Dr. Neil Emerson Beasley
January 27, 1922 - July 21, 2017
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, colleague and friend
Dr. Neil Emerson Beasley died peacefully in his daughter’s home on July 21, 2017 in Arlington, WA at the age of 95.
He is survived by his loving wife Betty Ann and children, Marilyn-Jane Overman, Douglas Beasley, Kathleen Raan, Timothy Beasley, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren plus one on the way. He is preceded in death by his son Kent Beasley of Seattle, brother Bruce Beasley of Mt. Vernon, WA and sister Lois Becklund of Post Falls, ID.
Neil was born on January 27, 1922 in Wenatchee, WA to Alvin E. Beasley and Zella S. Beasley. He had a happy childhood and often spoke of it fondly telling many stories about Soap Lake, WA and the Apple Orchard Ranch their family lived on in Hiawatha Valley near Moses Lake, WA. His grade school was a one-room schoolhouse. He and his brother Bruce walked to school and they often joked that it was 1 mile there and 2 miles back taking detours to play and visit with friends. After graduating from Moses Lake High School in 1940, Valedictorian of a class of ten students, he spent two and a half years at WSU in Pullman majoring in Chemical Engineering. The summer of 1941 was spent working on the construction of Grand Coulee Dam.
While at WSU in 1942 Neil enlisted in the Army Air Corps. During World War II, he was sent to UCLA Meteorological School for one year, Commissioned as an officer 2nd Lieutenant, then served as a weather forecaster at McChord Air Force Base WA , Wendover Field Air Force Base UT and Chengtu Air Force Base in Western China before being honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1946. He served an additional six years in the Air Force and Navy Reserves until1951.
In 1951 He graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry earning a DDS degree and practiced in the Northgate Hospital Building for 45 years before his retirement in 1996 at the age of 74. He volunteered one day a month to the “45th St. Community Clinic” for three years providing free Dental care. Additionally he provided free Dental care to children of missionaries.
In 1997 Dr. Beasley received the David B Law Award in recognition of excellence in the clinical management of his pediatric patients. He was a member of Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity, Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity, Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentists, past President of Washington Society of Dentistry for children, past president of Puget Sound Continuing Dental Education Group, an operative study club, and past president of Seattle Pediatric Dental Society.
Neil's fascination with clouds, sky and weather patterns was useful when he acquired his private pilot’s license. First learning to fly float planes on Lake Washington in the late 50's, then joining “Caper's Flying Club” located at Boeing Field in Seattle, he became a safe pilot flying single engine Cessnas. He took friends and family on many cherished airplane trips.
Neil's guiding force throughout his life has been his love and faith in our redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ and he passed this on to his children. Neil and Betty Ann often read the Bible after dinner, insisting on everyone eating together and were faithfull in taking their children to church.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
A graveside service is scheduled for Tuesday Aug 1, 2017, 12:15pm sharp at Tahoma National Cemetery,18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday Aug 6, 2017, 4:00pm at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2532 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Neil Beasley's life at both events.
DONATIONS
In lieu of flowers and donations, please be kind to one another, spread good cheer, please don't drive too fast and keep air in the tires.