Walter Richardson Beddeo

Walt, a loving husband, devoted father, caring son, proud brother, and accomplished athlete, passed away at 61. His departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him.

During his younger years, Walt found his passion in swimming, displaying exceptional talent that helped shape his life in profound ways. Throughout his youth, he made waves in the swimming world and stood out as one of the best swimmers in his age group nationwide in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He continued to excel and earned recognition as an All-American during his years at Palmdale High School where his father was the swim coach. His dedication and skill led him to continue his swimming journey at UCLA. He qualified for the 1980 Olympic trials; however, the United States boycotted the Summer Olympics in Moscow due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan so that dream was not to be. A highlight of his years at UCLA was being a member of the 1982 NCAA Championship Swim Team where he developed lifelong friendships.

After earning a BA in Economics from UCLA, he obtained his license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He later got an MA in Tax Administration from USC and passed the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) exam. Walt worked for KPMG, then Grobstein, Horwath & Company, followed by a second stint at KPMG. He later started his accounting firm, Brighton Financial Network, in Valencia. He loved his profession and considered his clients to be extensions of his family.

Family was the most important thing in Walt’s life and where he found his greatest joy. It all began at the infamous lifeguard beach party during the summer of ’83 when he and Coleen began dating. They both worked as lifeguards at a local pool in the summers during college. Walt and Coleen were married on September 29, 1990, in Malibu, CA. Walt was a devoted husband to Coleen (affectionately known as Dorothy) for 33 years. They enjoyed an active lifestyle, going on bike riding trips with friends and traveling to various locations where Walt competed in ocean swims, triathlons, and the LA Marathon. They had a wonderful trip to Europe and visited Walt’s sister when she lived abroad. In Walt's recent years, some of his favorite getaways were to Sedona and Lake Tahoe.

Together, Walt and Coleen raised two incredible children, Lauren and Walter “Ryan” who were the light of his life. Family trips were a tradition, filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Summers were spent visiting various National Parks, with one of his favorite trips being the Empire Builder train ride from Seattle to Glacier National Park. The family also took a treasured annual trip each summer with their Cal Poly friends in Three Rivers, CA. Both Lauren & Ryan were involved in a variety of youth sports and many weekends were spent traveling around Southern California and traveling to a handful of states. Walt was an incredibly supportive father who consistently made himself available to counsel them through academics, sports, careers, and life.

Walt could always be found on the sidelines of his children’s sporting events as well as those of his friends’ children. He enthusiastically followed and supported them in high school and throughout their collegiate careers. He was a coach and mentor to many young children in Santa Clarita and a kind, calming, and funny counselor to numerous coaches and parents.

Walt also loved playing basketball, and as an adult played with the Wolfpack Team and in the Spectrum basketball league, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He was always ready to play golf at any opportunity. During the past year alone, he was thrilled to have golfed at the following golf courses: Avila Beach, Mauna Kea, Torrey Pines, and Turtle Point.

Walt was born on May 7, 1962, and passed away on March 29, 2024, after losing his battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, Coleen (Hickert) Beddeo; his children Lauren and Ryan Beddeo; his parents, Walter Richard Beddeo and Karen (Evans) Beddeo; his sister Gina (Beddeo) Hopek; his brother-in-law Scott Hopek; and his niece Jessika Smith.

Though his time with us was cut short, Walt’s spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Let us carry Walt’s memory in our hearts, as we continue forward, guided by his love, selflessness, positivity, and wisdom.

To view the Celebration of Life, follow the link: https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21ArYqWb3bgyGaaAk&id=4510837181D636AC%2128892&cid=4510837181D636AC

A celebration of Walt’s life will be held on May 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Real Life Church located at 23841 Newhall Ranch Rd., Valencia, CA 91354.