Gary Lee Beckham – 72- Born May 2, 1950, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, to Douglas and June Beckham of Newell, South Dakota. He grew up on the family farm, was in high school plays, and played the trumpet in the band. He was active in 4-H and traveled to sheep-showing competitions with his father and their Corriedale sheep. After graduating from Newell High School in 1968, he attended the School of Mines in Rapid City, South Dakota for three years and then moved to the West Coast. He was a District Manager for a variety store before starting his own business – ATRS (All the Right Stuff) – where he traveled several states selling flowers, pots, and outdoor merchandise. His family often accompanied him on his travels. Gary enjoyed airplanes and his motorcycles and attending the Sturgis Rallies. He also enjoyed walking and senior dances. He spent most of his adult life in Oregon, Montana, and Idaho before his niece/guardian (Brooke Beckham) honored his wishes to move him back home to Sturgis, South Dakota (the City of Riders) in 2019.

Upon moving back to SD, the Nampa Senior Center lost a fiercely loyal lunch patron and dance partner. He came for the lunch and stayed for the company. He had stated the place reminded him a bit of 'coffee breaks' that were often taken on the farm – 'sugar cookies and all'. It was there that he met some very special friends, Mick and Phyllis Morlan. The family would like to thank both of them for all their tireless work, caring and most of all love for our Mr. Gary Beckham.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Doug and June Beckham. He is survived by his daughters, Jen (Brad) Beckmann of Kirkland, WA, Kate (Koki) Gonzalez of Boise, ID, Sarah (Jeff) Kelly of Temple, TX, and Megan Beckham- (John III) Gilbert of Chinook, WA; brother, Dennis (Ann) Beckham of Piedmont, SD; sister, Sharleen (Jerry) Bergum of Sturgis, SD; 12 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Although Gary lived a less than average life span, he did not live an average life. He traveled where he wanted to travel, laughed inappropriately at every chance, learned what he wanted to learn, fixed what he wanted to fix and built what he wanted to build.

Gary's wishes were to be cremated with his final landing spot being in the Sturgis Cemetery, or as Gary would call it "the boneyard".  Being the jokester Gary typically was, he chose cremation because he stated, "Doesn't much matter I guess, because I will be with the great Creator before they ever get me to the great cremator, and since you asked- I don't want to leave this life with people gawking at me while I lay in a coffin."

Casey, Gary's little dog died in 2017, and there really are no words to describe what a joy and companion Casey was for him. So, if there is a place in the afterlife where little dogs and old dawgs go, then that's where you'll find Gary and Casey. Maybe we will all see you there sometime.

Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate Gary's life in their own way. Raising a glass of their favorite drink in his memory would be quite appropriate.

Instead of flowers, Gary would hope that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for some unfortunate soul in his name, or if you wish to have a tax deduction to honor him in the year of his passing, he would very much appreciate a donation to the Nampa Senior Center (207 Constitution Way, Nampa, ID 83686) so those coffee breaks and luncheons can continue to be available for others.

Gary had some serious health problems the past couple of years, but survived them (up till now anyways) with the help of the nurses, aids, techs, and administrative staff at Fountain Springs Healthcare in Rapid City, SD. He decided to go out with a bang and start his soul journey on July 4, 2022. Dennis and Brooke would like to thank you for all the care you provided Gary and publicly share our appreciation for the unsung heroes who showed up every day to help him to his next transition.

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