Fore their memory: Golfers, friends, family unite for fallen colleagues
SWINGING IN MEMORY: Greg Beckett rips this drive during the Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing Monday at Westwynd Golf Course. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Greg Beckett remembers the time that he surpassed his father as a golfer.
“I started golfing around the time I was a freshman in high school. At that time I was way worse than my dad,” said Beckett. “Half a year later and I pretty much caught up to him.
“It wasn’t too long after that, it almost seems like he was avoiding me on the golf course,” continued Beckett. “I was like, ‘what’s going on here?’ One time we were on the par 3 at Bald Mountain (Golf Course) and I hit a drive, totally pure, and my dad hit his about 50 yards. My dad turned to me and said ‘that you just came out here to show to me that you’re better than me.’
SWEET TALKING THE BALL: Lisa Pollard gives specific instruction to her golf ball during the Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing Monday at Westwynd Golf Course. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
‘”He just loved golf,” added Greg Beckett about his father, Jim. “It was a great way to really get to know my dad.”
Greg Beckett, a Rochester Stoney Creek graduate, doesn’t have the luxury of playing golf with his father anymore. Jim Beckett passed away back in 2005 of a heart attack.
On Monday, Jim Beckett, along with form colleague, John Miller, were honored at the second annual Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing at the Westwynd Golf Course north of Rochester Hills.
INTO THE DISTANCE: Rob Kaczmarek warms up for the drive during the Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing Monday at Westwynd Golf Course. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
The Beckett family hails from Rochester Hills, while the Miller family is from Shelby Township. Both honored men are now deceased, having passed away in the past six years. Miller died in 2006.
Over 70 golfers competed in the event Monday, which helped to raise money for the families and keep the memories of Jim Beckett and John Miller alive. Including volunteers, the numbers reached over 90.
The event was put on by Dave Nelson, Evans Panton and Gill Himelhoch, all longtime friends of the deceased, along with several others that lent a helping hand at the event.
PICTURE PERFECT: Dave Nelson chips the ball onto the green during the Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing Monday at Westwynd Golf Course. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
“It’s for a good cause and it brings together a lot of friends of both of them,” said Nelson, of Oakland Township. “Some of the guys here worked with Jim and John, and a lot of us worked in the same company for a long time. We all became great friends. It’s sad what happened, but as friends we have to be able to do something in their honor.”
Golf, besides working in the same field, was the common bond of many of those involved in the event have shared.
“Basically, we all worked together (in the advertising) industry, at Ameritech, Yellowbook,” continued Panton. “So a lot of people here are very close. This is the least we can do for their families and to keep their memories alive. We hope to do this even bigger next year.
WATCHING HER FLY: Dave Mattich smiles at his long drive during the Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing Monday at Westwynd Golf Course. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
“We lost them both too young,” noted Panton. “Beckett had a heart attack at 49, walking into his home. He said hi to his wife and then dropped to the floor. Johnny had just retired. He had hip surgery and then he developed cancer a short time later. He was gone not too long after that. We lost two great friends way too young.”
Like many charity golf outings, the event included a post-scramble dinner along with contests, card games and silent auction. The event will be held every year the Monday after Father’s Day. All proceeds go to the families of the deceased.
Miller’s wife, Fran, was equally touched by the event and said several family members came in from out of state to be a part of it.
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT: Jason Tignanelli (right) hi-fives Rob Kaczmarek after sinking a long putt during the Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing Monday at Westwynd Golf Course. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
“My son lives in Chicago and my daughter lives in the Philadelphia area and they would not miss this for the world,” smiled Fran Miller. “Just to know that people cared so much about their dads…it’s incredible. I understand that life goes on and people are forgotten. It’s nice to know that someone else cares and willing to do something to remember them.”
Marcy Beckett was left behind with three kids under the age of 20 when her husband passed away, one with a medical condition.
GRIP IT AND RIP IT: Dave Terski forewarns everyone to stand back in awe of his upcoming drive during the Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing Monday at Westwynd Golf Course. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
“This is nice to see, everyone coming here for this event,” said Marcy Beckett. “It was a lot of fun and we are (thankful) to have them honored.”
Of course, there was the golf.
“We followed the group that finished 17-under and they are good golfers,” continued Marcy Beckett. “A lot of those guys golfed in high school with one another and always used to golf with their dads.
“I used to haul them all around in my van, with 5-6 golf bags in my van, when the kids were younger,” she added. “Now, they are golfing here in this event. Everyone kind of gets to reconnect here. Most of the kids know each other and most of the dads worked together. (My husband) knew most of the people here. What a good group of people.”
(To have a golf outing covered by the Stickradt Media Group, contact, www.northoaklandsports.com Senior Editor Dan Stickradt at dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com. To advertise, e-mail advertising@northoaklandsports.com or dennis@northoaklandsports.com)
WATCHING INTENTLY: Jeff Bollenberg keeps a close eye on his long putt during the Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing Monday at Westwynd Golf Course. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
REASON TO CELEBRATE Lisa Pollard is congratulated by Jeff Bollenberg after nailing a shot during the Jim Beckett-John Miller Memorial Golf Outing Monday at Westwynd Golf Course. Staff Photo | Dan Stickradt
Category: Colleges / Other, Editor's Column, Golf Course Reviews, Outdoors, Rec/Youth, Sports Fundraisers, Sports Shorts
I can’t think of a better way to honor to great guys than to play golf something both Jimmy and Johny were passionate
about.
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