Obituary for Errol Beach
Shelburne - Our beloved father, Errol G. Beach, transitioned peacefully on September 2, 2021, after complications from bladder cancer surgery. He was surrounded by family and friends in the comfort of his home. He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on June 21, 1937 to Rex and Arleen (Hansen) Beach. Errol married Joan Bastian on July 9, 1965, and together they raised three children, GiGi, Greg, and Gena (Bronson). In addition to his children, he is survived by his cherished son-in-law, Dan Bronson, who he described as “The best son-in-law anyone could ask for!”; four grandchildren, Tara Beach, Lydia Beach Putvain (BJ), Gwendolyn Bronson, and Aaron Bronson; and one great-grandchild, Kira Beach. Errol leaves his extended “out West” Beach and Hansen families, who always held a very special place in his heart. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Gary, and Joan. He is also survived by his lovely partner, Martha Fitzgerald of Burlington, Vermont, and her family. Both being widowed after 50 years of marriage; they met and had a wonderful 5 years together. Our family is grateful for the time he and Martha enjoyed, flourishing in their shared interests in education, the arts, travel, exploring culinary delights, and intriguing conversation. We all went to great lengths to ensure their safety during Covid and it was a true comfort that they were able to isolate together during this unprecedented time, thriving with quiet dinners and on line classes.
As a child from humble beginnings, Errol worked on farms run by his father, Rex, and his uncle Keith. Their work ethic, humble demeanors, and kindness were a lasting influence and the foundation for the remarkable man he became. Family, friends, and colleagues accurately describe him as genuine, honest, forthright, thoughtful, honorable, a man of unwavering dignity and integrity. He treated everyone with respect and thoughtfulness.
Errol was an accomplished musician. He was proud to have been the Director of his Idaho Falls high school band during his senior year in high school and a valued member of their basketball team. An academic standout, he was awarded a full scholarship to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1955. He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics. His next adventure was with the U. S. Army. Stationed in Alaska, he worked in research and development, doing his best to ensure our brave troops were equipped with the most efficient and effective tools to achieve any mission. Following his military service, he worked at Hercules, Inc. until 1965 when he accepted a management position with IBM in Essex Junction, VT, establishing his homestead in Shelburne. Upon retirement from IBM in 1995, he created his own consulting firm, Information Technology Management. While working with Lockheed on advanced engineering and research projects, he was recognized with the coveted Lockheed Stealth Program Team Award in 2000. Upon full retirement, he continued to share his passion for technology and education by joining the amazing volunteer team at SeniorNet, receiving the USA Freedom Corps, President’s Volunteer Service Award for his service there. He and Joan also enjoyed traveling the world until her health no longer allowed for such adventures.
Two of his favorite spaces for relaxation, observation, and reflection were in his chair in the living room and the one in his den. From each, he would gaze out the window and meditate among his magnificent trees. Every Sunday morning you would find him in his living room chair, pen in hand, attempting to break his record of completing the New York Times crossword puzzle in less than 40 minutes. When Gena was 3, she climbed into his lap while he was puzzling. He didn’t shoo her away. He gave her his pen and taught her to write the letters to his answers in the little boxes. When Greg wanted to be part of the Lake Champlain Swim Team, he woke up at 4 a.m. every morning for 5 years to get him to practice. There was a celebration when Greg got his driver’s license. Without judgement, he was there to support GiGi through every catastrophe she threw his way. Errol was the parent who would feed the babies in the middle of the night. For nearly a year, he would wake up every 2 hours to roll his cherished bedridden mother-in-law over so she wouldn’t get bed sores. He never wavered in supporting Joan through decades of addiction and caring for her throughout her deterioration due to dementia. He was the light at the end of so many tunnels. Without question, Errol was a committed and devoted family man.
Errol was an avid sportsman and enthusiastic golfer. With his foursome, best friends Vic, Hu, and Bill, he enjoyed over a half century of golfing at Kwiniaska Golf Course in Shelburne. One of his golfing highlights was playing at St. Andrews in Scotland with his father-in-law, Max W. Bastian. He was particularly delighted when his granddaughter, Lydia, won the Vermont State DII Golf Championship in 2010.
Errol will be missed deeply by all who knew him. His affable personality, dry humor, wise insights, and logical nature were memorable and sincere. His impact on those who had the benefit of his company will live on. He was committed to community service and believed firmly that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. When once asked how he chose who to support, he simply replied, “I support those in need of support.” In lieu of flowers or donations, we believe the most appropriate way to honor Errol’s memory is to simply do what you can to support those in need of support with kindness, thoughtfulness, and respect.
Due to the current state of Covid, the family will be holding a private burial at the Shelburne Village Cemetery Cremation Garden. We would like to thank the amazing staff at LaVigne Funeral Home in Winooski for their outstanding service. They gave us great comfort in their honorable treatment of Errol’s vessel.
As a child from humble beginnings, Errol worked on farms run by his father, Rex, and his uncle Keith. Their work ethic, humble demeanors, and kindness were a lasting influence and the foundation for the remarkable man he became. Family, friends, and colleagues accurately describe him as genuine, honest, forthright, thoughtful, honorable, a man of unwavering dignity and integrity. He treated everyone with respect and thoughtfulness.
Errol was an accomplished musician. He was proud to have been the Director of his Idaho Falls high school band during his senior year in high school and a valued member of their basketball team. An academic standout, he was awarded a full scholarship to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1955. He graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics. His next adventure was with the U. S. Army. Stationed in Alaska, he worked in research and development, doing his best to ensure our brave troops were equipped with the most efficient and effective tools to achieve any mission. Following his military service, he worked at Hercules, Inc. until 1965 when he accepted a management position with IBM in Essex Junction, VT, establishing his homestead in Shelburne. Upon retirement from IBM in 1995, he created his own consulting firm, Information Technology Management. While working with Lockheed on advanced engineering and research projects, he was recognized with the coveted Lockheed Stealth Program Team Award in 2000. Upon full retirement, he continued to share his passion for technology and education by joining the amazing volunteer team at SeniorNet, receiving the USA Freedom Corps, President’s Volunteer Service Award for his service there. He and Joan also enjoyed traveling the world until her health no longer allowed for such adventures.
Two of his favorite spaces for relaxation, observation, and reflection were in his chair in the living room and the one in his den. From each, he would gaze out the window and meditate among his magnificent trees. Every Sunday morning you would find him in his living room chair, pen in hand, attempting to break his record of completing the New York Times crossword puzzle in less than 40 minutes. When Gena was 3, she climbed into his lap while he was puzzling. He didn’t shoo her away. He gave her his pen and taught her to write the letters to his answers in the little boxes. When Greg wanted to be part of the Lake Champlain Swim Team, he woke up at 4 a.m. every morning for 5 years to get him to practice. There was a celebration when Greg got his driver’s license. Without judgement, he was there to support GiGi through every catastrophe she threw his way. Errol was the parent who would feed the babies in the middle of the night. For nearly a year, he would wake up every 2 hours to roll his cherished bedridden mother-in-law over so she wouldn’t get bed sores. He never wavered in supporting Joan through decades of addiction and caring for her throughout her deterioration due to dementia. He was the light at the end of so many tunnels. Without question, Errol was a committed and devoted family man.
Errol was an avid sportsman and enthusiastic golfer. With his foursome, best friends Vic, Hu, and Bill, he enjoyed over a half century of golfing at Kwiniaska Golf Course in Shelburne. One of his golfing highlights was playing at St. Andrews in Scotland with his father-in-law, Max W. Bastian. He was particularly delighted when his granddaughter, Lydia, won the Vermont State DII Golf Championship in 2010.
Errol will be missed deeply by all who knew him. His affable personality, dry humor, wise insights, and logical nature were memorable and sincere. His impact on those who had the benefit of his company will live on. He was committed to community service and believed firmly that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. When once asked how he chose who to support, he simply replied, “I support those in need of support.” In lieu of flowers or donations, we believe the most appropriate way to honor Errol’s memory is to simply do what you can to support those in need of support with kindness, thoughtfulness, and respect.
Due to the current state of Covid, the family will be holding a private burial at the Shelburne Village Cemetery Cremation Garden. We would like to thank the amazing staff at LaVigne Funeral Home in Winooski for their outstanding service. They gave us great comfort in their honorable treatment of Errol’s vessel.