Tom Beko

Tom Beko, a renowned golfer and a lovely man has passed Monday morning, June 7, 2010. He was 93 years old and still cute as ever. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bea in 2007. He is survived by his two daughters, Barbara Cavanaugh and Pamela Beko Molini. Also his grandchildren: Tracy Gurnea , Paige Allford, Todd Shaw, JJ Cavanaugh, Tiffany Berg, Dr. Clint Cavanaugh, MD, MPH, Dr. Courtenay Cavanaugh, PH.D. Lastly, his great grandchildren who brought him so much joy: Taylor, Tanner and Tristan Gurnea, Liam and Finn Allford, Tommy and Trenton Berg, Ava Shaw (and Jacob Shaw to arrive next month) and his son-in-law, Colin Pears. He would also want his daughters' beloved sons in law and daughter in law to be named: Robert Gurnea, Ross Allford, Robert Berg and Rachelle Shaw. He is also survived by his sister Rose Skanovsky and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom has always been an avid golfer and exceptionally active. Most notably he got a hole in one at Harrah's invitational in Lake Tahoe, 1966. The prize was a rolls Royce. He has golfed with the likes of Bob Hope, Don Rickles and Arnold Palmer. Golfing brought him so much joy throughout his entire life, even until the end.
Tom was born in 1916 in Tonopah NV. Tom was the son of Pete and Saveta Beko. He was second oldest of five children. He graduated from UNR, then joined the service. He met his wife on a blind date. He married Bea in 1942 in Eagle Pass Texas, where he was a major in the air force during WWII training fighter pilots. After moving to Reno in 1946, Tom owned an iron mine that produced the highest grade of iron ore. He also started the Horseshoe Club with Bernie Einstoss and Irene Marich and several other partners. Tom and Bea were married for 65 years and had a very full life together. No one appreciated his life more than Tom, he truly lived the American Dream. He was exceptionally grateful for how he spent his days. They traveled the world together and spent many happy months in Maui.
In every way Tom was a gentleman of the highest caliber. He was loved by all and always a ray of sunshine to all that were in his path. He had a passion for life and he did his job well here on earth. All of the people mentioned above have had the privilege of a fine teacher. We will go on to live what he taught us with love and gratitude in our hearts. Bye Bye "Bum Bum". xoxo
We would like to mention a special gratitude to China West and the loving caregivers of Emeritus (The Court of Reno) and his buddy Sam for making his last days so peaceful and comfortable. Also Claudia Drossell and her wonderful associates at Caregivers Support Group of Northern Nevada. Also, the Circle of Life Hospice and Nurse Chuck.
Memorials can be made to the William P. Beko Scholarship Fund, C/O Tom Beko (Beko, Erickson & Thorpe) 99 W. Arroyo St., Reno, NV 89509. Arrangements under the direction of Walton Funeral Home, Reno.