Rest In Peace: John Beck (19??-2008)

[Spinster]

And yet another with a long time in the hobby:

____________________________________________
Gentlemen,

It is with sincere regret that I announce to you that Brig. Gen. John Beck of Kansas died today of a heart attack. He had poor health for quite some time and had retired from the hobby several years ago but was a steadfast leader from the formative days of the First Confederate Division when he commanded the Missouri Battalion. He eventually rose to brigade command of Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas troops. His last North/South Alliance event was "Franklin" at Spring Hill, Tennessee in 2004.

John was one of those "characters" of reenacting. You had only to hear his pirate voice once to have his image firmly planted in your memory. Gen. Moore is sending a wreath on behalf of the Army of Tennessee.

Sincerely,

Bill

W.G. Rambo, Brig Gen'l comdg
First Brigade


__________________________________________________ _

Terre Lawson
Winston Free-State/First Confederate Legion/AOT/NSA

[Parault]

" There is none finer "

He made it worth attending just to hear his speech to the troops.

He will be missed by many

[tenthmo]

As a Trans-Mississippi reenactor for over 20 years, I knew John Beck. I am a Federal reenactor and have been on the recieving end of some of the commands he's led. Friend or foe could tell when John Beck entered the field, by the sound of his shrill Marine Corp drill sergeant sounding voice.
On Saturday that voice was very pronouced. By Sunday, it was a mere whimper as he had yelled himself hoarse. Yes, I served on the opposite side from John Beck, as a Union man. But all will agree that John Beck was a very colorful larger than life character. We may never see one like him again. Rest in Peace, John.

[lthull3rdla]

I"m really sorry to hear this. My first 'national level' event was MudFreezeBoro wayyyy back there. I was in a brigade commanded by col Froggy.. his voice was so deep and thick that is what we named him. I had occasion to meet him many times since and he was always cordial and a gentleman. He will be sorely missed.

Ronnie - Shreveport

[Old Reb]

John was a true "character" in a hobby filled with too many conformist. He will be missed.

[BumpusTN]

I can still hear the sound of the small man with the huge voice. As someone posted earlier, he was a true individual man in a field with few originals.

Scott Bumpus

[coastaltrash]

It's kind of funny that this past Sunday I was walking around at the Raymond event site, thinking about fighting under John in 2001.

[boozie]

I always think, with a smile of that voice saying "Attention Company" even today. Everyone in the Tennessee Valley Battalion would try to imitate it back in the day. He was truly a great guy who will be missed.

[26th NC]

I started my re-enacting in the First Confederate Battalion with the 23rd MO (CS). First event I was ever at was Shiloh 97. I had several occasions after that to be under the command of John Beck. Voice indeed, always knew when he was in command on the field.

Layton Pennington