Enterprise, Oregon
Dennis Alan Beach, a long-time Wallowa County rancher died tragically Jan. 18, 2007, in the Paradise area. He was 55.
Mr. Beach was born May 9, 1951, in Enterprise to Norman Dale and Dolores Alice Perren Beach. He was raised on the William J. Beach Century Farm in northeast Oregon. After graduating from Enterprise High School in 1970 he attended Lane Community College in Eugene. He received an Air Frame and Power Plant Associate Degree in 1973. After returning from school, he bought an airplane and acquired his pilot’s license. This provided him many hours of enjoyment while checking on cattle, going for short trips, and looking at wildlife.
Together with his father, he raised registered Shorthorn and Hereford cattle, later adding Saler and Angus to their herd. They also raised a variety of crops.
Mr. Beach married Nancy Jean Walsh Dixon on June 14, 1977, in Lewiston, Idaho. Together, they raised three children who all had a very loving relationship with their father. He was a mentor for many and a lover of the outdoors.
Mr. Beach was a member of St. Katherine’s Catholic Church; the Enterprise School Budget Committee; Wallowa County Grain Growers Board of Directors; and an alternate member of FSA Board of Directors. He received the State Farmer Degree awarded by Future Farmer’s of America. He was recently working to promote bio-diesel products as an alternative fuel. His vision on this endeavor was to create a co-op to benefit the community. Wallowa County was a big part of his life.
He is survived by his wife Nancy; his children Paula Beach, Dena-Marie and husband Melvin Stonebrink, and Travis and wife Holly Beach; his grandchildren Sidney, Lannie and Jordyn Stonebrink and a Beach grandson to be born in May; his great-aunt Zelpha Beach Spencer; his father Norman and step-mother Esther; his sisters Audrey Wedin and Rebecca Self; nieces; nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.
Mr. Beach was preceded in death by his mother Dolores Beach.
A recitation of the Rosary will be held at St. Katherine’s Catholic Church in Enterprise at 7 p.m. on Jan. 25. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 26, for family and close friends at St. Katherine’s. Following the burial, a Celebration of Life Potluck will be held at noon at the Elk’s Lodge in Enterprise. Bollman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and viewing times.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Wallowa County EMT.
The Chieftain, Published January 25, 2007