I am thoroughly shocked to report to the CD community of the unexpected death of Dave Beck, head coach of team 103, the Cybersonics. Right now we do not have details of arrangements and such but I will post as they become available.
Suffice it to say we are all very much in shock over this. Dave was my counterpart on our good friend team 103 and our two teams had many fine experiences together over the past years. Just a few weeks ago our teams traveled to Orlando to play together down there and gave the Florida teams a run for their money.
As any who knew him will attest, Dave was the kind of coach who set a the example for the rest of us. Many times over they year’s I asked him for advice on issues regarding our team. He was always ready to help with a smile. I cant believe that he is gone.
All our prayers and condolences go out to Cathy, Cassie and the Cybersonics.
From a team that has experienced the loss of a lead mentor and founder, I understand this is a shock and a very troubling time for a team to go through. I want to express our condolences from Rosie to the Cybersonics.
We had the pleasure of playing with 103 on several occasions over the years and I have always looked up to Dave and your organization as one to emulate.
Dave was always a pleasure to be around. His excitement and enthusiasm for FIRST could be seen wherever he was. I’m deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Beck’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and team.
As a coach of a hall of fame team, a WFFA winner, and a hell of a guy, Dave was someone who I wasn’t afraid to come to with questions about “how 103 does things”. An amazing individual who will be very sadly missed.
My condolences to the Becks and to 103 for this tremendous loss.
Most of us have been at a loss for words. We’re all devastated…
Wanted to post his 2004 WFFA Essay for those of you who never knew Dave Beck…
What is the component that makes someone an outstanding leader, an admirable person, or even a hero? It’s more than the common choices he makes or the ability to take 35 people and turn them into an organized functioning team that strives to achieve certain tasks and goals at the highest level possible. The fact of the matter is, to be this type of person, it’s all about the sacrifices that one makes and the way these sacrifices inspire and influence others in a positive manner. David Beck is a technology and engineering teacher at Palisades High School and proud mentor of Cybersonics Team 103. He has made sacrifices in his personal life that many consider to be unfathomable, and has defined the role of a communicator whose actions and passionate words have become the glue that has held the Cybersonics family together for the past eight years.
In the small Palisades School District where there are more farms than traffic signals, there is always a continual struggle to get students involved in activities and clubs; however this has never been the case with Cybersonics. So what is this undetermined factor that brings students from grades 9-12 into the technology room until 9 o’clock for 42 days and captivates most of their personal lives? It’s simply because learning about science and technology has become fun and exciting due to the drastic influence that Mr. Beck has had on us all. According to team members, Mr. Beck “made FIRST a rewarding experience” and “encourages us to go out of the box to solve complex problems” through “innovative methods of teaching”. He is a man who has realized the true value of FIRST and has responded to Dean Kamen’s encouragement to spread the message by incorporating classes in the school curriculum that reflect FIRST’s competitions. Mr. Beck is a man that makes each of us a better person; he encourages everyone from the head manufacturer to the freshmen journalist to participate and make a difference. Most importantly he realizes that “Cybersonics is about people” and “…about kids and mentors coming together to achieve at the highest level.”
Perhaps what makes Mr. Beck so special to all of us and provides all of Team 103 with the drive to push forward when the future may look dismal, are his inspiring words. At the beginning of every season, he makes his expectations crystal clear: “As a member of this team, you are going to be asked to do things that may seem unreasonable. If you are not ready or willing to commit the time and energy necessary to be a member of this team, this is your chance to leave.” As a leader he makes the ultimate sacrifices as a husband, father, and individual. Throughout the six weeks he holds various different meetings to remind each student that “FIRST is a privilege, not a right”.
Over the years Mr. Beck has had a tremendous impact on everyone he encounters, even those that our team frequently faces during competition. As Paul Kloberg of team 1403 and former mentor of 303 would say, “if there were such a thing as a “DAVE BECK AWARD”, I’m quite certain that Woodie Flowers himself would be honored and humbled to be selected…”. Mr. Beck’s team spirit and enthusiasm at competitions exemplify that he is passionate about science and technology and truly cares about the success of the FIRST organization. For two members of our team he is a father and uncle, but for all of us he is a deeply admirable person, a friend, and most importantly, our hero.
I speak for myself and Team 87 when I offer our condolences to Team 103 and the Beck Family. Our team has been priveledged over the years to have many an event where our pit was right next to 103’s. Dave has always been a great friend to us. He was always willing to help us and offer us advice. His loss will be felt throughout the FIRST community.
On behalf of team 501, I’d like to extend condolences to the family, the team, and anyone else touched by Mr. Beck. Although I did not personally know him, everything I’ve read about him in this thread tells me that he was a wonderful person and such an asset to the FIRST community. His family and team are in my prayers.
I’ve never met Mr. Beck personally but I wish I did. I heard about this last night… My heart dropped at the news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Beck Family and Team 103 for their loss. He was one of those people who stood out to me as a leader at all of the First events I’ve been to.
Dave has altered the paths of thousands of lives in a positive direction, mine thankfully included. It’s a sad time indeed when we lose a good friend and someone who defines “teacher” so profoundly. This is a loss that will take longer to process than most for many of us.
Although I don’t believe we ever met, when I heard the news I immediately recognized the name… Some people are legends in the FIRST community. I am saddened that I didn’t get the opportunity to have a conversation with Mr. Beck and my condolences go out to his family, colleagues and team.
Dave’s passing is a great loss for all of the kids that will never get to meet him or learn form this great man.
He was a great friend and advisor. He was a mentor to our team and to me personally.
We will all miss him on so many levels, that it is not possible to put it all in perspective.
On behalf of myself, my family, and the 341 family, I just wanted to say how much we will miss Dave.
Our prayers are with Cathy, Cassie and everyone at Palisades High School.
I was able to meet and talk to him at the Florida regional this year. A very well-rounded individual and a model mentor for FIRST. My condolences to all whom knew him.
I have known Dave and Cathy through FIRST for many years. Our teams (175 and 103) sat next to each other at the very first Chairman’s Award Hall of Fame. Dave was an amazing person, who not only worked hard for his students, but for a better FIRST. Over the years we have had numerous discussions about FIRST, our teams and life. I will miss those conversations and I will miss seeing him and the energy he brings to FIRST.
While he may be gone… his impact on FIRST, his team and his students will continue for years.
Dave was a great man. One of my fondest memories of Dave is being on the FIRST playing field on Friday afternoon’s at the Philly Regional, where the WFFA award-winners are announced and previous winners gather to form a receiving line, and seeing Dave come down wearing his signature “plastic blue pom-pom wig.” He always was there to help and to have fun.
As we hear more and more about the number of lives he touched, both directly and indirectly, it should make us proud to have known Dave and seen first-hand the fruits of his labors.
On behalf of MOE 365, our prayers go out to Dave’s family, Team 103, and each life in FIRST and beyond that Dave has touched.
