Kirk M Beckert's Obituary
Kirk M Beckert, age 69, went to join his loved ones in heaven on December 13, 2020, after fighting a short but brave battle with Covid 19. Kirk had the unique and special gift of inspiring everyone he met throughout his life. All who knew him will miss his creative sense of humor that could brighten even the worst of days.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ellen J. Beckert, his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Beckert and Stephanie Sawyer, his daughter Gretchen Beckert, his brothers and sisters-in-law, John A. and Pam Beckert, and Richard N. and Sandy J. Beckert, sisters-in-law and their husbands Audrey L. and Frank Begun, Amy and Greg Grambeau, and his nieces and nephews: Brent and Lindsey Beckert, Betsy Beckert, Rebecca Beckert, Erica and Bob Veenstra, Dana Begun, Marcie and Michelle Grambeau. He is preceded in death by his parents John P. and Betty J. (Taber) Beckert.
Kirk was born in Pittsburgh, PA and grew up in the suburb of Mt. Lebanon, PA, where he and his family enjoyed many sports and spending time at their ski mountain house in Somerset, PA. He graduated with a B.S.in Hotel Administration from Cornell University, where he met and married Ellen. They lived in Richardson, TX outside Dallas for over 40 years, with many special friends and family nearby. Now retired, Kirk spent the first years of his work career in restaurant development and management before choosing his second career path in education. He spent over 20 years as a special education teacher and coach with Richardson ISD, and as Chief Marketing Officer for Texans Can Academies, as well as time with Summit Consolidated Group, before retiring in 2016. One of his most proud moments was being named Coach of the Year as head coach for the L.V. Berkner HS girl’s golf team.
During his work career, he served on the Board of Texas Association of Business, and was also currently serving as a volunteer Governor’s appointee to the Advisory Board of OneStar Foundation.
Kirk loved life, and was constantly learning and creating new pathways to spend time with friends and family. He spent many hours on the golf course throughout his life, as well as hunting, fishing and boating with his family.
Due to current COVID conditions, his family has decided to wait for a memorial service until a later date. Those wishing to make a contribution in his honor can do so online through the OneStar Foundation website at www.onestarfoundation.org, or they can be mailed to the following address: OneStar Foundation, 9011 Mountain Ridge Drive, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759.
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