Robert McChesney Bethea

Robert McChesney Bethea “Chess” was a lover of all the arts, with a Masters Degree from USC in classical music, and a fine eye and respect for “En Plein Air” paintings and the administration and respect for the Bolshoi Ballet Company among many other fine Opera’s with many different movements and Genres and had a true understanding of symphonic form, tempo and harmony. Chess also spent many years as a young child performing in the Laguna Beach Pageant Of The Masters programs.

Many stories have been share of his youth growing up in Laguna Beach, surfing, fishing and enjoying the California coast.

Chess was the son of William Dallas Bethea Sr. and Jane McChesney Berry, one of four children including, William Dallas Bethea Jr., Charles Fuller Bethea Sr. and Cara Jane Bethea. All of which predeceased him.

Chess was a retired teacher and school administrator. He lived in San Clemente during his retirement and in California almost all of his life. Chess also worked diligently in the promotion of his step-father, Arthur G. Rider’s painting – and did much research in documentation of Arthur’s life and paintings.

Chess went into the Army during World War II in December of 1941 on his 22nd birthday. He was rushed through his training at Camp Roberts. While serving in the Islands of the Pacific, he suffered from Typhus “Jungle Rot” in his ears and almost died from Malaria, which he experienced three different times. The only drug they had to treat him at the time was Sulfa, which he recounted to his niece. He also recounted to his niece that he was fortunate to have finished his rotation when he did as shortly thereafter he was transferred out and his company was in a massacre, during which only 6 out of his company of about 300 young men survived the battle.

Chess maintained, even in his later years, an excellent physique and was always an exceedingly handsome man. He prided himself on how healthy he was and always encouraged those around him to do the same.

He played the piano with excellence and grace. He loved the opportunity of entertaining anyone, mostly his family as he always encouraged family gatherings where as he relished the opportunity to entertain with his remarkable ability.

Always the optimist, he shared happy and uplifting stories. When family would call him, he was always cheerful and the conversations surrounded loving times, happy days and memories.