Jeffrey Ross Beard

Jeffrey Ross Beard was born on December 13, 1963 to Josephine (Jo) and Eric Beard in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where he was welcomed by his older brother, Kevin.

Three and a half years later his sister Susan arrived, with whom he shared a special bond. In September 1970, his family moved to Cosmopolis, Washington. Jeff graduated from Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen where he excelled as the first chair trombonist in the jazz and concert bands, traveling to Europe twice to play concerts. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in English, he worked as a claims person for an insurance company followed by working for three high tech companies.

After making his home in Grays Harbor, he became an entrepreneur and then a skilled builder and craftsman. In the early 1990s, Jeff served as chairman of the Grays Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

In 1996 Jeff married Karin J. Erickson and was blessed to welcome their son Eric C. Beard in 2000, whom they named after Jeff’s beloved father. Jeff passionately performed in college opera and local theater using his vocal talents and was anticipating a lead vocal role in the upcoming performance of The Gondoliers. His musical talents were also used to reactivate the bell choir at First Presbyterian Church of Aberdeen where he occasionally filled in as choir director while singing in the choir.

Sadly, Jeff was called home suddenly by his Savior on Thursday, April 6. Jeff is survived by his son Eric Beard who attends the University of Washington; his mother Jo Beard of Renton (formerly of Cosmopolis); his brother Kevin A. Beard (wife D’Arlene) of Westlake Village, California; his sister Susan Slaton (husband Dan and their sons Spencer and Will) of Renton; a half-sister Janet Tedman (daughters Helen and Liz) of the Isle of Wight, UK; and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Eric C. Beard.

Jeff’s warm personality was enjoyed by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be Saturday, July 8 at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Aberdeen. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Jeff Beard Memorial Fund to benefit the Grays Harbor College Opera Workshop. Give online at www.ghc.edu/give or mail a check to the GHC Foundation, 1620 Edward P. Smith Dr, Aberdeen, WA 98520. Memorial gifts may also be given to First Presbyterian Church of Aberdeen at www.aberdeenpres.org/online-donation.