughters. I love you Chris. You will be missed.
Sam Ensign
January 12, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. He was a sweet kid and I'm certain he was a sweet and gentle man who could make everyone who knew him just a bit better.
Sam, Eric and Aaron
Jim Woods
January 11, 2011
I was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of "Doc". I met him when he worked at Low Country HD in Charleston. We had many laughs. The place wasn't the same when he left. To his family, you are in my prayers-
Victoria Armstrong
January 11, 2011
So sorry about your loss, prayers are with you!
Victoria
Michelle Farr
January 11, 2011
Erin - please know we are sending you our love and prayers. Many of us are fighting to end ALS and we do it in your family's name, too. Love from our family to you. Michelle Farr
Karen Agostinelli
January 11, 2011
We send our deepest condolences to your family, we will fight harder, ride harder, love harder in Chris's honor. The Agostinelli Family
Jennifer Lawson
January 11, 2011
I am very sorry to hear about Chris. We will continue to pray for you and your family and ask God to hold you up during this difficult time.
Jennifer Lawson and Family
Naylor Family
January 11, 2011
It was with great sadness that we heard the news of Chris' passing. We are sending prayers of peace and comfort to your family during this incredibly difficult time.
Gary and Doris Stephens
January 11, 2011
Jim and Cindy, so sorry for the loss of your son...we never had the pleasure of meeting him but from all we have heard, he sounds like he was a wonderful, caring and courageous man. We are here if you need us...
Sarah Libby
January 11, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Chris's passing. I am glad that he was able to return to Oakwood and be able to see where his daughters will prosper and grow thanks to their loving mother. Thinking of you and your long struggle together these past years. The Libby Family
Dawanya Jackson
January 11, 2011
My Prayers and my thoughts are with you and the girls.
Dwayne Hersh
January 11, 2011
Erin, I'm so sorry for your loss. I met Doc back in 2005 when I bought my FATBOY at LCHD. We became friends and rode together several times. He was a very caring person as he would give the shirt off his back to anyone if needed. My heart goes out to your and your daughters. God Bless you and your family.
Treg Charlton
January 11, 2011
Erin,
Bob Dylan said it better than I can... May God bless and keep you always, May your wishes all come true, May you always do for others, And let others do for you.
I know that last part is tough, but please try. You and the your family are in my prayers.
Dianne Bouton
January 10, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you through his difficult time. You have a wonderful support system and family.
(from Carrie's cousin)
Willie Huber
January 10, 2011
How beutifully written. And a great pic of the man
Love
Papa
Laurie Seaquist
January 10, 2011
Thank you to the family and friends who cared for him until the end. RIP Chris.
Paula Wilcox-Peralli
January 10, 2011
Erin,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Judy Turner
January 10, 2011
Although he was in the later stages of one of the worst diseases ever, Chris had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He managed to tell me that he was sorry for the loss of my husband who also had ALS. I will never forget that. I'm so sorry that I'm unable to be with you on Friday precious Erin, but you and Chris and Chris's girls will always be in my heart.
Cindy Fahsel-Heseltine
January 10, 2011
Erin, my heart goes out to you and your girls. My father died of ALS when I was 2 so I know what your girls are facing. Stay strong, and let your memories of Chris comfort you. Those memories will get you through each day and help put a smile on your face. He will always be with you and your girls.
Juanita & Gary Chambers
January 10, 2011
Chris & Erin have been such an inspiration to us. May your "Precious Memories" comfort you Erin & Family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you <3
Laura and Julien Vernon-Biteau
January 10, 2011
Dear Erin and family, we extend our most sincere condolences and are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Erin M
January 10, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my uncle from ALS, too. We will find a cure! I will keep your family in my prayers.
Laura and Julien Vernon-Biteau
January 10, 2011
Dear Erin and family,
We are so sorry for your loss and extend our most sincere condolences. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Sandra Abbott
January 10, 2011
My sincere condolences to you Erin and your Entire family. You are all in My Prayers.
Kyle Ratliff
January 10, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. We all share in your grief and my hope is that the healing comes swiftly. My family's thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Rest in peace, Christopher.
Margie (Manson) Grube
January 10, 2011
Erin and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Emily & Scott Weaver
January 10, 2011
“Every man dies - Not every man really lives.” And oh how he lived...
Nadine and Family
January 10, 2011
I think of you all many times a day. Chris was truely a silver lining to the dark clouds this world sometimes offers. Although I am sad and will miss him tremendously, I'm very thankful his suffering is over and comforted that we all have him looking out for us now. We love you all!
ruth nyberg
January 10, 2011
i am so sorry for your loss, and bless the family for helping him go in peace . wishing yu comfort
Cindy Pickersgill
January 10, 2011
Love to the Beckman Family - well done, good and faithful servants - may you all rest in God's peace in the coming days.
Kim Horton
January 10, 2011
The Horton family is keeping you in thought and prayer.
January 10, 2011
We praise God for the life and service of our veteran. May he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord as a grateful nation mourns.
Michele N. Sandridge, Chaplain
American Legion Auxiliary
Department of Ohio
Dana Becker
January 10, 2011
I am so sorry for you loss. Know that you are not alone and those of us that understand your loss and what you are going through are here if you need us. Hold on to all your memories of Chris and know that he will always be with you in your thoughts and in your hearts.
Donna Green
January 10, 2011
we are keeping you and the girls in our thoughts and prayers.
Renee Parker
January 10, 2011
much love, peace and light to a beautiful family during this difficult time in your life.
Jennifer Mcfall Neary
January 10, 2011
Thoughts and prayers to the Beckman family.
Danny and Lynne Dillehay
January 10, 2011
Danny and I bought our Ultra from Doc. He was so nice and always had time for us. We missed him when he left Lowcountry but knew he was chasing a dream! He will be missed by all of the Harley community.
Adrienne McLeod
January 10, 2011
Know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to the joy, the smiles, the good times and know that Chris will be with you forever in so many ways and watching over all of you...Lot's of Love to you all
Kristin Goldburg
January 10, 2011
My sincere condolences go out to Erin and Chris's kids and family.
Kristin Goldburg
Sharon Iles
January 10, 2011
We are all praying for you & your girls Erin!!!! Stay strong!!! We will keep fighting for a cure!!!!
Love,
Sharon Iles
Molly Guyer Reed
January 10, 2011
Integrity to spare. Rest in peace, Chris.
January 10, 2011
Thinking of you always! I'm here for ya! Love you guys!
Polly!
January 10, 2011
The spirit and integrity you displayed during your valiant fight with The Beast will continue to inspire me all the days of my life, Chris. It is an honor to have known you, and a gift to know Erin and your beautiful girls, whose strength is unsurpassed. Rest easy, my friend.
Showing 1 - 51 of 51 results
Make a Donation
in Christopher Beckman's name
Memorial Events
for Christopher Beckman
How to support Christopher's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Christopher Beckman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
