Richard Lee Beckendorf

October 16, 1950 – January 3, 2025

Richard “Rick” Lee Beckendorf, 74, passed away peacefully at home in Santa Monica on January 3, surrounded by family and his devoted Golden Retriever, Harper. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Rick’s unwavering faith and positive spirit remained.

Born to Richard Peter Beckendorf and Helene Gertrude Leckman, Rick grew up in West Los Angeles alongside his older brother, John. A natural athlete, Rick discovered his passion for paddle sports at the age of nine at Westport Beach Club. He went on to play on the USC Freshman tennis team and earned a BA in Physical Education in 1972.

In his early twenties, Rick dedicated over a year visiting numerous countries, spanning four continents: Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe. While in Spain, Rick accepted Jesus into his life. He remained in Spain for months afterward, becoming trained in his faith. He was forever grateful that his year of travel had led him to discover a deeper spiritual path.

Rick married Wendy Lee Forbes and together they raised their two sons, Scott and Jason, in Santa Monica. Rick worked as an Insurance Broker at Coast Insurance in the Brentwood area of LA, which his father Richard (Dick) Beckendorf, had founded. He worked closely alongside his father and brother John for 40 years, running the successful business.

After retiring at the age of fifty-seven, Rick pursued his calling in ministry. In 2008 Rick was Installed as an Associate Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Santa Monica. He attended Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, earning a Master of Arts in Theology in 2016. He was also a member of Risen Church in Santa Monica. In recent years, Rick began working as a part time Chaplain at Saint John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica until his passing. His Chaplaincy work gave him purpose and fulfilment.

A celebrated athlete, Rick earned numerous national paddle tennis titles in the 70s and early 80s. He was also an avid runner and fitness enthusiast, and devoted USC Trojan football fan. As a longtime member of Bel-Air Bay Club, he was frequently seen competing on the paddle tennis courts, sunning on the beach, participating in the bocce matches, or playing bridge. He held a deep affection for the friendships and traditions that made the club feel like a second home and was a place where he always felt a strong sense of belonging. A highlight and honor for Rick was being picked for the last ten years to play in “The Bay Cup” annual bocce tournament against The Beach Club. Rick Loved the camaraderie, rivalry and competition, winning each of his matches with unmatched determination and focus, leading to being selected as Team Captain in 2023.

Rick’s life was enriched by his second wife, Kathy, whom he met in 2016 and married in 2020. Together they traveled the world, played bocce, golfed at the Los Angeles Country Club, and created cherished memories with family and friends. Rick, a committed Christian, drew strength and joy from his faith, family, and passion for sports. "He will be remembered for his faith, positivity, unwavering fairness, and generosity of spirit. He will be sorely missed by so many.

Rick is survived by his wife, Katherine Ann Beckendorf; sons, Scott Edward Beckendorf (Gabriela) and Jason Lee Beckendorf (Mallory); granddaughter, Quinn; stepchildren, Kristoph and Kristina Oedman; brother, John Peter Beckendorf (Cheryl); nephews, Josh and Brian; stepmother, Margaret “Peggy” Beckendorf; and stepbrothers, Hugh, Bruce and Greg Wilton.

A Celebration of Life will be held sometime in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Saint John’s Health Center Foundation in Rick’s memory. https://saintjohnsfoundation.org/donate/