Edward Beckshaw, 70, of Tampa, FL passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2014 at Melech Hospice House, Temple Terrace, Florida while in the care of Life Path Hospice.
Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Ed was raised in Panama, Canal Zone and spent the last 57 years of his life in his beloved Tampa. He graduated from Jesuit High School and the University of South Florida. He was a teacher, a scholar, a son, a brother and a friend. He was blessed with intelligence, curiosity and an insatiable appetite for knowledge. He was a writer, a poet, a history buff, a political enthusiast and linguist. He was a zealous teacher and encouraged and challenged his students. His teaching career was cut short by the onset of Parkinson’s Disease but his desire for knowledge never dimmed. He wanted to know it all.
He had a life long love affair with hamburgers and fries and Cherry Cokes. Lunch at any restaurant in the entire Tampa Bay area consisted of that particular menu choice. He was complicated, he was unique, he was human. The final words on one of his poems summed up his life. “It’s a personal thing, a matter of choice, to speak one’s own words, to hear one’s own voice.”
Edward is survived by his sister, Peggy Lombardo and her husband, Paul Lombardo of Merida, Mexico; a niece, Cilia Barrett and her husband, Patrick of Pensacola, FL; a nephew, Paul Anthony Lombardo of Gainesville, FL and his wife, Christy; and his loyal lifetime friend, Ron Ovarlet and his wife, Pat. He is predeceased by his parents Edward and Maria Navarro Bieksza.
Interment was held at Orange Hill Cemetery in Tampa.
Please sign the guestbook below.
It is with greatest sadness that I sit here filling out the obituary guestbook for Tony’s Uncle Ed. Dealth although inevitable always seems to come as a shock and bring straight pain and sadness into our hearts. The stories told from my husband about his Uncle, Yaya and Pompa have made lasting memories in our hearts and minds. Uncle Ed will be missed. Our hearts go out to my Mama in law as well, may she find peace in her heart and continue living her beautiful life the way I am sure her family would have wanted her too. God Bless everyone as they travel down the grievance trail. As a wise woman once told me, “God would not hand us anything we could not handle.”
Much love and prayers,
The Lombardo Family
UE WAS a unique uncle. Full of stories and tales about his life. I can remember him taking me to cornball movies I didn’t want to watch, but always was fun. Then we would go home to my yayas house but before that we would stop at fat boys for a burger so he could show how popular he was at the DINER. Sadness has hurt me. Seems like yesterday when I visited my yayas house and could see his Jesuit ring! I will miss UE, like I miss my yayas. I alWAYS REMEBER me ching and the bird! My yaya said I married a good woman and when she called UE would say ma ma it’s Christy Tonys wife love you UE love MY yaya so much. I laugh when my wife holds the kids hands up high across the street I always say your like my yayas. Now they r together I’m happy for that. Your nephew uncle ed, I love you tony
I had the privilege of knowing “Mr. Beckshaw” during the time he taught at Tampa Catholic. Only ten or so years older than most of his students, he epitomized “cool.” Simon & Garfunkle’s “Sounds of Silence” played on the stereo after school (and probably during class as well) and posters covered the cement block walls of the classroom. He treated each student as an individual and never patronized. He was a positive influence on many students in the early 70’s. My condolences to his family.
I remember Ed as a quiet member of the Jesuit Tiger Football team in the early sixties. He never missed a practice or a game.
I’m a 1962 Jesuit classmate of Ed’s. I only saw Ed once since we graduated. I remember him as a quiet, studious and extremely bright person. May he rest in peace.
Well my friend,57 years is a very long time. From our first meeting in your backyard to your last days you remained a good and loyal friend. Riding the bus downtown to the library (you always got so many books)or going to a movie was always an adventure. I was always surprised that you knew all about a movie before we saw it. Then I discovered that you read Time magazine in your home. The Saturday nights at North Gate sitting on a bench and watching people go by was always good for laughs.
I remember how proud you were to be accepted to Jesuit. The learning environment there was perfect for you. Your first car,a 56 Ford, took us on many adventures. What fun it was to see the far corners of Tampa. Who could forget all the fun Friday and Saturday nights we spent cruising Frisch’s. Then we were off to USF and many more adventures were to follow. I know that I never properly thanked you for all the rides you gave me to USF.
And now the end has come my friend. I can still hear you saying “finish it”,” play it out to the end”. Well, you did that my friend and with great courage. I know that your faith was important and you never failed to be a witness.
I will never forget our times together my friend. May your journeys be filled with joy.
May God rest your soul. Ron/Pat Ovarlet
There is nothing more frightening and at the same time life-affirming than when a contemporary, a class-mate, a friend passes on. Your Jesuit High School class of 1962 wishes you Godspeed, Ed. We will have our next reunion on the other side.
As a Jesuit High classmate of Ed’s, I’m saddened to hear of his death at such a such a young age. Somehow 70 seems very young these days. I remember that Ed always sat near the front of the class and was an excellent student and a good guy. My thoughts and prayers are with Ed and his family.
I got to know “Mr. Beckshaw” during the time he taught at Tampa Catholic. I took three of “Mr. Beckshaw’s classes: World History, American History and World Geography. I learned about how we got involved in the Vietnam War by listening to selections of rock music that he would play as he introduced his lesson. His style of teaching motivated me to go into teaching. I never got the chance to tell him thanks for all he did to shape me into the educator that I became. Three years ago, I retired after 36 years of teaching students with severe behavioral disabilities. I owe my start as a teacher to “Mr. Beckshaw,” you were a very special man and a great teacher.
Memories abound, Mr. Beckshaw, and never to be forgotten! Tampa Catholic High, Class of 1971
I can still hear his unique voice in my head. His classes were always interesting leaving me with a yearning to learn. I remember how easy it ws to relate with him. He truly cared about his students. Reading through some of the previous comments has been uplifting and enlightening. The last time I saw him was during a Sunday Massat Most Holy Redeemer church. Very distinguished and well dressed as always. I did not know about his illness but like so many here..I celebrate his life and those years he gave to us as a teacher and friend. He will be remembered. A great role model and inspiration to all. God Bless.
Like Ron Ovarlet, I’ve known you since 1957. Haven’t talked in many years but I have memories of toy soldier wars when we were kids in the 50s.I remember your hopes and inspirations for your future. Sadly, life gets in the way of all our plans. All I can say is excelsior – ever onward and upward.
It is sad to know that Ed has passed. A good friend of many years ago, we argued politics and history, rode the streets of Tampa, studied at U.S.F. library, compared notes on the pretty girls of our day, watched any movie of repute. Always kind and civil and loyal and faithful to his religion, his schools, his students, his family, his friends.
my favorite high school teacher, thanks Mr. Beckshaw
HE WAS TOUGH AND DETERMINED.
GOD BLESS
Ed was unique as so many of us were in the class of 62. Nice knowing you, it was a intellectual pleasure. See you on the other side Ed. Your friend,Ron
A unique teacher, who is fondly remembered after all these years. Thanks, Mr. Beckshaw. Tampa Catholic Class of ’71
Mr. Beckshaw did so much for so many. I realized he was special and always will. Thanks Mr. Beckshaw for coming to T.C. and all you did for so many.
Ed Beckshaw. You were something else when we knew each other in high school. The best dressed teenager I ever ran with. You had a great car and it was an honor to get a ride on some of those hot Tampa nights. Ron tells me of how you were such a great teacher loved by your students. The Jesuits taught you well. I am just sorry that you and I missed out on many deep thoughts as I was taught by the Dominicans O.P.
Ed Beckshaw, you are sorely missed!
Will never forget his funny wit night after night at Big Boy near north gate. He was best man at my wedding and so smart and funny to be around…I will miss him sorely.
God speed
i just heard you passed ed.i am so sorry to here this,you were a very good person.you will be missed,the hamburger and cherry coke man.miss you virgil.
Spent many nights with my friend Ed at the serving counter at the Big Boy restaurant in north Tampa just having funny conversation. It’s been 40 years since I’ve seen my friend and moved from Tampa but never will forget him, friends like him come into your life and never leave, I was blessed to have known him !
Gene Brock