Ronald S. Beckstrom

Ronald S Beckstrom 1924 ~ 2006 Ronald S Beckstrom, born February 28, 1924, in Tropic, Utah, died peacefully on March 27, 2006. The son of Marvin Beckstrom and Flora Baird, Ron grew up in the Union area and graduated from Jordan High School in 1942. He served in the Army Air Corps as a B-24 pilot in the European theatre during World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star. He married his sweetheart, Jean Porter, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 5, 1945. Together they reared nine children. Ron was a life-long educator. He graduated from the University of Utah in June, 1949, and was a teacher and administrator in Granite and Jordan School Districts before taking a position as the Granite School District math and science supervisor in 1959. Subsequently, he served as Director of Data Processing and Research, Curriculum, and Buildings and Grounds. He earned his MS in 1960 and his Ed.D. in 1967, from the University of Utah. In 1969, he was recognized as the Outstanding Science Educator in Utah. One of Ron's proudest achievements was the development of the Mill Hollow Center in the Uinta National Forest. Since 1966, it has provided a hands-on science and nature experience for more than 175,000 students. Known as a man of integrity and quiet strength, Ron was a dedicated member of the LDS church, serving as bishop, counselor in the stake presidency, temple worker, and patriarch. Though he was never called on a formal mission, his life's work was to counsel, inspire and serve others. Ron was blessed with the love of two wonderful women. Following the death of his wife, Jean, he married Laurie Blackham on August 25, 2001, who has been his companion and best friend the past five years. He is survived by Laurie; his children: Deanna and Russ Peterson, Kristine and John Baker, Mary and Ron Bailey, Rolayne and Sam Hanson, Patti and Larry Griffith, Ron and Lenore Beckstrom, Bob and Dana Beckstrom, Laurel Beckstrom, and Mark and Sylvia Beckstrom; Laurie's children: Ron and Mary Ann Blackham, and Jeri and Curt Clayton; siblings: Marva and Bob Teran, Dawn Clark, and Gerald and Deanna Beckstrom; 31 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Christina, his home care nurse, and the staffs at Alpine Hospice, Wasatch Dialysis, and Wentworth Assisted Living. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 3, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at the Brighton 10th Ward Chapel, 2327 East Bengal Blvd. (7600 South). Friends may call Sunday, April 2, 2006, at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 East Bengal Blvd. (7600 South) from 6-8:00 p.m. and the day of the service at the church from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Interment at Larkin-Sunset Gardens, with military honors.