Harry William Beggs' Obituary
Harry was born in Greenwhich, CT on 2/10/1944. He passed away on 12/7/2020 after a valiant fight with Alzheimer's disease.
Harry's father served in the Air Force, living several places in the US. The family eventually settled in Tacoma, WA. Harry's passion for athletics developed early in life, playing football, basketball and baseball at Franklin Pierce high school, where he graduated in 1961. He dreamed of continuing his baseball career when he was invited to an MLB tryout in high school and was recruited to the University of Washington as a pitcher. He often laughingly told the story of knowing very quickly that he was in over his head...and that's why he became a teacher and coach.
After a quarter at the UW, Harry attended Olympic College in Bremerton, WA. It was there that Harry met his best friend Mike Clancy. Mike and Harry remained friends for over 50 years sharing many adventures. From Olympic College, Harry transferred to Pacific Lutheran University where he graduated in 1966 and started his long career in education teaching for the Tacoma school district. He taught 6th grade, junior high and high school. In addition, he coached football, basketball and baseball and coordinated intramural sports and outdoor education.
In 1975, Harry graduated from Ohio University with a Master's degree in Athletic Administration which led to his work at Green River Community College where he served as Athletic Director, Director of Enrollment Management, Recreation/Intramurals Coordinator and Varsity Softball Coach where he won coach of the year honors. Harry also handled several special projects for the executive secretary of WIAA.
Following early retirement from Green River Community College, Harry focused on his real estate investing business and was very successful. He was a leader in the early years of the Real Estate Association of Puget Sound and mentored several real estate investors.
Other endeavors included founding and building the Tacoma Teacher's Ski Club at Crystal Mountain, serving on the Crystal Mountain Founders Club board of Directors and serving as a registered official for football and basketball for 35 years. Harry was involved with the Tacoma Athletic Commission as a long time member. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as a youth sports coach for basketball, soccer and baseball, founding the “Little Lions” youth baseball team. Harry also enjoyed golfing, participating in many tournaments over the years with Mid-Washington Seniors golf. Harry was also a devoted member of the YMCA, enjoying his water aerobics class three mornings a week and other exercises until Covid hit.
Harry loved to travel and counted many National Parks and a safari to Africa as his favorite destinations. He also attended 6 Olympic games, a World Cup Soccer tournament, the Seattle Goodwill Games and more sporting events than can be counted!
His favorite, and most important, mission in life was being a dad and #1 fan for his three children and his four grandkids. He was proud of all of them and loved being involved with their lives in so many ways. They all miss him...but have vowed to carry on and continue to make him proud.
Harry leaves behind his wife Kim, his daughter Amy (Ben) Trachte and their two boys Gunnar and Gavin; daughter Josie (Andy) Jacques-Maynes and their kids Yvonne and Liam; his son Billy; and his faithful dog Boulder. He is also survived by his brother George (Denise), many nieces and nephews, his friend of more than 50 years Mike Clancy and his first wife Kathy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Harry Beggs, his sister Mary and his brother Robert.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Craddock for his compassionate care over the last few years and the many years of friendship he and Harry shared. We also thank the staff at the Weatherly Inn memory care unit for the love and care that they provided at the end of Harry's journey. The Weatherly staff frequently shared happy photos of Harry and told stories of how helpful he was.
Harry lived life to the fullest, always looking forward to the next adventure. He was loved by many and will be missed deeply by his family and friends.
We will have a celebration of Harry's life this summer when we can gather and tell stories. Please consider a donation to the Tacoma Athletic Commission in Harry's memory (Tacoma Athletic Commission, P.O. Box 11304 Tacoma, WA 98411) or to the Alzheimer's Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Harry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harry?
Share a story where Harry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harry you’ll never forget.
How did Harry make you smile?