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George Bekey Obituary
June 19, 1928 - October 17, 2024
Los Angeles, California - Robotics pioneer, avid outdoorsman, and devoted friend and family member George A. Bekey, Ph.D, died October 17, 2024 in Los Angeles of complications of old age. He was 96.
A father of robotics, Dr. Bekey oversaw creation of the world's first four-legged walking machine in 1968. He served on the USC faculty for 40 years and authored or co-authored more than a dozen books and about 250 professional articles.
Born in Bratislava, Slovakia (then Czechoslovakia) in 1928 to an engineer father and chemist mother, he grew up in Bratislava and Prague. After escaping during the Nazi invasion in 1938, his family settled in La Paz, Bolivia for several years before emigrating to join relatives in California.
In addition to his academic work, George was a warm and caring husband and father with a great sense of humor, and he had many other interests. He had a lifelong interest in Buddhism and other wisdom traditions, and studied world religions at USC. He also hiked, skied, did Chinese brush painting, completed many home and garden projects, and led numerous backpack trips with his children and their scouting groups.
After retiring, George and his wife Shirley lived in Arroyo Grande for about 20 years. Many will remember him from his involvement in local activities, including hiking and other events with the RAMs (Retired Active Men), advising at the College of Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and giving talks and classes about world religions through community education programs in San Luis Obispo and at Unity Five Cities in Arroyo Grande. During this time his graduate students formed a "Bekey Tribe" which continued to honor him each year.
He is survived by his son Ron (Ramona Holmes), daughter Michelle (Ron Fryer), brother Ivan (Marlene), and cousins, nephews and nieces. Those who wish to donate in his memory are encouraged to contribute to the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County or to Unity 5 Cities in Arroyo Grande.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Bekey
Levy Joe Gaspard
August 17, 2025
Very sorry to hear about his very favorite professor and nicest person he knew. Talks about Bekey ALL the time. My Father Joe Gaspard
Kathryn Seabrook
April 23, 2025
Dr Bekey....Rest in Peace!
You will always be remembered as my favorite college professor who always had an open door for his students and interesting conversations.
Asad & Taj Madni
November 8, 2024
Rest in Peace, dear George. You will always be in our hearts and we will always be inspired by your love, wisdom and compassion.
Larry Price - Retired Active Men (RAM) organization of SLO
November 4, 2024
The Retired Active Men (RAMs) of San Luis Obispo offers condolences to the family of George Bekey. He was an esteemed member of the RAMs for many years and was our "poet laureate" for reciting poetry. He had a skill for selecting and reciting poetry of interest to our members at our weekly Coffee Cabinet meeting and our monthly RAM Luncheons. He will be missed greatly.
Anastassios and Yolanda Chassiakos
October 29, 2024
Our deepest condolences on the passing of George Bekey. We will treasure memories of his inspiring friendship and mentorship and hope and pray that he will be with his beloved late wife Shirley in heaven as he continues to lead the studies of the mysteries of the universe. May his memory be eternal. Anastassios and Yolanda Chassiakos
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