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Ivan Beem Obituary

Ivan Rulon Beem
ST. GEORGE, Utah - My name is Ivan Rulon Beem. I entered this life on June 6, 1927, the only child of Ivan and Lucille Satterfield Beem. Like many young Idaho boys, my early days included living on a small farm. I rode a horse to school, which in Southeast Idaho requires you to ride or walk uphill, into the wind, and in deep snow no matter which way you are going.
My early childhood was difficult, but took a dramatic change for the better with a move to "city" life in downtown Pocatello, Idaho. The move sparked some inner awaking in by body. I developed athletic talent, grew to 6 feet 4 inches tall, and began sinking hook shots on the basketball court and throwing southpaw fastballs across home plate. I had entered a new chapter of my life; I became a jock.
Amazing things continued to happen to me. In 1946, I was offered a contract by the Philadelphia Phillies as a pitcher and a full ride basketball scholarship from Brigham Young University. Decisions! I chose basketball and the added benefit of a B.S. degree in science. Summer work during my college days was as a "gearjammer" for the Utah National Parks in Southern Utah. It was this job that landed me in the same room with the future Mrs. Beem.
I fell in love with the waitress Rose Jacquline Leigh the day she reprimanded me for arriving late for the Gearjammers lunch. One year later Jackie and I were married and never parted.
The NBA Sheboygan Red Skins offered me a contract in 1950, but I chose to start a future out West with Jackie rather than the lifestyle of a professional ball player. Life out West was interrupted when I enlisted into the Air Force during the Korean War. Williams Air Force base quickly snatched me up, placed me on their basketball team, and assigned me to the 1009 Special Weapons Squadron. In 1953, while on "special assignment" at an Air Force basketball tournament in California, my first son, Granger was born. A year later my only daughter, Teresa was born while I was stationed in Washington, D.C.
After the war I combined my educational and jock experiences and landed a position as a high school teacher and coach in Morgan, Utah, where my son, Leigh was born in 1958.
Soon afterwards I moved the family to Pocatello, Idaho, and began my career as an independent insurance agent. The outdoor adventure chapter of my life began. I jokingly told my kids that we needed to "hurry up and have fun." They took it literally, and we spent the next 30 years exploring the back trails of Yellowstone and Island Park on snowmobiles, logged thousands of hours on the ski slopes of Sun Valley, Jackson, Targhee and Park City, and water skied almost every waterway in the Intermountain West.
Later in life, I felt the urge to expand my golf experience, and I convinced Jackie to pull up stakes in Idaho and make Utah Dixie our home. So began the most relaxing time of my life. I told my kids, "Your dad has a new job called golf and I must be at work on time."
I relished those days being with Jackie, my wife of 59 years, in the warm desert air of Southern Utah, sitting out on the "point" overlooking the Virgin River, and conversing with friends as the lights of St. George twinkled below.
I left my earthly body peacefully on the night of April 14, 2009, with loving family by my side, and now join the loved ones who preceded me. I had a remarkable life, and I thank all the family and friends that made it all possible.
I am survived by my wife, Jackie; by my children, Granger, Leigh and Teresa, and by my grandchildren, Jarek, Niles and Jenny.
Friends and family are invited to the celebration of life on May 15 at 4 p.m. at the Rosewood Reception Center, 1499 Bannock Highway, Pocatello, Idaho (208-478-1699).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, N.Y. 10163, or the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation, P.O. Box 675, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho State Journal on May 8, 2009.

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John & Jerry Squires

May 9, 2009

Dear Jackie:
Jerry and I were saddened to hear of Ivan's death. He was a sweet guy and we have fond memories of playing golf and tennis with him. Also we remember him well from our days in the Utah parks together. Please accept our sincerest condolences.

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