Cameron Beach Obituary

Cameron Beach Never lost a boy's enthusiasm for things he loved. As a man, he rose to the highest levels of the public transit industry, respected for his judgment and integrity. Yet, if he saw a special streetcar or bus, he'd flash a grin and exclaim, "Oh, yeah!" He felt that same passion for his family and hometown. Born January 26, 1949 at Letterman Hospital, Cam went to high school at Sacred Heart and Galileo. He rode Muni everywhere, immersing himself in its history and operation. He turned his passion into his profession, retiring as Chief Operating Officer of Sacramento Regional Transit in 2006, part of a career including service with many industry groups. He also led the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association, a preservation group. His children often joined him on transit tours while growing up. Daughter Lynn recalls a time Cam took her along to deliver a bus to Los Angeles, turning the vehicle into a giant playroom. In 2003, Cam met Carmen Clark. Love at first sight led to marriage in 2004. In 2007, Mayor Newsom appointed Cam to the board of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Board chair Tom Nolan called Cam "a pillar of transit expertise and insight...who had an unparalleled passion for Muni, our customers, and the future of this system." Cameron Beach died suddenly at his home on March 18. He is survived by his wife, Carmen Clark; his children, Lynn Beach O'Neill, Timothy Beach and Steven Beach; and former wife Carole Jones. A service will be held Thursday, March 24 at 10 a.m. at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street. The family suggests those wishing to remember Cam may donate to: Bay Area Electric Railroad Association, 5848 State Highway 12, Suisun City 94585; Market Street Railway, 870 Market Street, #803, San Francisco 94102; or Pacific Bus Museum, P.O. Box 601105, Sacramento 95860.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 22 to Mar. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Cameron Beach

9 Entries

David Longa

April 1, 2021

A great man that none of will ever forget. A lot of good times at West Portal to eat and watch the LRVs going and coming out of the Twin Peaks Tunnel. I know you would be proud of Kris now as Superintendent at samTrans North Base.

David Longa

March 25, 2020

A gentleman that I truly miss, both lunches at West Portal and viewing the LRVs after lunch.

Helen Parker

March 25, 2011

I was one of about 50 of Cameron's classmates all through our 8 years together at St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School here in Sf on Green and Steiner Sts.
I can speak for us all from our school days that, truly, Cameron was then, as he was as an adult, one of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet with that wonderful smile which lit up his entire being-inside AND out and cheeriness that made him so loved! I feel so blessed to have all these memories of him and our childhood!
Helen Parker

Suzanne Whitehead

March 25, 2011

I was fortunate enough to serve with Cam on the Signal and Traction Power Training committees the last few years. He was such an asset to the group. Insightful, helpful, and encouraging the industry to do better. It was delightful to be associated with Cam even in this limited capacity. Having known him briefly, I am certain that your loss is difficult as he brought his wonderful sparkling personality into every discussion. He will certainly be missed.

Marilyn Duffey

March 24, 2011

Cam and Carmen made a wonderful couple, each enhancing the others ability to explore travel adventures, care for others, laugh and just plain enjoy life and friends. He will be missed but will live on as a part of Carmen's wonderful love of life. Thank you Cam for sharing some of my best times over the past several years and for being a mentor in the transit world.

Tom Bauder

March 23, 2011

He and Dave Boggs were the only bosses in the forty years I worked for RT that I admired. That is stating something.

Donald Delis

March 23, 2011

I always considered Cam to be a friendly adversary in my dealings with him as a Union offical at Regional Transit. My condolences to his family.

John Nevin

March 22, 2011

Cam Beach will always be remembered for his attention to detail and his belief that there is no such thing as good enough. He believed in doing it right the first time and his steadfast principles plus the superior legacy he leaves behind will go down as a milestone in the transit industry for all to admire. Several years ago, through the courtesy of Walter Vielbaum, a Market Street Railway Director, a retired Valley Transit Authority mechanic friend of mine and myself had the pleasure of spending a wonderful day with Cam and Walter doing what all of us enjoyed the most; operating the equipment at the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association at Rio Vista Junction. When we operated the Key System unit Cam was just like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar together with a big smile on his face. After the operational period had ended we sat down with Cam and consumed our brown-bagged lunches underneath a canopy protecting us from the warm sun and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon discussing, but what else, transit issues. Quality individuals such as Cam Beach only come along once in a lifetime and I am proud to state that I had the great honor and pleasure of knowing him. May the Good Lord bless Cam, and keep him, and shine his light upon him, and provide him with a clear right-of- way in his eternal kingdom. John Nevin, Retired Municipal Railway Motorman.

Dave Longa

March 22, 2011

To Carmen and all of the family of Cam Beach.
Cam will be missed by not only the peoplwe that knew him in the Bay Area but throughout the world.

I have been a friend of Cams for many years. When Cam took up the job in Sacramento I didn't see him as much as before. When I would see him I would keep him abreast at how everything is going. He was always interested in how MUNI was running, so that he can take the things back up to Sacramento and make them work up therwe.

Cam and I in recent years would have lunch together either at the Bashful Bull or El Toreador. El Toreador was his favorite restaurant but when we would go to the Bashful Bull we would at least stay on the corner of West Portal Ave & Ulloa for at least and hour or more watching the streetcars go by. I will miss you very much but the stories that we talked about, the questions that you would ask me about some of your pictures I will always remember the good days that we aspent there at the house. MUNI Dave

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