EAST MACHIAS – Ronald Earl Beckwith Sr., 74, passed peacefully and went to be with the Lord Jan. 24, 2009, at home. He was born July 30, 1934, in Bridgeport, Conn., son of the late Theodore and Evelyn (Twiss) Beckwith. Ron married the love of his life, Constance A. Cowell, March 5, 1955. In July 2005, they renewed their vows of love and commitment to one another. Mr. Beckwith served in the U.S. Navy, Nov. 3, 1953, and was honorably discharged Nov. 2, 1955. Mr. Beckwith began his career in law enforcement with the police department in Stratford, Conn., in 1959. He retired in 1984 as a detective. He served as president of Stratford Police Union Local No. 407 from 1966 to 1974. Retiring to Punta Gorda, Fla., Ron worked as a court clerk from 1999 to 2001 with Charlotte County Circuit Court. Ron’s stories of his days in law enforcement were the focus of many family gatherings. Some would bring you to tears as he witnessed the best and worst in people. Most would leave us laughing uncontrollably. The antics of Ron and his partners could have formed the basis of several episodes of “Car 54 Where Are You?” Ron was quick to laugh, slow to anger and always ready for a party. He loved openly, was a great hugger and had a generous heart. Family gatherings at New Years and the Fourth of July were always special. Adventures in somewhat less than seaworthy boats, family trips and summers at camp created precious memories for us to hold close. Ron was a member of Centre Street Congregational Church of Machias and served as a trustee of the church. He belonged to several civic and professional organizations, including Fraternal Order of Police, Police Benevolent Association and Elks. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Constance (Cowell) Beckwith; sons, Ronald Earl Beckwith Jr. and daughter-in-law, Melanie, of East Machias and Douglas Scott Beckwith and daughter-in-law, Kate, of Sanbornville, N.H.; grandchildren, Jennifer, Alexis, Skyler, Serena, Emily, Tyler, Kyle, Colby and Logan; brothers, Theodore Beckwith and wife, Doris, of Moreno Valley, Calif., and William Beckwith and wife, Anne, of Dunnellon, Fla.; sisters, Vivian Blasko and husband, George, of Southbury, Conn., and Evelyn White and husband, Raeburn, of Ellenton, Fla.; a special sister-in-law, Evelyn Altieri of Stratford, Conn.; and a host of nephews and nieces in whose hearts he was very special. Ron was predeceased by a son, Todd Michael, whom he will now embrace in heaven. Throughout his illness, Ron was blessed to be cared for by the most wonderful and compassionate group of caregivers. The family looks at the staff at Machias Medical Associates, Northeast Cardiology, Downeast Community Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center as family. They give proof that health care work is a calling and not just a profession. Dad’s “girls,” Jodi, Tammy and Amy hold a special place in our hearts. The staff at our “condo” at Riverside Inn at Eastern Maine Medical Center always made us feel at home. We will miss him every day and cherish his memory. We know the lives he touched were many and the world is a better place for his time on this Earth. Visiting hours will take place 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Machias. A funeral service will take place noon Thursday, Jan. 29, at Centre Congregational Church, Machias, officiated by the Rev. Gini King. Immediately after the service friends are invited to a time of fellowship in the church vestry. Burial will be private. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Centre Street Congregational Church, Machias Area Food Pantry or Machias Area Winter Fuel Fund, P.O. Box 265, Machias, ME 04654 or to a charity of your choice. www.bragdonkelley.com
RONALD EARL BECKWITH SR.
