Buzz Beckman; Andy's father...now with full obituary

[BobPalma]

Just received notice from Andy Beckman that his father, Buzz, passed away early Wednesday morning, October 6, 2021.

Buzz had been deteriorating for a year or two and was in hospice recently for what proved to be a short stay. Andy, his brother Tom, and their mother, Fran, had been able to visit Buzz within the last couple of days. Andy said Buzz was not too communicative but perked up and smiled when he saw the latest Turning Wheels! (Who wouldn't?)

Buzz was a wonderful Studebaker enthusiast and a fine friend. He served as The Co-Operator Advisor for Prewar cars for many years; his contributions and comments were always accurate and spot-on. He will be greatly missed.

RIP, Buzz...and to Fran, Andy, Tom, and families; all our prayers and the very best wishes. BP

Obituary here:

https://www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com/obituary/harold-l-buzz-beckman

[Lark Hunter]

It's even that much harder when it's a name you recognize, be it a tech advisor in TW, a frequent forum contributor, or any other figure deeply involved in keeping the Studebaker dream alive.

My sincere condolences.
-Tory Cowan

[studegary]

My condolences to Andy and family. It must have been the early 1970s when I first met Buzz. I always thought highly of him.

[BobWaitz]

Sorry to hear that. Andy and his family are in my prayers.

[8E45E]

My condolences to the Beckmans. I first met Buzz in 1983 at the International Meet in South Bend. As I recall, he had his '42 sedan at that meet.

Craig

[gordr]

Condolences to Andy and the rest of his family. I remember meeting Buzz, a truly fine gentleman.

[skyway]

Agreed!
I always looked forward to visiting with Buzz & Fran at the (more than I can remember) Spring Swap
Meet(s).
Thoughts & prayers to Fran & family.

[Milaca]

I believe it was 2012 when I had a chance encounter with him near the meet hotel for the international meet. He pulled in to park his blue 1964 Daytona convertible along the street at about the same time that I parked my red 1964 Daytona convertible nearby. His car looked spectacular! We visited for a short while as I admired his car. Rest in peace.

[52 Ragtop]

Our condolences to the entire Beckman family, Every time I saw him, Buzz always had a big smile. RIP my friend.

Jim & Jody Turner

[Jeff_H]

I am sorry to hear of this.

I had the privilege of setting at the same table as Buzz and Andy at the 2007 South Bend meet at the awards banquet. He will be missed.

These centerpieces were on the tables and I saved the one from our table:



Its gotten a little dusty and the plastic flowers drooping some after 14yrs (!!!).

[Deaf Mute]

There will never be another man like Buzz Beckman! His wisdom, smile, humor and knowledge set him aside from anyone else. He will truly be missed. I am lucky as I will always have a direct connection to him as the engine that he built resides in my 1949 pickup.

[studeski]

Yes, Buzz was a great man and that falls short of what I thought of him. Loved going to his house and working on a Studebaker. I was at the funeral yesterday. Good to see Fran, Tom and Andy again. I had the only Studebaker in the parking lot. I will surely miss him.
God Bless old friend

[nels]

I am really sorry to hear this news. Buzz was a genuine good guy with real stories from the Studebaker days. His articles were some of the best ever published.

[STEWDI]

Very saddened to heard about Buzz. And so sorry to the Beckman family for their loss.
Having made the acquaintance of he and his wife Fran at a few South Bend occasions and at Madison in 2000, l had a lot of respect for both of them and it was always wonderful to talk to them.
The series of articles Buzz put together for Turning Wheels a number of years ago on the subject of his friend who worked at Studebaker and then became a dealer, was something l enjoyed very much. l'll have to look them up again and re-read.
Just recently my Studebaker model collection was enhanced by the addition of a Beckman Mill branded Forest Green M5. It will always help remind me of Buzz and his contributions to our Studebaker community. He will be missed by so many!

[BobPalma]

Very saddened to heard about Buzz. And so sorry to the Beckman family for their loss.
Having made the acquaintance of he and his wife Fran at a few South Bend occasions and at Madison in 2000, l had a lot of respect for both of them and it was always wonderful to talk to them.
The series of articles Buzz put together for Turning Wheels a number of years ago on the subject of his friend who worked at Studebaker and then became a dealer, was something l enjoyed very much. l'll have to look them up again and re-read.
Just recently my Studebaker model collection was enhanced by the addition of a Beckman Mill branded Forest Green M5. It will always help remind me of Buzz and his contributions to our Studebaker community. He will be missed by so many!

Indeed. The fellow you're thinking of is/was Fred Bartz, who also was a Co-Operator Advisor for a short time. Fred was a thoroughly-enthusiastic Studebaker guy who was delighted to "get" his own Studebaker store, even if it was very late in the game. BP