Robert Becksfort ’50

Robert Becksfort ’50 88, of Niles passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Woodland Terrace. He was born April 16, 1928, to the late Henry and Johanna (DeYoung) Becksfort in Holland. On June 16, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Bedell ’50 who preceded him in death on Aug. 9, 2001, following their 50th wedding anniversary. Bob earned his undergraduate degree from Hope College and earned his MBA from the University of Michigan.

Bob retired in 1990 after practicing 38 years in Niles as a CPA and president of Becksfort, Bussler and Grinnell. He served on the state CPA board of accountancy as well as serving as Rotary President and then treasurer for 24 years and a R.I. Paul Harris Fellow.

He was a life member of Orchard Hills Country Club, having served as President and Treasurer.

While enjoying his time on the golf course he achieved four hole in ones and loved the game having taught it to his daughters.

Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, which he joined upon moving to Niles and served as a Deacon, Elder, Trustee and upon retirement served as Business manager.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Howard Becksfort ’40; and sister, Norma Lemmen ’42; and brother-in-law, Clarence Hopkins. Bob is survived by his daughters, Sara (Honorable J. Scott) VanDerbeck of LaGrange, Ind., and Susan (Doug) Stone of Niles; as well as his granddaughters, Amy (Tom) Roose of Wolcottville, Ind., and Kate (Ryan) Clark of Noblesville, Ind.; along with his seven great grandchildren, Christian, Keirstin, Timothy, Kya, Alex, Kierra, and Kaeli Mae; and sister-in-law, Eleanor Bedell Hopkins; and his companion of 13 years, Arlene Sargeant.