Father's Day: President Beebe Reflects on His Dad

The following is a Father's Day reflection by Westmont President Gayle D. Beebe about his father, Richard Beebe.

My father died in 1989 just as I was beginning my professional career. A public-school superintendent, he loved education and possessed the unusual capacity to be emotionally present to others.

He derived enormous joy from investing in the dreams and ambitions of those under his care and influence and celebrating so many great successes along the way.  He was also remarkably attentive to each of us as members of his immediate family. He was positive, poised, engaged in the affairs of our church and the wider community, and loved to lead an active lifestyle.

He was also just a lot of fun. I find my mind wondering to situations or circumstances when he would offer a keen insight, a timely word, or a specific reassuring and encouraging comment.

I still think about him every day, and I miss him.