Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Alec Beck Obituary
Alec Frank Beck Alec Frank Beck of Austin, who celebrated his 50th birthday earlier this week, died on April 14, 2006 from injuries sustained in a tragic aviation accident. Alec was born in San Benito, Texas on April 10, 1956 to Alfred Roland Beck and Gene Torbett Beck. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart Amanda Merritt Beck; his daughters Laura Alexandra Beck and Merritt Elizabeth Beck; his father Alfred Roland Beck; his sister Genie Beck Nyer and husband Loren Nyer; his sister Pam Beck Walsh and husband John Walsh; his brother Fred Beck; his nephews Adam and Seth Nyer; his niece Anna Beck; and his beloved mother-in-law and father-in-law Nancy and Kerry Merritt. He was preceded in death by his mother Gene T. Beck. Alec was an all-state football player at Westlake High School in Austin and played at The University of Texas under the leadership of the legendary Coach Darrell Royal. As a scholar athlete, he graduated with honors from The University of Texas, earning a BBA in 1978. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Alec was formerly President and Chairman of the Board of Stripling-Blake Lumber Company in Austin. Alec started work at Stripling-Blake loading lumber while in high school. It was there that he honed the leadership and management skills that enabled him to earn his title and that prepared him for a lifetime of leading and encouraging those around him. After his career at Stripling-Blake, Alec continued to be active in the Austin business community, serving as General Partner of the Lithoprint Company where he worked with his friend and brother-in-law Loren Nyer. In addition to his business activities, Alec was exceptionally well known for his philanthropic efforts. Alec did everything from reinvigorating the Tarrytown Fourth of July Parade to serving as the Chairman of The Bachelors' Club of Austin. With his close friend Ben Crenshaw, Alec's love of golf led him to found and serve as President of the Austin Golf Club. As a loving father, Alec expressed his devotion to his family and his concern for young people through his service to St. Andrew's Episcopal School where he served on the school's Board of Trustees and actively directed much of the construction of the upper school campus. Among his many activities, Alec was a current board member for The Lithoprint Company, Building Materials Holding Corporation, The Bachelors' Club of Austin, and the Austin Golf Club. He was a former board member of the Longhorn Foundation Advisory Council, Home Owner's Warranty, TXCABA, Austin Chamber of Commerce, Laguna Gloria Art Museum, Better Business Bureau, Keep Austin Beautiful (Founding Director), Texas Construction Industry Council, Lumberman's Association of Texas, Young Men's Business League, Texas Commerce Bank, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, Headliner's Club, Admiral's Club and Young President's Organization. As a devoted churchman, Alec attended Tarrytown United Methodist Church. For over twenty years, Alec could be found leading his Friday morning men's Bible study group where he encouraged his friends and was a shining example of a man of faith. Never one to be second, he has now gone ahead to help prepare our places for us. Alec led a big, wonderful life and leaves a great many friends. To put it simply, Alec loved people and people loved Alec. His gregarious personality and charisma were unique. He had the ability to connect with people and build enduring, strong relationships. We all will be changed forever by the character, love and courage that Alec embodied. Alec worked tirelessly to make Austin and the State of Texas a better place. He repeatedly gave of himself to those who needed him. Alec leaves an example of community service matched by few. A celebration of his wonderful life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2006, at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2531 Exposition Boulevard in Austin. Memorials may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal School, YMBL Sunshine Camp, Tarrytown United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alec Beck
polk wallace
May 14, 2006
Al Sorry to hear about Alec's horrible accident. Found out from Ida on mothers day.
Jay Smith III
April 30, 2006
My condolences to all the Beck family,I am very sorry for your great loss.
I bought the Beck home in Rollingwood where Alec lived during some of his early years. I spent many hours of loving labor on that wonderful old house. My daughters grew up there and graduated from Westlake. I discussed the project with Alec, whenever I saw him at Stripling-Blake. He was a gracious gentleman.
Shannon Merritt
April 24, 2006
Dear Amanda and Family,
My mother(Shirley Merritt) called to give me the news of Alec's accident. I was so sorry to hear what had happened, when I was ten years old I remember Alec had other Longhorn football players autograph a game program. I have not forgotten the day Kerry Merritt gave it to me. I'm sure Alec went out of his way to have that done for me. After reading here its easy to see the fine example Alec Beck is as a family man and as a valuable asset to his community.
Sincerely,
Shannon Merritt
Karen Beck
April 21, 2006
My family moved to Austin when I was 8 years old. As good fortune would have it, we moved into a house across the street from the Becks. My older brother and Alec immediately became best friends.
It's hard for me to remember a day that didn't include Alec in some way (typically playing basketball in our driveway with my brother - whose name is, oddly, James Franklin Beck - for those of you who don't know, Alec's middle name is Frank).
Alec was part of our family and I loved him more than I realized at the time. I haven't seen him in well over 20 years, but he has never left my heart, and the news of his death has been nothing short of devastating.
My thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to everyone who knew and loved Alec.
Deborah and Mark Bittner
April 21, 2006
Amanda and Family...We were so very sorry to hear about your loss. My husband and I met while working at Stripling-Blake in the eighties. We both have many fond memories of that time and, of course, of Alec. He was a good man.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Anne Maroney
April 20, 2006
Dear Amanda & Family,
I was so sorry to read of Alec's death. You are fortunate to be surrounded by the love and support of your family and friends at this difficult time. I had worked at S/B in the early 80's, before you and Alec were even married. I have fond memories of all my co-workers and years there. Best regards,
David Patterson
April 19, 2006
Dear Amanda and Family, It has been over 30 years since I last saw you and Alec and his death deeply saddens me. Even in High School it was obvious that he loved life and loved having those around him share his joy. He made the people he was with better by his presence. I was trying to explain to my wife how he made me feel "all right" even though I was an underclassmen. I am now sorry I did not get to know him as the obviously wonderful husband, father and community servant he became. I am honored to have known him. My family's prayers are with you.
Priscilla Blanchard
April 19, 2006
Dear Al and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of Alec. I only knew Gene personally, but Alec's life reflected the same wonderful traits I loved in his mother.
My prayers are with you all.
Rick Russell
April 19, 2006
Dear Amanda & Family
Carol and I were shocked this morning when I read online of Alec's accident. Although we had not crossed paths for several years I kept up with his activities through our mutual friend, Peter Ganahl. Alec was a fun loving, energetic and thoughtful person. We missed him greatly at the annual conference we used to attend together. I believe the last time we visited was when we met at the Sand Hills Golf Club where he and his friends had just finished playing 54 holes in one beautiful day.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family and I will miss the opportunity to cross his path.
Rick & Carol Russell
Omaha, NE
Glenn Blackwood
April 18, 2006
Dear Beck Family:
It is with great remorse and regret that I send my condolences to you regarding the passing of Alec.
I was privileged to be a teammate of Alec at UT. That seemed so long ago. When I received a call from Randy McEachern to tell me the tragic news, I quickly recalled the gregarious personality and red hair of this upperclassman named Alec Beck that greeted me when I was a freshman at UT. Alec was fun, but didn't demean us in the hazing ritual new additions to the team used to endure. He was a good man. It was so encouraging to hear of Alec's commitment to his family and his community (though not surprising), but I was especially touched by his commitment in faith, for that is the only thing that can see us through tragedies such as this. I know this is the most difficult of times for you, and please be assured that my prayers are with you at this time.
Lonnie Jones Sr
April 17, 2006
Amanda,Fred,Al& Family
My heart sank very low when I learned of Alec.
It seems as if he was just in our shop,seeing the things we do.
My sorrow is out to Fred & Family
Jane and Tom Stockton
April 17, 2006
We are deeply sorrowed by news of Alec's death. Amanda, you and your children are in our prayers as you endure this terrible loss.
Lovingly,
Rory Nocker
April 17, 2006
In ones life and ones career, many influence, shape and mold your character. Mr. Beck was one who could do it the best. By mere observance, Alec was a great teacher. An astute, competitive businessman yet obviously a soft, caring and giving man. The community of Austin has lost a gem. God Bless the family and although in this time of grieving it is hard, celebrate his life.....for he lived it splendidly. I know the people and lives he touched will miss him dearly.
Jack Parsons
April 17, 2006
Amanda and Family,
I'm an AGC member who got to know Alec at the Club. He was such an impressive person who touched all of us with his passion for life and for the game of golf. He loved the Club and dedicated a large part of his life to making it a reality and developing it into the outstanding place of camaraderie it is today. Like Alec, and because of Alec, we all treasure the time we get to spend at this special place. I can still see him on the fairways in that hat he always wore to keep the Texas sun off the fair-skinned complexion he shared with all redheads. I had the good fortune of having played a couple of rounds of golf with Alec at AGC and I'll treasure the memories. As was typical of Alec, he went out of his way to spend an hour or so with me back in December to help me in my search for a possible career in Austin, for which I'll always be grateful. I will remember Alec's smile, his laughter and his upbeat, can-do approach to life. He was an inspiration to all of us and we will miss him dearly.
My deepest sympathies to all of you on the loss of such a great person. I wish I could have been there with you today. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
Michael Smith
April 17, 2006
Beck Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Beck was a very fine man and did so much for this community. I pray for God to watch over you during this time and that His comfort and love will see you through this period.
Best,
Michael Smith
Dana and Shaun Allen
April 17, 2006
Amanda and family,
My husband, Shaun Allen, began working at Stripling Blake in 1989 when he was 21 years old. He started out driving a fork lift, then window sales, next inside sales, and then outside sales. He worked under Alec's influence and guidance and is now one of the top industries sales people in the United States.
Alec did have a huge impact on Shaun and we are grateful for the time and energy that Alec put into being a mentor and friend to us.
The last time we saw Alec was a few short years ago in Port Aransas at a fishing tournament. All the fishermen were at Sharkey's getting all the official rules before starting their outing the following day. We, of course, recognized him immediately with his red hair and huge contagious smile as he walked up. Even though he had lost his wallet, he was still in great spirits.
I can only imagine how it must feel to lose your sweetheart, best friend, and the love of your life. The only comfort I get upon losing a loved one is to know these scriptures.........
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb. 4:16
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21
God be with you in this time of need.
Dana and Shaun Allen
Colleyville, Texas
Bruce Thompson
April 17, 2006
Amanda and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. I am also sorry that I never had a chance to meet and to know such a great man and fellow dedicated Christian. We at Helping Hand Home appreciate all you have done for us and reading Alec's obituary helps us understand what a truly community spirited family you have. May the Peace of God be with you.
Jim Sparks
April 17, 2006
We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt sadness for the entire Beck family. We grew up with Alec and will cherish the memories of him always.
Jim & Susan Sparks
Scott Sparks
Rob & Lori Sparks
Randi Sparks
Marc & Jane Sparks
John Scott
April 17, 2006
Beck Family, I cannot begin to understand the sorrow you are feeling. My family's prayers are for comfort for all of you during this extremely hard time. Alec was always such a gracious person to me and everyone he came in contact with; he never met a stranger. I drove a truck for Stripling Blake for a short time in late 1993 and even after I was involved in a wreck in a company truck, he found the time to befriend me. I'll never forget his kindness.
Brian Torrez
April 17, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Lupita Drane
April 16, 2006
Amanada & Family,
I don't know how to express my deepest sympathy at this difficult moment. I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one; my dad died when I was 13. Only God can give you the strength to continue to live a good life in Alec's absence. I want you to know that you are in my prayers, and I will always remember Alec as a wonderful and fun person. I remember meeting him at Jack and "Miss Jana's" house when I worked for them a long time ago, and again when I worked for Ben and Julie; that's when I really got to know him. He was always playing around and making me smile. He was truly a great person loved by many friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Johnson
April 16, 2006
Sorry to learn of Alec Beck's death. I knew him as a business competitor with his father in law Kerry Merritt. I served on industry committees with Kerry and got to know Alec through him. Later when Alec took over the family business when Kerry stepped aside. I had moved to Las Vegas, NV and was still active in the lumber business, Alec and I met occasionally here in Las Vegas and in Austin to talk shop and share industry matters. He was always very cordial and I always enjoyed visting with him from time to time. It is tragic that he has met such a terrible fate. God rest his soul. We want to send our condolences to Amanda,his children, Kerry, Nancy and extended family.
Karen Moore
April 16, 2006
Dear Amanda and Family,
I sit here stunned at South Padre Island. Please know that my thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with you. I am so thankful that I got to meet Alec even so briefly. God bless you and yours.
Karen
Mark Maund
April 16, 2006
Dear Amanda,
Words fail me for what to say to comfort you in your loss and grief. Alec is surely sitting at the right hand of God and I hope that you and your girls have a lifetime to remember him as a great husband, father and friend to so very, very many.
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Sharri Wash
April 16, 2006
Dear Amanda -
My heart breaks for you, your girls and your family. You and Alec have touched so many people in so many ways. I'll always remember Alec's huge smile which lit up the room a mile away. He really made a difference in so many lives.
This brings to mind the closing of "Brian's Song" when Gale Sayers was quoted as saying "Don't think of how he died, but how he lived - how he DID live". Alec seemed to live out loud - always there to help someone out - and always one to share a kind word. I consider myself fortunate to have known Alec and you. My heartfelt love to you and your family. As well you know, my family also sends you and your family their love, sympathy and support.
Doug and Janis Maund
April 16, 2006
To the Beck Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Alex was a genuine, fun-loving person. We always had so much fun with you at Dove Wars, Bachelors, and all the other functions and parties we were associated with. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this time of grief.
Rhonda Stanley
April 16, 2006
To Mr.Beck's family,
When our hearts are saddened by the loss of one we love, the courage that we truly need comes only from above, but may you find some comfort at this time you're going through just knowing many thoughts and prayers are always there with you.
Doug Monzingo
April 16, 2006
To the Family,
Our deepest condolenses to you for this horrible loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and for you.
The Monzingo Family
Lee Cooke
April 16, 2006
I met Alec while a freshman councilmember in Austin in the late seventies. He was at working the floor and helping customers and everyone at the lumber company. 'Liked him' from that first moment and I had the opportunity, like many, to work with him on so many community projects and boards over two decades. We picked up that same long time connection at an extended lunch last December. Alec had to talk about Amanda, the girls at SMU, his family and how lucky he was to have great friends. We talked about how the Austin Golf Club evolved and Amanda encouragement to 'do it'. Next came all of our mutual friends and what we each knew was going on in their lives...Then we talked about his corporate board activities, his project in Victoria and the printing business with his brother-in-law. I left that holiday lunch feeling like I had been with my best friend of almost 30 years but Alec was that way. While his life was filled with 'rush and help' he always created the feeling when he was with you that you were the center of his life and special to him. That smile...that smile. Kerry Merritt did me one huge life time favor when he connected me with Alec in 1979. Heather and I extend our heartfelt loss to you Amanda, to the Merritt's, to the girls, to all around the world Alec touched over his 'real deal' life. He will always remind me of a quote I read in the book on Cowboy Ethics recently..."Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." Everyone who knew Alec, knew he would always saddle up for what needed to be done. The City of Austin and Texas has seen the passing of one of its most genuine and brightest stars.
Roy Terracina
April 16, 2006
Alec, my wonderful "red headed" buddy, you were the picture of the Lords description of energy and kindness. I will never forget the many good times we spent together laughing with joy . You were a gift to your fellow man.
Who could ever forget your 40th birthday party as we all adorned red wigs to celebrate. Who would have thought that the Lord would only give you 10 more years to do his work here on earth.
I love you, my friend.
Micheal Jones
April 16, 2006
To all the Family,
At Westlake you could tell early on that Red had a great spirit, drive, ambition and passion. He loved to compete in anything he was doing. He had a gift. Alec was very special!
Dale Mogonye
April 16, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Leah Pigg
April 16, 2006
Mr. Beck I feel fortunate to have gotten to meet you and get to know you as a person. Your jubiliant personality and wonderful sense of humor was always accepted and treasured. You are a special person and never again will i meet a man with such wit and love. Thank you for the memories
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Alec Beck's name
Memorial Events
for Alec Beck
How to support Alec's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Alec Beck's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
