Russell Francis Beard

Russell Beard's life can be summed up in two words, faithfulness and commitment. Russell drew strength for living through his faithfulness to the God he found in the Roman Catholic Church and a reason for living in his commitment to his family, especially his beloved Irish mother, Irene Beard. 1923 saw the world still recovering from the ravages of World War I. For those of Irish Heritage, it was also the year that brought two very important events: the end of the Irish Civil war, and the birth of Patrick Hillery, who would eventually become the sixth President of Ireland. Another baby was born that year, across the pond and on the shores of Lake Michigan . Russell Beard was born on March 16th, the only son, of the Scotsman Donald Orson Beard and his pretty Irish wife, Irene (Murphy) Beard, of Muskegon, Michigan . Early on, Donna and Russell developed a special bond that would only grow and increase throughout the years. Later on, the Little Girls arrived, sisters Bethelee, Patricia and Carolynn. The robust family grew and prospered in a large home at 1145 Apple Avenue . They also owned several lots around the house that made a perfect playground for Russell and his sisters but life was not all fun and games. Donald and Irene shared the same work ethic and the same dream of a better life for their children, and the couple worked hard to find a business that would prosper. Of course, that meant that the children needed to pitch in and help. When they were still quite young, the children helped their father run the grocery he operated and their mother with household tasks and chores. While Russell would grow up to be a tireless worker, in his early years he was not beyond hoodwinking his sisters into doing his work for him. The Beard family did not only pass on the tradition of hard to their children. They also passed on a faith tradition, and a love of the Catholic Church that is still evident in the lives of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren today. All five children attended St. Mary's Catholic Church where Russell served as an altar boy, and all five attended St. Mary's Catholic School . Russell graduated from the High school in 1942. After graduation, Russell's work-life began in earnest when he was employed at Shaw Box and Crane. But his career there was interrupted for three years while Russell did his stint in the US Army during World War II. This quiet, earnest man found himself in the Philippines , serving as a Tank Commander before being Honorably Discharged in 1946. While his experience in the Philippines didn't change him much, an event occurring back home at the same time did. Russell held a candle for a young girl back home, but while he was away her heart turned to someone else and Russell remained a confirmed bachelor for the rest of his life. And while his family says that Russell never lived with a spirit of regret, he would occasionally come home and say, Guess who I saw in the store today... While passions of the heart would not feel Russell's life, other passions replaced them. Russell returned to Shaw Box upon his return home, but he also helped in the family business, a business that would occupy much of the rest of his life. Donald and Irene ultimately found a winning business plan when they established Beard Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners of North Muskegon. Russell would spend his time off, scrubbing carpets on his hands and knees with his father in some of the finest establishments in town, like the Occidental Hotel and Grossman's Department Store, along with offices, funeral homes and residences. Furniture and upholstery would get the same thorough treatment at the storefront building they owned on Ruddiman Drive , just blocks from the Beard residence on Lyncott Street . After his father died in 1963, Russell helped run the business with his mother, using the education he received from the Howell School of Business. After he retired from Shaw Box the two of them worked together full-time, until they officially closed the business in 2000 - an amazing testament to their dedication and good health - Irene answered her last phone call and set her last appointment when she was well into her '90's and Russell never did adopt the steam cleaning technology that would have made life easier, because the carpets were never quite as clean! But to leave the impression that Russell was all work and no play, would be a mistake. A huge sports fan, Russell was a regular at Fighting Irish football games at Notre Dame University inSouth Bend . He also enjoyed boating with his buddies and was an avid golfer. He also loved cars, especially the Buick convertible he owned in the 1950's. He took meticulous care of that car but that didn't mean his nieces and nephews couldn't go for a ride with the top down! The only time Russell liked to fly solo was when he was in the air, flying. Following his time in the Service, Russell took flying lessons and Sunday afternoons you would most likely find him up in the air, flying over Muskegon , getting some well-deserved time to himself. Throughout his life, he remained an active member in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Many pilots liken flying to a spiritual experience and Russell was no stranger to seeking those out, whether in the air or on the ground. He was a charter member of the St. Lazare Retreat House in Spring Lake, Michigan . He attended many retreats at the House and remained a devout supporter of its ministry through his contributions of time and money. Russell also continued to be a faithful member of St. Mary's, the congregation he grew up in, serving as a Reader and Eucharistic Minister. He faithfully brought his mother to church every Sunday, in these later years sitting close to the PA speaker so his mother could here. Although Russell never married, he definitely had a woman in his life, a more devoted son would be hard to find. When he had to take over cooking duties, every meal contained that good ol' Irish staple - mashed potatoes - and a gravy that his sisters truly envied! Russell drove his mother everywhere. He would faithfully drive her to the events and activities of her grandchildren, to the goings-on of the Irish American Society, and to the Murphy Family Reunions up in Hart, Michigan . At these reunions, the Murphy Family's Irish roots were evidenced everywhere, especially in the huge Murphy Family Tree that prominently displayed listed the generations and their history. At the last reunion they attended, Russell and Irene entertained everyone with their Irish dancing and singing karaoke of favorite Irish tunes. For everyone, at some point, the dancing and singing draws to a close, and thankfully, Russell was able to remain active until this last Fall when he was diagnosed with a blood disorder, that despite trying a new treatment overcame a heart that still beat strong. Age had affected his relationship with his beloved sister, Donna, whose Alzheimer's Disease had already taken her away, in spirit if not in body. Oh, how Russell missed her. But Russell was ready, he said, to move into his certain future, but he would miss his family, especially his 103-year-old mother who survives him. In his last days, he would hold a picture of his mother to his chest, leaving his glasses on his head to reach them easily, so that when he would awaken his eyes could rest on her. Russell entered his eternal rest on Thursday, March 9, 2006. Thanks Be to God! Russell Francis Beard, age 82, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2006, after courageously fighting a short illness. Survivors include his mother, Irene F. Beard, of North Muskegon; 4 sisters, Donna (Edward) Ruud, Bethelee Kordecki, both of Muskegon, Patricia (Paul) Kroes of Elk Grove Village, IL Carolynn Dietz of Boardman, OH; many nieces, nephews cousins. He was preceded in death by his father in 1963; 2 brothers-in-law, Stanley Kordecki, George H. Dietz, MD; 2 nephews, Mark Jeffery Kordecki. Service will be held on Monday, March 13, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Ernest Bernott officiating. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION will be on Sunday, March 12, from 2-4 7-9 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, sign the online guestbook or make a memorial contribution to either the St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund or St. Lazare Retreat House.