Any thought of Grandpa Beck brings to mind a few choice words that are worth preserving for our posterity. He understood the value and necessity of work, family, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He possessed an unwavering testimony and eternal family perspective which inspired dozens of children and grandchildren to be strong links in the generational chain. His life reflected the knowledge that "this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God . . . ." He entrusted to us a legacy of faith, family, righteousness, and work that we must now preserve, improve, and instill in the rising generation.I'm working on a list of Grandpa's Gems: witticisms, observations, counsel, declarations. I think a well compiled list could serve as a humorous, inspiring, and compelling eulogy. This is only the beginning. Please send me any concise additions that would help make this list an accurate representation of the patriarch we knew and loved.
On Work
- "Man was made to work. When I stop working I will die."
- "People are like concrete... when they stop moving, they set up."
- When a job was satisfactorily completed: "Just like downtown" or "First class"
On Marriage
- "There are two kinds of women: work horses and show horses. Get yourself a work horse. Of course I was lucky enough to get both!"
- "Marry a pretty girl. You're going to be looking across the table to her for a long time."
- "Marry a pretty girl. The last thing you want is ugly kids."
- "President Packer once addressed a group of missionaries and asked them who they would marry when they had the choice between an unattractive girl with a strong testimony and an attractive girl with a weak testimony. The missionaries predictably replied that they would marry the girl with the strong testimony. Pres Packer surprised them by responding that a testimony can grow, but a girl is not likely to become any more beautiful than she is when you marry her!"
On Family
- "People who don't have kids don't leave many footsteps to follow."
- "What you learn in this life you learn by raising children. Those who choose not to have kids never really learn anything."
