Robert B. Beard

ROBERT B. BEARD DEC 29, 1927 - DEC 28, 2008 Bob was born in Modesto at St. Mary's Hospital to parents John and Helen Beard. He died peacefully at Doctor's Hospital the evening before his 81st birthday with his family by his side. Bob attended local schools and graduated from Modesto High School in 1945. He attended Stanford University before joining the Army in the spring of 1946. After service at Fort Lewis, Washington, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Kurtz in 1948. They moved to Oakland where he attended the University of California at Berkeley. Upon returning to Modesto he founded Modesto Finance and Thrift Co where he served as President and Manager. After ten years the company was sold to Morris Plan of California and Bob went to work for the Modesto and Empire Traction Company where he served as Treasurer, Vice President, and later as Chairman of the Board of the Beard Companies. Bob served on the Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and the Council of the Yosemite Boy Scouts. He belonged to the Lyons 500 Club and the Modesto Rotary Club. Bob enjoyed duplicate and party bridge, chess, and photography, but especially his family. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and mentor. Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Marty Bienvenu and his parents. He is survived by Betty, his wife of sixty years; their three daughters and sons-in-law, Cathie and Bill Peck of Modesto, Peggy and Gary Drach of San Carlos, and Christine Beard and David Goldblatt of San Francisco; and his two granddaughters Amy Peck Sensney, Erin Peck, and Amy's husband Ryan Sensney. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law Jim and Hebe Beard of San Francisco and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends and family are invited to a reception in his honor on Saturday, January 10th from 2:00 to 5:00 in the family home. Remembrances may be made to the Salvation Army, 625 I Street, Modesto, CA 95354, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I Street Modesto, CA 95354, or the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, 911-13th Street Modesto, CA 95354, or to a favorite charity. Arrangements are under the care of Franklin and Downs.www.modbee.com/obituaries