Obituary of Gene Edward Beckwith

Gene E. Beckwith, 83 Died July 10, 2015 Gene E. Beckwith was born on June 5, 1932, in Rochester, N.Y. He received a B.S. and an M.S in music from the State University of New York, Fredonia, did additional graduate work at State University of Buffalo, N.Y., then continued studies at Eastman School of Music, N.Y., in single and double reeds. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a Signal Specialist 1955-1957, then served two years with the Army National Guard Band in Buffalo, N.Y., as a clarinetist. He married Arlene Bennett on June 9, 1956. Gene was a music educator in Elma, N.Y., 1957-1971 and concurrently active with the Erie County (Buffalo, N.Y.) Music Educators, serving on the board, conducting, and adjudicating. In 1971, the family moved to Fargo, N.D., where he assumed a position as Orchestra Director in the Fargo Public Schools and taught clarinet part time at Moorhead State University in MN. In 1976, Gene moved to Red Wing, Minn., establishing the internationally known Band Instrument Repair Program at MN State College S.E. Technical. He taught the program until retiring in 1994. Gene was the founding music director and conductor of the Sheldon Theater Brass Band from 1989-1993, and later was an associate conductor. Additionally Gene performed as a freelance musician playing clarinet and bassoon in New York, North Dakota, and Minnesota. He was recipient of the following recognitions: 1984 teaching exchange with Merton Technical College; London, England. 1989 Red Wing Teacher of the Year, 1990 National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians, Educator of the Year, and 1998 President of Red Wing Golden K Kiwanis. A life celebration service for Gene Beckwith will be held at 11 a.m. with a visitation at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, at Christ Episcopal Church Red Wing, Minn. Reception to follow at Red Wing Technical College. In lieu of flowers a Memorial Scholarship has been established in Gene's name for future students of the Band Instrument Repair Program at SE Technical College. Please make checks out to MSC-ST Foundation, and memo; Gene Beckwith Memorial Fund. For credit/debit donations, please call SE Technical College at: 1-877-853-8324.