William Edward Beaumont

William Edward “Bill” Beaumont was a long-time resident of Alexandria, Virginia, father, grandfather, and modern Renaissance man marked by his enduring intellectual curiosity in all walks of life including science, philosophy, politics, and faith. He passed away on January 14, 2026.

Born outside of Cleveland, Ohio on July 27, 1950 to Dorothy and Edward Beaumont, Bill graduated from Gilmour Academy and Muskingum University before leaving Ohio for Florida, where he obtained a master’s degree in organic chemistry at the University of South Florida. He then completed law school at the Franklin Pierce Law Center in New Hampshire, followed by moving to Northern Virginia where he remained for the next four decades.

As a patent attorney, Bill combined his interests in the law and chemistry, focusing on patent applications related to biotechnology, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals, with a particular interest in plant pathology. Bill found deep satisfaction in his work, taking personal interest and excitement in his clients’ inventive ideas, and their desire to develop them. This was evident in the solidarity and lasting friendships he found with many of them.

Throughout his life, Bill developed great interest in French wines, including their viticulture and the history of many storied vineyards, both large and small. Described in 1998 by the Washington Post as a “patent attorney who knows a lot more about wine than he lets on,” Bill co-founded William-Harrison Imports, bringing French wines to DC-area retailers and restaurants and taking great pride in telling script-worthy anecdotes about the wines they sold and the winemakers who produced them.

Family and friends remember Bill for his original spirit, kindness, and humor. Bill was an avid reader, with an extraordinary collection of books that reflected his many varied passions and interests. A self-taught guitarist, Bill’s love music - and particularly the Beatles - was another defining hallmark on his life, as was his passion for art, evident in his deep collection of paintings by local artists.

Bill will be missed deeply by his family and friends who loved him.

Bill is survived by his son, Taylor (Roya); his grandchildren, Laila and Natalie; his brother, Tim; and his nephew and nieces, Chris, Anne, and Missy.

A private service for family and friends will be held to celebrate Bill’s life.