Stephen Reid Beck

Stephen Reid Beck  Stephen Reid Beck, renowned artist, formerly of Salt Lake and Cedar cities, son of Filcher C. and Virginia R. Beck and brother to Christian P. and Fil C. Beck, passed away sud-denly but peace-fully on Septem-ber 19, 2002 in his apartment in Mesquite, NV. His death was attributed to car-diovascular failure. Stephen was born in Salt Lake City on December 28, 1937. He was raised and educated in Salt Lake City. He graduated from East High in 1956, and went on to the University of Utah where he joined the Sigma Nu Fraternity, and later graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1961. He was admitted to the prestigious Cranbook Academy of Art where he received his Master of Fine Arts degree. Stephen married Linda Nielsen in 1961 and later divorced in 1963. In 1969, he married Susan Johnson. To that union was born Courtney an Klae. After a number of years, he and  Susan divorced, but remained good friends through the years. Throughout his adult years, Stephen devoted his energy and talent in drawing and painting as well as teaching. He has exhibited in New York, the United States Capitol in Washington DC, Detroit, and Salt Lake City. His paintings can be seen at the University of Utah and the Phillips Art Gallery in Salt Lake. For a number of years Stephen taught his craft at the University of Utah. At the time of his passing he was teaching drawing and painting at the University of Nevada's Extension Division in Mesquite, Nevada. Prior to his latest teaching position he was the weatherman for a local television station in Cedar City and in public relations at the Oasis resort in Mesquite, Nevada. Stephen received his Christian baptism on Easter Sunday 1951. He was proud to be a liberal Democrat and was active in the Mesquite Democratic Club. Stephen is survived by his children, Courtney (Ben) Wimmer, and Klae (Abbie) Beck; his brothers, Christian (Kathryn) and Fil (Marcia); a very close cousin, Zilpha Bosone; and Dr. Kathryn Brandon. Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; all his aunts and uncles; his cousins, Beverly Clopton and Richard Beck. Beyond his painting, Stephen enjoyed intellectual conversation and discussing political issues with his family members and friends. He was a sports fan and particularly enjoyed professional football and Jazz basketball games. He most enjoyed the cabin in Torrey, Utah which he and his brother Fil built in the 1970's. Stephen chose to be cremated and his ashes scattered near the cabin site. A memorial service will be held at the Phillips Art Gallery, 444 East 200 South on Saturday, September 28th at 5:00 p.m. The family wishes to thank all those who have shown kindness and assistance through the trials immediately following Stephen's death. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions be made in his name to the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City.