Alec Frank Beck

Alec Frank Beck of Austin, who celebrated his 50th birthday earlier this week, died on April 14, 2006 from injuries sustained in a tragic aviation accident. Alec was born in San Benito, Texas on April 10, 1956 to Alfred Roland Beck and Gene Torbett Beck. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart Amanda Merritt Beck; his daughters Laura Alexandra Beck and Merritt Elizabeth Beck; his father Alfred Roland Beck; his sister Genie Beck Nyer and husband Loren Nyer; his sister Pam Beck Walsh and husband John Walsh; his brother Fred Beck; his nephews Adam and Seth Nyer; his niece Anna Beck; and his beloved mother-in-law and father-in-law Nancy and Kerry Merritt. He was preceded in death by his mother Gene T. Beck. Alec was an all-state football player at Westlake High School in Austin and played at The University of Texas under the leadership of the legendary Coach Darrell Royal. As a scholar athlete, he graduated with honors from The University of Texas, earning a BBA in 1978. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Alec was formerly President and Chairman of the Board of Stripling-Blake Lumber Company in Austin. Alec started work at Stripling-Blake loading lumber while in high school. It was there that he honed the leadership and management skills that enabled him to earn his title and that prepared him for a lifetime of leading and encouraging those around him. After his career at Stripling-Blake, Alec continued to be active in the Austin business community, serving as General Partner of the Lithoprint Company where he worked with his friend and brother-in-law Loren Nyer. In addition to his business activities, Alec was exceptionally well known for his philanthropic efforts. Alec did everything from reinvigorating the Tarrytown Fourth of July Parade to serving as the Chairman of The Bachelors’ Club of Austin. With his close friend Ben Crenshaw, Alec’s love of golf led him to found and serve as President of the Austin Golf Club. As a loving father, Alec expressed his devotion to his family and his concern for young people through his service to St. Andrew’s Episcopal School where he served on the school’s Board of Trustees and actively directed much of the construction of the upper school campus. Among his many activities, Alec was a current board member for The Lithoprint Company, Building Materials Holding Corporation, The Bachelors’ Club of Austin, and the Austin Golf Club. He was a former board member of the Longhorn Foundation Advisory Council, Home Owner’s Warranty, TXCABA, Austin Chamber of Commerce, Laguna Gloria Art Museum, Better Business Bureau, Keep Austin Beautiful (Founding Director), Texas Construction Industry Council, Lumberman’s Association of Texas, Young Men’s Business League, Texas Commerce Bank, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Headliner’s Club, Admiral’s Club and Young President’s Organization. As a devoted churchman, Alec attended Tarrytown United Methodist Church. For over twenty years, Alec could be found leading his Friday morning men’s Bible study group where he encouraged his friends and was a shining example of a man of faith. Never one to be second, he has now gone ahead to help prepare our places for us. Alec led a big, wonderful life and leaves a great many friends. To put it simply, Alec loved people and people loved Alec. His gregarious personality and charisma were unique. He had the ability to connect with people and build enduring, strong relationships. We all will be changed forever by the character, love and courage that Alec embodied. Alec worked tirelessly to make Austin and the State of Texas a better place. He repeatedly gave of himself to those who needed him. Alec leaves an example of community service matched by few. A celebration of his wonderful life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2006, at Tarrytown United Methodist Church, 2531 Exposition Boulevard in Austin. Memorials may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, YMBL Sunshine Camp, Tarrytown United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com