Donald W Beckie

Donald Wayne Beckie, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Greer, South Carolina after a 2-year battle with cancer. He passed peacefully and was surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old.

Don is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Watson) Beckie. He was the son of the late Maynard Walter Beckie and Lucille Clydene (Davis) Beckie. Survivors include son Randall Eugene Beckie of New Jersey, daughter Laura Beckie McQuaid (Peter) of New Jersey, and granddaughter Katie Scarlett McQuaid. Don and Carolyn met as undergrads at the University of the Pacific and fondly remember going on dates to the San Francisco Symphony and drinking hot chocolate at the End Zone on campus. They recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. He was a member of Pi Kappa Lamda, Phi Mu Alpha, Phi Delta Kappa, and International Who's Who in Music.

Don was born in Greenville, Illinois, and grew up in Alameda, California. Here he began his passion for clarinet and was the First Chair in the Berkely Young Peoples Orchestra. He graduated from Encinal High School in 1956 and was nominated 'Most Likely to Succeed'. He earned his Bachelor of Music at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, and a Master's and Doctorate of Applied Woodwinds at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. As a member of the 561st Air Force Band, he marched in the inauguration of President Eisenhower. 

Don had fond memories of his first teaching position at Tennyson High School in Hayward California where his skill in teaching band, orchestra, and humanities led to an instructional path for many years. He spent 14 summers at the PA Governors School for the Arts and Humanities and was well known for throwing Peach Fuzzy parties for faculty. He taught woodwinds, art history, and marching band at Gettysburg College where he and his young family enjoyed riding their bicycles on the many historic trails. While at Susquehanna University, he taught woodwinds and art history and conducted numerous college music tours to Europe. He enjoyed staying in touch with former students whom he mentored through the years. He was Dean of Fine Arts at Texas Wesleyan College in Arlington, TX the Director of the School of Music at Redlands University in Redlands, CA, and the President of the Governors School in Greenville, SC. He was a frequent guest conductor, soloist, and adjudicator for state and regional band and orchestra competitions. 

Don enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his 'favorite' (and only) granddaughter Katie, and traveling with Carolyn to their favorite places in Italy, Ireland, and beyond. Known for his quick wit, he sent daily jokes to friends and family. A former member of Arrowhead Country Club in San Bernardino, CA he enjoyed the lifelong friends made on his favorite courses. As a retiree, Don was involved with the Woodworkers Guild, Guild of the Greenville Symphony, and Meals on Wheels. 

Don’s life was filled with inspiring others with a love of and appreciation for music. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greer Meals on Wheels (758 South Line Street, Greer, South Carolina 29651) or the Guild of the Greenville Symphony (PO Box 1562 Greenville, South Carolina 29602). 

A Memorial Reception will be held on January 28, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at the Poinsett Club, 807 East Washington Street, Greenville, South Carolina. A private ceremony will be held in La Jolla, California later.