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Robert Daniel "Dan" Beck

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University of Kansas

Robert Beck Obituary

Beck, Robert Daniel "Dan" 71, passed away early Thursday morning of an apparent heart attack. Dan Beck was the ultimate free spirit and a true Renaissance man. Excelling at debate, he attended the University of Kansas on a debate scholarship and twice competed in the last rounds of the National Championship. After college, he was a co-captain of the U.S. International Debate Team and toured the British Isles, becoming the champion of debate in Scotland. He remained in Europe, working and living in Amsterdam and exploring Europe by train and hitchhiking. He eventually moved to Wichita where he gave back 7 years to debate as the volunteer coach at Wichita East. He mentored scores of students from across the state and the country. Dan then embarked on artistic pursuits, sculpting, painting over 2000 paintings, and installing tons of limestone, sculpture and flowers in his yard. This folk art is documented in 'Grassroots Artists of Kansas' and the PBS documentary 'Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations.' He continued working with young people in the 5th Grade Sculpture Project. His love of rocks led him to become a jade carver and collector, especially of 'wearable sculpture.' He enjoyed encouraging new carvers by buying their early work. Dan leaves his wife and traveling companion of 47 years, Chris Poelma, her sister Susan, his brothers Bill and Randy and their families, numerous 'debate children and grandchildren,' friends, fellow artists, and collectors from around the world. You are invited to celebrate his life artistically! Donations in his name can be made to University of Kansas Debate. KU Debate Heritage Fund (40106)

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

Published by Wichita Eagle on Aug. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Beck

19 Entries

David Eubank

September 13, 2020

I remember Dan well. RIP.

Mike Eastman

September 12, 2020

Dan was one of the few people I remember from High School, he was an honorable man who didn’t move with the crowd. He was also a nice guy.

Tom

September 12, 2020

As someone who overcame stuttering at a young age and faced a number of speaking engagements later in life, I found inspiration in the high school debate lessons from Dan as I lacked confidence to try and join the debate team. I wonder if anyone came prepared for a debate contest with such a stack of index cards holding the research of a thousand minds. He truly exhibited the attributes of a genius. I never imagined Dan waiting for anyone to point the way. Dan could be miles ahead of you without leaving the room. He must have inspired so many and left a legacy his family can always remember with immense pride. My loss to not have kept in touch. The world lost a true treasure of a human being.

Chris

August 24, 2020

Dan's last day was Thursday, August 6, 2020. Safe travels into the mystic...

David Franks and Katherine Murdock

August 24, 2020

We lived in Uptown Neighborhood from 1995 to 2010. We became acquainted with Dan when the neighborhood association was formed. It was soon apparent that he was one of the notable souls of the neighborhood: artistic, involved, generous and hardworking. He performed great works without making great noise, though he could make noise when it was appropriate.

We knew nothing of his background, but he seems to have applied the discipline of thought and intention in debate, and high regard for communication, to his other pursuits. We and the neighborhood are richer for this.

Our sympathy and best wishes to Chris and the neighborhood.

Sherry Whitmore

August 23, 2020

I am so glad to have known Dan. I met him during a neighborhood garden tour, and he was so welcoming and glad to talk about what he was doing in the garden. He has enriched the community and all of us that he interacted with, and beautified our world with his art. What an inspiring example of a life well lived. Thank you, Dan.

Brenda Sageng

August 15, 2020

I only met Dan one afternoon a couple of years ago while visiting the exhibit of jade at the Nelson-Atkins. He began explaining about how the pieces were cut, what the different kinds jade were, and so much more. I am sorry I only got to spend that one afternoon with Dan & Chris, but so glad to have continued the friendship via Facebook. Dan was just a great guy!

Cyndi Saxon

August 15, 2020

So sorry to hear of Dan‘s passing, he was bigger than life in many ways. His art, his yard, his paintings, himself. So many details of his earlier life I did not know, and they are unsurprisingly very impressive. Another bright light gone from us.

jos vergauwe (belgium)

August 12, 2020

save travels over the rainbow big jade man Dan,
i only knew you from jade carvings on facebook but you were always your most personal selve

August 12, 2020

May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.

Jeff Jarman

August 11, 2020

I vividly remember the first time I met Dan. I was in high school. in the mid to late 1980s. At a tournament. I was headed into a party at the hotel. Dan was at the door, an imposing figure. He stopped me and said, "stick your hand out." I complied, as would any young debater in awe. He dropped a polished stone in my hand. He looked at me, straight in the eyes, and then said to keep it safe and that he'd ask for it back. I kept the stone for a very long time. Later, I would attend KU for graduate school and serve as a graduate assistant coach. It was then that I first genuinely learned about him. I immediately remembered our encounter. And how lucky I was that he was a judge in my high school circuit. I saw him a few times over the last few years at tournaments on our campus. He was always kind and generous. I don't think I told him of our encounter. Or that I no longer have the stone, though I think about it every time I think of Dan.

Dianne Adsms

August 11, 2020

Chris, thinking of you.
Dianne and Ron Adams

Carol Strickland

August 11, 2020

Dan was a unique and brilliant friend. The world is better because he was here. Rest in peace, Dan.

Nancy Kellas

Planted Trees

Vicki Wagner

August 9, 2020

I recently reconnected with Chris, and we'd been communicating on Facebook. I'd never met Dan but a lot of my friends knew him, & thought very highly if him...so I was excited about meeting him, but with the plague, & me having an autoimmune disease, I thought we could put it off for a while...I've never been more sorry about a decision I have made. I am so upset I never got to meet this extrordinary person...just goes to show you should never put things off, you dont know what may happen...love you Chris, & I sure wish I could go back in time...

Jim Strand

August 9, 2020

I feel like I was just getting to know him, always thinking "next Jade Fest, I'll spend some time with him." Dang. My loss.

Linda L Niles

August 9, 2020

Dan was like no other. He was the most informed, best read, curious, kind, funny, generous man I've ever known. He and Chris were a wonderful team, and I'm lucky to have known him. He will be missed.

Kim Shaffer

August 9, 2020

I was lucky to have had you as a friend, Dan. It is hard to say goodbye to you.

Vicki and Mike

August 9, 2020

I am proud to have known Dan and Chris. Their love extraordinary. Our heart goes out to Chris and her family.

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