Fr. Robert (Bob) Beckman, SJ, 1923-2011
December 8, 2011 in 2011, News, Obituaries
Fr. Robert (Bob) Beckman, SJ
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June 26, 1923, to
December 7, 2011
Fr. Robert E. Beckman, SJ, who served as a Jesuit missionary to the people of Peru for 39 years, died on December 7, 2011, in Clarkston, Michigan. Fr. Beckman was born to Vincent and Irene (Hummel) Beckman in Cincinnati on June 26, 1923. “He was one of the most optimistic people I have ever known,” said longtime friend Fr. John Foley, SJ. “His gift, his style of leading, was to encourage everyone on the team to do their thing and he’d get out of the way.”
Following his graduation from St. Xavier High School in 1941, Fr. Beckman began studying at Xavier University before joining the Society of Jesus in Milford, Ohio. During his Jesuit formation Fr. Beckman received various degrees from Xavier University, West Baden College, Loyola University Chicago, the University of Michigan, and Georgetown University. His broad interest earned him degrees in Latin, philosophy, theology, history, education, linguistics, Spanish, and pastoral studies.
Fr. Beckman spent the majority of his years of ministry in the Society in Peru. As one of the very first Jesuits to go to Peru from the former Chicago Province, he taught, was involved in spirituality programs, and was asked to serve in administration. Among his administration jobs, Fr. Beckman was principal and later director of Colegio San Jose (Arequipa), director of juniors at the Jesuit Center of Spirituality (Lima, Peru), rector of Xavier University (Cincinnati), and even acting regional superior in Peru. Fr. Patrick Casey, SJ, spent many years with Fr. Beckman in Peru. When describing his impact on the people of Peru Fr. Casey explained, “He was very much involved in the spirit of change of the Society in those days. He insisted that we American Jesuits make an effort at enculturation into the Peruvian world and he was a leader in social reform. He encouraged Jesuit members of the community to live among the poor, and then eventually went to live there as well.”
Because he was a truly gifted spiritual director, the Peruvian Provincial asked him to live in the novitiate to serve as an inspiration to the young Jesuits. “In spiritual direction, when someone shared with him what had excited them most in prayer, he would get as excited as the person he was directing,” explained Fr. Foley. “Spiritual direction was more like a pep rally, and people flocked to him.”
Fr. Beckman returned to the US many times during his career. In October of 2007, he returned to Clarkston, Michigan, where he remained until his death.
Those in Peru have described him as “a messenger from God,” “one who reflects the great stamp that the Jesuits have inherited from St. Ignatius of Loyola and lived it to the fullest,” “friend, guide, and man of God,” and “a spiritual father.” His light-hearted, enthusiastic and warm spirit was infectious. He was greatly loved wherever he was missioned.
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I mourn the death of a lifelong friend. His funeral in Cincinnati was very memorable.
I’ll miss him very much, but I’m sure that he’s happier where he is now.
Bob was one great guy.
Fr. Beckman Rector of the College of San Jose, infused in me, like generational peers, simplicity with honesty, responsibility with a smile, all stood out more with his imposing figure.
Rest now in the sweet company of Father
I met Roberto relatively little: a Spiritual Exercises, some germ of meetings of a community that did not work, several personal conversations and many greetings welcome in SJ masses of 1 January or July 31. But that was more than enough to enjoy his immense ability to encourage, share and support the spirituality from its profound simplicity, juvenile sense of humor and everyday wisdom.
Bobby, you married my parents and baptized my sister Susie. The story of my family is a gift because you were born. Impossible to remember your smile so constant and untiring your mood, like when you were saying, “Bobby, do not want to go to rest, a nap perhaps?” And you reply, “and rest in eternity”
I have fond memories of Robert when he led the exercises youth aspired to religious life. How simple and profound way of bringing them to convince them of their Lord and mercy and care. We met at night for trainers and their orientations were always full of wisdom and rich experience. I know that from the canoes cile alacanzará vocations as God’s heart
It really has been a great loss the death of our beloved Robert. Always remember him with great joy that lived in the eternal smile symbolized that characterized him. His testimony of life and spiritual depth was a sign of God’s presence in Roberto, as evidenced by the many people he treated. Always considered American by birth, Arequipa Peru and heart (if it was told me with great joy !!!). Hey paisano Rest in peace dear Robert.
Dear Robert, thanks for your smile that motivated them to live in gratitude and confidence. Thank you for your life, your love for all. I know you’re still building your new presence our lives. Thanks Robert. Keep enjoying the presence of God now in heaven.
I remember one morning about 50 years ago I met Fr. Beckman at San Jose college when he had just arrived in Arequipa. American mothers of the children’s section was introduced to me. At that time my sons Eduardo and Luis Martinetti Macedo studying in the Child. Since that morning, Padre Beckman became dear friend of our family with whom we shared games of Ping Pong, family lunches, and all became spiritual adviser. I helped with the education of my children, whom he advised and guided throughout their student life and during the many years he lived in Arequipa. The last time we saw the Father was to say goodbye to him in Lima when preparing the return trip to America. That morning, saying bye, he began singing the hymn of Arequipa and all accompanying him of course!! was a very exciting time will never forget. God rest his soul dear friend.
The popular Fr. Beckman was with us as Director of the San José de Arequipa. That short time was enough to let us know the hallmark that distinguishes us, we must recognize their special dedication, and the deep affection we had.
Thank you very much for everything and Roberto, that God will be with you.
The soul of the Father Beckman, always cheerful and kind. He has made beautiful memories that have left deep scars in the hearts of those who had the good fortune to know. Among them, I. May God bless you.
Wherever you are… teacher, guide and friend …rest in peace dear Father Beckman.
Roberto was a great generation for all alumni of St. Joseph, a true teacher and guide. I will always remember his imposing figure, yet his immense charisma and simplicity reflected in that last conversation when we were going to Huachipa to experience the Spiritual Exercises. Our great sorrow and regret is reduced by their indelible memory.
All who share his teachings and example in the Colegio San José in Arequipa will always remember him. Her contagious joy and the smile that accompanied him at all times encouraged us and helped us to reflect righteousness and correct us when we were doing something good. Thanks to people like him is what we are now. May God rest his soul dear Father Roberto.
We thank God for your life, how good was to meet P. Roberto. Always cheerful, simple, always lavishing love and encouraging us to move forward. In Forsaken never forget you and we know that from the Father’s house will always be praying for everyone. Thank you for everything we receive from you!
Matilde
No doubt our father Robert Beckman, was much more than a priest, he was a true friend and guide, who knew a suitable place to help and solve the problems of many people, especially young people in formative stages, and who had the lucky to know him recognize in him a man committed to his faith, and with the times in which he lived.
Rest in peace dear father Robert.
A huge thanks to God for putting this man in my life, was always the friend, guide and support. Those who have known him know he was a man of God, always at your service through us. God enjoys.
As a former student of Colegio San José where Roberto was so long rector (most of my stay) I want to thank Father for his life, which was given a gift and everyone who knew him can attest. Fr. Beckman was a permanent witness to the presence of God among us.
Our dear father Robert never lacked energy to smile, to follow and infect you encourage optimism. Spending time with him was always very enjoyable and uplifting. You will be sorely missed.
I first met Father Beckman while sitting in the lobby of a hostal in Lima over 20 years ago. We were there adopting our son Daniel and became quick friends. For the past 20 years Father Beckman has become our dear friend and a great joy in our lives. We had been fortunate to spend time with him on each of our trips to Peru as well as during his visits to Chicago.
You are deeply loved by all of us! Vaya con dios!
francés
I met Robert in their courses Ingnacianos exercises. A simple person friendly, deeply companion of Christ. Who had arrived in Peru in October and watched from the roof of the church the crowd of people … have come to me .. in fact it was the procession of the Lord of Miracles. I had the opportunity to accompany exercises per.sonalizados and he was a great help in this key experiential learning of God’s love. Thanks Roberto
Fr. Beckman, then a scholastic at St Ignatius in Chicago became my mentor when I was serving 100 days of “jug” for forging a date on a mass excuse card….
Was able to visit him a few times when he was an Asst. Principal at Iggy but lost track when I was serving overseas in the USAF…
Classic story showing his memory and sense of humor…He was visiting Chicago when assigned to Peru….I read/heard about his reception and wanted my English wife to meet the man that put me on the ethical straight and narrow….When we reached him from a long line of visitors, I put out my hand ready to intoduce myself and he totally ignored me…Instead he greeted my wife with the statement “You must be Mrs Samter…Has David ever told you about the “Century Club” ???? Of course, I had, many times..He then turned to me and gave me a hug…
He had such a positive influence on me, there are tears in my eyes as I type this.
If he were a few years younger, he just might have become the first Jesuit Pope…..