Frederick W. Beck, Jr.

Former Cathlamet resident Frederick W. Beck, Jr., 74, died June 8 in Palm Springs, Calif.

He was born April 3, 1940, in Pontiac, Il., to Frederick William Beck and Annabell Sable Beck. He earned a bachelor degree in education at Illinois State University and a Fifth Year Certificate at the University of Washington. He taught math and science at Amboy High School in Illinois 1963-1964, and at St. Anne High School in St. Anne, Il. 1965-1966. In 1967, the Becks moved to Cathlamet where he taught at Wahkiakum High School for 16 years. During that time, he was the senior class advisor. He also worked at PGE Trojan Nuclear Power Plant and wrote National Science Foundation Grants for the education system at Amboy.

In 1964, he married Joanne D. Beck; they divorced in 1979. In 1972, they adopted six children: Burkley Beck, 51, now of West Palm Beach, Fl .; Tawny Ann Merl Salte, 49, Kelso; Edward Joseph Beck, 48, Port Angeles; Kathleen Shawn Beck, 47, Sequim; James Michael Beck, 46, Desert Hot Springs, Calif., and Kimberly Joanne Beck-Birchfield, 45, Bend, Ore.

He is survived by his children, 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held July 3, 2 p.m., at the United Church of Christ in Cathlamet.