Frederic Beekman

Frederic Beekman, age 89, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2010. He was born on February 14, 1921 in Bath, New York. He served his country proudly as an Army Major in WWII and received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from The Ohio State University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Fred had a long and distinguished career as a Professor and Administrator at OSU beginning in 1948 and served as Director of Intramural Sports and Recreation from 1963 until his retirement in 1994. He served on the timing crew for OSU Football games for 60 years and was its official timer for over 35. He also was the official timer for OSU Basketball games for more than 35 years. He was a member of Varsity O, Sphinx and the Ohio Staters. In 1999 Fred received OSU’s Distinguished Service Award for his many contributions to the university and its students, whom he dearly loved. Because of Fred’s dedication to sports and recreation, he was honored with the establishment of the Fred Beekman Park on OSU’s West Campus. In addition to his work at OSU, Fred was a long-time high school and small college football and basketball official and served as president of the Central Ohio Football and Basketball Officials Associations. He was instrumental in establishing the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games -at Ohio State in 1972 and continued his involvement until 2009. Fred also managed the Ohio High School Athletic Association track and field championships for 40 years. He was a member of First Community Church and ushered there for over 50 years. Fred is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; mother, Sarah Louise; and brothers, Douglas and Richard. He is survived by his loving children, Dr. Jerome Beekman, and Linda (Doug) Crim; grandsons, Dr. Daniel (Michelle) Beekman, Dr. James (Susie) Beekman and David Beekman; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will take place at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43212 on March 7, 2010 at 2 pm; with a reception to follow at the church. Reverend James M. Long officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Fred Beekman Park Endowment Fund, Fund Number: 640410, Ohio State Recreational Sports, c/o Marci Harrington, 337 W. 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 or the Ohio Special Olympics, 3303 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232-5500. Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send online condolences and share memories.