Remembering George Beck: Leave the flowers, take the Dewars

Gary Sanders ’96 – Shippensburg University

As the new Executive Director of Pilam, I paid a visit to George at this home. I showed up with a bottle of Dewars and flowers for his lovely wife, Barrie. George pulled me aside and said something that was typical of his character. He said, “You being here is enough. I can afford my own booze.” He paused for a moment. “Bring the flowers. It makes Barrie happy.”

That was George. Be yourself. Take care of others. We spent the rest of the evening sharing stories. He told tales of being an undergraduate immediately after Pearl Harbor, and how his college life changed. George had stories of his time in the Pacific and finding Pilam brothers in the middle of the war.

We talked about running a Fraternity that was high in ideals, and thrifty in funding. In George, I found a mentor who instilled leadership and character lessons that I use every day. 

I was fortunate to know George, his wife Barrie, and his children Tony and Diana. George joined the Chapter Eternal in 2015 after leaving an incredible legacy.

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Honor George with a donation

George generously funded many scholarships in his retirement. To honor George, we are asking brothers to help grow the fund George created to recognize our outstanding undergraduates. Anyone wishing to honor George may designate a donation to the George A. Beck Fund.