Gordon N. Beckwith, 76, of Wheeler Avenue , passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 26, 2009 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born February 17, 1933 in Cortland , NY , Gordon was the son of William and Bernice (Winfield) Beckwith and raised by Ken and Mable Loomis. He graduated from Guilford High School in 1953. After graduation Gordon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged as a Sgt. ‘Permanent’ (E4) July 6, 1956. Upon his discharge, Gordon worked for L.D. Dexheimer and Sons of Guilford until 1960. During that time Gordon also substituted for his father-in-law Ben Guinn driving one of the two school buses owned privately for Norwich City Schools. From 1960 to 1993 he was employed by Victory Markets-Great American Perishable Warehouse as a foreman at the East Main Street facility. He retired in 1992. Gordon was a school bus driver for Norwich City Schools from 1960 to 1993.
On August 27, 1955 , in Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Norwich , Gordon married Evelyn “Jackie” Guinn, of Norwich , who survives. Gordon is also survived by his children, Julie Beckwith of Norwich, Gordon David Beckwith of Norwich, Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ (David) Cooley of Brandon, FL, Joan (Howard) Nesbitt of Winder, GA, John Beckwith of Norwich and June (Steve) Beneke of Auburn, GA; grandchildren Michael, Matthew and Carissa Cooley, Eric and Jennifer Nesbitt, and Lindsey and Logan Beckwith; a brother, Willie (Robbie) Beckwith of Spotsylvania, VA; six sisters, Marjorie (Roger) Bliss of North Norwich, Eleanor (John) Ruston of Brooksville, FL, Beverly (Hobie) Gridley of Guilford, Marian (Bill) Gerst of Smithville Flats, Ella Mae (Merle) Cox of Norwich and Gloria (Jim) Holmes, of Asheboro, NC; and several nieces and nephews and cousins. he was predeceased by his parents, brothers Leonard, Raymond and Donald Beckwith and sister Harriet Jackson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 6:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Norwich.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norwich Volunteer Fireman’s Association.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.
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Dear Jackie and family,
There are no words to express our deepest sympathy over the loss of Gordie .He was such a wonderful,caring man who never had a mean word to say about anyone.We will miss all the chats,the smiles,being neighbors with him, and we will certainly miss the friendship we had formed with him.The days and months ahead will be extrememy difficult but always cherish the beautiful memories and keep them close to your hearts forever.Gordie is now your guardian angel watching over all of you.If you need anything we are here for you and always remember that we love you and we are praying for you.Take care of each other.Never be afraid to laugh,smile or cry again-believe me,it helps.
Love,Lauren,Mark and Jake
Sending our deepest sympathy to you all during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doreen (Hart) & Wayne Stoquert and Family
Dear Aunt Jackie& Family
Doesnt seem possiable that he,s gone,but he,ll never be fogotten.When he arrived St Petter greeted him with open arms then some ole Gunny reached out shook his hand and had him settle in. The next day uniform issue and pick up a weapon to stand a post. As you know the streets are guarded by U.S. Marines.Rest assured he will always be in thougths and prays.
Love Ya Always Rick & Jewlie &the kids
Jackie, David and family: Gordie and I would talk and was impressed with his positive attitude towards life and his family. Its been a pleasure knowing this thoughtful and caring man. He could teach everyone a few things because we all have a debt to pay. Joe T.
I cannot begin to tell you the number of trips with teams, visits and laughter that Gordie and i have shared. We gave hugs and encouragement to the kids that few would compliment. I have seen him reach into his own pocket and come out with the money for an athlete to have supper. He certainly was one of a kind.
The BECKWITH family,
So sorry for the loss of you husband and dad.
Know that Gordy touched many, many lives with all the years of
driving bus for the kids and families of Norwich.
My heart goes out to all of you. Know that he is resting and at peace.
Know that Love never ceases.
Love all of you
Mickey Johnson
To the Beckwith Family:
We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband, dad and grandfather. All of the Beckwith children are a testament to Mr. Beckwith and what he stood for. We shall keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy & love,
Brian & Pegi LoPresti & family
On behalf of Bill, Kim, Mark,Aaron, Mellissa, Joanna we all regret the loss of a man that touched each of our lives in different ways for many years. Family, friend, mentor; he was all of that and more to us. If it was possible, we would cross the miles to be with you,please be assured that our hearts and thoughts are with you.With all our love, the DeMuns
Jackie and family, The first time I remember seeing Gordon was in his Marine Full Dress uniform at the Bliss home in German Hollow at a Christmas party early in the 1950s. I remember being awestruck by how he appeared, I was about 4 years old.
Everything he ever did was for his family. The last time I spoke with Gordon was at my Mom’s funeral this past August. He was always genuinely concerned and caring about his friends.
I remember washing that black Dodge coupe he had and doing a poor job. He expressed his disappointment about the quality of my work, but that was it and on we went.
I wish I could be there tonight and tell each of you what a great man I think he was. Ed Bliss
I sort of adopted the Beckwith family, growing up with most of the kids and watching a few of the grandkids. Gordy was my grandfather in my mind!! I can still remember him driving the RV around town on random errands. I am very greatful and thankful that I knew Gordy as he allowed me to meet more of my family a year ago. Gordy I will keep your family safe down here as best I can, mind you I’m Army not Marines
just keep it safe for me up there like I know you will so when it’s my turn I know I will be joining someone as great as you again!!
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