Kenneth Eugene Beck

Kenneth Eugene Beck was born on August 28, 1949, in Nampa, Idaho, to Vance Jr. and Mildred Andra Beck. He was raised in Nampa, where he attended Nampa High School before continuing his education at Brigham Young University, earning a degree in Finance.

As a young man, Ken served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Santiago, Chile, an experience that shaped his life and left a lasting imprint on his heart. It was during his young adult years in the Salt Lake City area that he met Maxine Eliason, drawn not only to her kindness but perhaps also to her unforgettable chocolate chip cookies. They were married in the Provo, Utah Temple on October 26, 1974, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, faith, and devotion.

Ken had a deep love for sports, almost every kind you could imagine. Whether refereeing high school basketball games, playing racquetball, snow skiing moguls, or enjoying a competitive round of golf, he thrived on activity and competition. His nephews remember him as the uncle who was always ready for a game, especially the legendary Thanksgiving Day football matchups. Simply put, Ken loved to compete, and he loved to have fun doing it.

Professionally, Ken dedicated many years as the General Manager of Southern Hills Golfland. He was known for his unwavering work ethic, never missing a day, even when he wasn’t feeling well. He led by example, mentoring those around him with integrity, perseverance, and genuine care. His ability to speak Spanish, developed during his mission, allowed him to connect meaningfully with others, including the Spanish-speaking team members who helped maintain the beauty of the golf courses.

But more than anything, Ken was a devoted husband and father. His family was his greatest joy and his proudest accomplishment. He spoke of Maxine with admiration and love, and he beamed with pride when talking about his children, often pulling out his wallet to share their pictures with anyone willing to look.

He was intentional as a father. On Saturdays, he would take several of his six children to Golfland to give Maxine a well-deserved break. After long days of work, he still found the energy to take his kids to the park, to the arcade, to swim or to play sports together. Beginning in 1990, he faithfully took each of his children to early-morning Seminary, waiting in the car and then driving them to school for over a decade. It was a quiet but powerful example of his commitment, consistency, and love.

Ken cherished time with extended family. Sunday afternoons often meant gathering on the front lawn, talking, laughing, and simply enjoying being together. He had a light about him—humble, upbeat, enthusiastic, and always ready with a laugh.

His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served faithfully in many callings and never wavered in his testimony. His love for the gospel was evident in how he lived, how he served, and how he loved others. His mission in Chile remained especially dear to him throughout his life, and he found great joy in seeing the continued growth of the Church, including the completion of the Yorba Linda Temple.

Ken passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at his home in Yorba Linda, California.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maxine Eliason Beck; his parents, Vance Jr. and Mildred Beck; and his sister, Marlene Beck Roberts. He is survived by his brother, Gary Beck of Omaha, Nebraska, and his six children: Jerrold Eliason Beck (Tracy) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Michelle Beck Gibson (Nathan) of Tooele, Utah; Kevin Eliason Beck (Megan) of Bakersfield, California; Elaine Beck Price of Roseville, California; Dallin Vance Beck (Tupou) of Tustin, California; and Arlen Eliason Beck (Judith) of Yorba Linda, California. Ken and Maxine are also blessed with 15 grandchildren.

Ken’s legacy lives on in the lives he shaped—through his example of faith, hard work, love, and devotion to family. As one of his sons said so simply and powerfully, “Ken Beck was a great man. I am lucky to have him as my father.”

A graveside service will be held on March 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton, California. Arrangements are under the direction of White Emerson Mortuary in Whittier, California.