Howard Beck

      Howard Beck was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Howard always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Howard was an individual who enjoyed life's challenges.

       His parents were Howard and Jean Beck. Howard was raised in Long Island, New York, and New Hyde Park in New York. Always able to express himself well, Howard possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Howard was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Howard was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Howard was raised with one sibling. He had a younger sister Jeannie. Howard had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Howard showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Howard enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball and Boy Scouts. In his spare time he liked fishing.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Howard was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated in New Hyde Park, New York in 1960. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Friends and acquaintances found Howard an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Howard was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. Later in life, he became friends with Rick.

      On May 2, 1969 Howard exchanged wedding vows with Sue Ellen Bess at the The Aloha Wedding Chapel of Long Beach, CA. Howard was attentive to Sue's feelings, and he charmed Sue and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Howard was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Howard identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children's personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Howard was blessed with three children, two sons, Richard and Thomas and one daughter Kristy. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Jonathan and Daniel.

      Howard was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Howard's strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Howard was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Howard could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was an avionics final test technician. He was employed for 35 years by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing.

      Howard was a Navy and Marine Corp veteran. Howard was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was in the Navy from 1959 to 1961 on submarine service, and the Marine Corp from 1961 to 1965 as an aircraft jet engine mechanic stationed in Glenview, Illinois. He achieved the rank of Corporal E-4. He received several awards including a Good Conduct Medal. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

      Howard enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were woodworking, gold prospecting and fishing. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Howard was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Howard participated in wrestling and track and field. Howard was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Top on his list was watching the New York Yankees play.

      Howard was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it's little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Howard was a member of several community groups, including coaching Little League and park softball.

      Howard held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He attended Catholic school when was a child.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Howard truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included gold prospecting in Azusa and Stanislaus, California.

      Howard was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Howard's favorites were Geshoss and Jeager his German Shorthand Pointers. He had Geshoss 14 years, and Jeager 11 years. His family was rounded out by his other German Shorthair Pointers Gunner, Duchess, and Hook.

      When Howard's retirement finally came in 2007, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to Lakewood, California.

      Howard passed away on May 14, 2009 at home. He fought a tough battle against a very aggressive cancer. He is survived by his wife Sue, children Richard and Kristy (husband Jeff), grandchildren Jonathan and Daniel, mother Jean, and sister Jeannie. Services were held at Whites Funeral Home, Bellflower, CA. Howard was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress, CA.

      Howard was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Howard had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don't Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Howard Beck.