We have known Kevin since we were in college together at WSU. As we got married and started our families Kevin was a close friend. He was always kind and gentle with our kids. He was a great father and cherished his family. Kevin had a warm smile for everyone and we always looked forward to spending time with him and his family. I am sad that Kevin had such a difficult time medically in his last years but he would have always been a good example for Jordan.  He will be missed.


Some of my memories of Kevin, we did a lot of camping with our Mom's family growing up,  Kevin loved to camp, fish and hike.
I remember playing a lot of card and board games with the four of us, especially when camping, always a lot of fun.  When traveling,  we
would ride up in the camper on the bunk bed and look out the windows,  and play all kinds of games,   license plate game, alphabet game, etc. 
We always had a lot of fun,   Kevin was always a good sport and just fun to be around.  I remember going to many baseball games
and watching him play,   I think his nickname was bullet ball?  and then a trip to Dairy Queen fo course with the team afterwards,  was always    a good time. He learned to ski and  by the time I was a teenager and took ski lessons
myself,   he was very skilled.   After I took lessons,  my friends and I really loved it  and wanted to continue "going up to the mountain",
so I wanted to buy my own equipment.   Kevin, having considerably more experience than I,  offered to take me shopping so he could help me pick out the right skiis, bindings, etc.  This  we did,  and I remember what a great day we had together.
As we got older, we went our separate ways a little more, with college, jobs, marriage, children, etc.   He was
a devoted father and watching him with his own son was heart warming.   Jordan has become a fine young man, Kevin was so proud of him.

 Thanks for being a great brother and role model Kevin.    I hope you are walking in heaven with Dad.




cont...
I'm so sorry Kevin, that you had to endure such a terrible illness and suffer so long, it seems so unfair.  You still had that positive attitude of going forward , not saying you couldn't do things...going to the exercise room and pool exercise classes for as long as you possibly could. Being determined to walk to Church no matter how difficult it was for you. 
   Thank you for letting me help you when you needed it, even though it was not a place you were used to being in.  Thank you for the times you said "I Love You" at the end of my visits, even though you couldn't speak anything else, you managed to get those words out.  It filled my heart and I treasured those words.  
You taught me a lot, Kevin, in your last years here...about compassion, patience, humility, faith, and most of all love. Your faith was unwavering throughout, and your Bible a comfort.  You know God's plan now as I will one day too.  Until I see you again, Kevin,
                                                   Love, your sister, Karla

Dear Kevin,
Thank You for being a brother I could always look up to... there are many reasons why.  You set a good example to your sisters and your son of how to be a good, kind, diligent, Christian man..  
You were always caring and generous to us and also our children- your nieces and nephews.  You made special efforts to be a good father and provider to Jordan.  I remember your many cookbooks and you making sure you cooked Jordan's favorite meals for him. You were so enthusiastic about his sports, academics, your pride in him was always very apparent and in your devotion to him you have raised a wonderful son. 
In the same way you always showed pride in your work through your devotion and commitment to PSE, for many years and maximizing your efforts to do an optimal job.  It always seemed important to you to do your best, not what was just acceptable.
You always had a positive attitude, never spoke ill of others or showed a negative attitude around us, always happy and smiling.
I have lots of fond memories of being kids...riding mini bikes in the field behind our house, camping and playing in the creeks, swimming and card games at George's cabin on Pend Oriellle, and many 4th of July's at lake Couer d' Alene.  Of course I have to also thank you for the time when we were about 4 and 6, playing with your model trains in the basement  and one of the engines started smoking. I ran up the stairs and out the back door yelling "FIRE,FIRE!" while you stayed behind and calmly doused the engine in water, surely saving me from near death!                    cont...


My first memories of my father are of love and admiration. I remember him kissing my mom and then me before heading off to work with a look of contentedness. Subsequent memories follow a similar theme - coaching me in sports, how to drive safely in snow and the value of hard work. My father enjoyed fatherhood. I remember our conversations in the car as he dropped me off at school. Such topics like the intricacies of a combustion engine or the difference between a publicly owned company and a privately owned company were often too complicated for my young mind (sometimes frustratingly so), but the passion in his voice led me to want to continue listening. Through his interests his intelligence became evident. I vividly remember visits to construction sites and his detailed explanation of each phase of construction and the numerous book recommendations he had for me. Time passed and I began to see the early symptoms of huntingtons set in, more so , however, I saw a man fighting harder and harder to maintain an avid lifestyle. Despite his body's uncooperativness he continued to exercise late into his life - a testament to his relentless work ethic. One fortunate thing about a slow goodbye is that a loved one can pass away peacefully, surrounded by family, in a loving home. I love you dad, rest in peace.

I always thought my family was the average family.  I had an older brother, two older sisters and a mom and dad.  It wasn’t until I moved away from home and started my career that I realized how extraordinary my family was.    We all loved each other and cared about each other.  We fought at times but the anger didn’t last.   I think that’s what made us extraordinary.  
We all have such special memories of our brother.   I remember him having a good sense of humor though usually with sarcasm when he would tease me.
He would play baseball with me or play pool.  He would always win but it was still fun to me.   When I moved to Seattle and began my career,  he would always ask me about my job and what  my future plans were.  He was smart and successful and wanted to help me make good decisions.  I will miss him but am happy he is at peace now.  


Kevin was my cousin and we spent quite a few good times together.  There are many memories that I could recount swimming,running and playing  having so much fun.  He was my friend.  My prayers and condolences to his family and friends. may you rest in peace Kevin you will be missed by many.
James Lee Kemmis

Jordan,
I had the pleasure of working with your Dad many years at Puget.  He was undoubtedly one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.  Smart as heck and an incredible worker.  He worked hard for Puget’s customers because it was always the right thing to do on their behalf.  I am sure your Dad passed on some admirable traits to you that will make extremely successful on your path through life.

Kevin

Contributed by Thelma Beck.  Thank you Thelma.

Letter contributed by Syd France, one of Kevin's colleagues, thank you Syd.

I had a in home daycare and I cared for little Jordan for many years in my home. What stands out in my mind is the love Kevin had for his son. Always excited to pick him up after work and loving on his son. He was such a good father, friend, husband and he will be missed here on earth but I know his battle is over and he is at pease. God bless u Jordan u had an awesome dad . Love Caesar & Alice HERNANDEZ 

Kevin and I met when we both attended Washington State University.  In the late 90's and early 80's.  I think we were a lot alike.  Among other things, we loved skiing, both snow and water.  Somehow, I still have his water ski.  And he still has my weight set.  There were many adventures, best left in the past.  It was a proud day when Kevin asked me to stand up with him, when he and Thelma exchanged wedding vows.  There was a small room behind the front of the church.  All the groomsmen, Kevin, and the pastor met there just before the start of the wedding.  Someone had conveniently left a bottle of Jack Daniels and shot glasses in a cabinet.  We all shared a toast to Kev, including the pastor.  It was a great day!  Then there were dinner's at Kevin and Thelma's house in Renton.  Making fun of them as we walked through the empty Living and Dining room.  Back to the kitchen and family room.  The only ones furnished.  They were starting there and working their way out with furniture.  Kev always had a smile!  I was so sorry to hear that he had passed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin and his family and friends.



I met Kevin in 1976 and began an extraordinary journey that continues to shape who I am today.  We married in 1982 and in 1991 welcomed our greatest blessing, our son, Jordan Beck.  In 1998, our lives moved in different directions though we still enjoyed many memories together - cheering Jordan on when he played soccer, basketball & baseball; sharing in Jordan’s birthday celebrations; being proud parents at Jordan’s high school and college graduations are a few of the highlights joyfully shared together.  Kevin loved skiing, tennis and baseball and it was like watching poetry in motion whenever he partook in those sports.  Along the road of life, Kevin made many wonderful friends that remained very precious to him.  During the latter years, Kevin fought a brave and valiant battle with Huntington’s Disease, but even when I last saw him, it was undeniable that he still retained the heart, intelligence and strength that were his essence.  They say that one’s life isn’t measure in years but in impact and Kevin’s impact on those who knew and loved him was enormous.  Puget Sound Energy for whom Kevin worked for from 1980 until his retirement nearly forty years later was also a great sources of joy for Kevin.  His dedication to his son, Jordan Beck is evident in the extraordinary young man that Jordan is today.  Terminal illness spanning over a decade is never easy and I want to thank our dear families and friends for making the journey one filled with support and love.  Kevin made me a better person in countless ways and for that, I will always be most grateful.  Godspeed dear Kevin, until we meet again. With love and respect, Thelma 

Kevin and I played together on a softball team in early to mid 80's.  He was a great guy, soft spoken and fun to be around.   We had a lot of fun on that team, both on and off the field.  I am saddened to hear of his passing, and my thoughts go out to his family.

OBITUARY

Kevin Lee Beck

March 11, 1957 – February 15, 2019

Thornhill Valley Chapel

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