Robert Donald Beauchamp

ROBERT DONALD BEAUCHAMP (“Uncle Bob”) “Uncle Bob”, known as Gopa by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, was born August 18, 1932, in Santa Ana, CA, to Robert Lee and Ella J. Beauchamp. He had an older sister, Jane (Neth). He grew up in Santa Ana, California. Bob’s father passed away when he was only 14 years old, requiring Bob to grow up and be responsible quickly. He never complained or excused any events in his life due to this circumstance. He worked at that young age with a beekeeper, and he traveled back and forth to Utah, making lifelong friends in Utah in the process and finding a passion for the state of Utah. In 1952 at 20 years old, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Germany as a Heavy Weapons Infantryman, Heavy Mortar Forward Observer. He served until 1954 and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. In his time in the Army he earned the Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal and National Defense Service Medal. After his service Bob returned to Santa Ana and worked primarily in the construction industry. On June 7, 1957, Bob married Patricia Elizabeth (Kropski). Bob and Pat were married 64 years until Pat’s passing in 2021. Bob and Pat made their home in Costa Mesa California before moving to Cedar City Utah for the last 28 years. While in Costa Mesa, in 1958 Bob joined the Costa Mesa Fire Department. He rose in rank to Battalion Chief, serving in that position for 15 years. During 12 of those years as Battalion Chief he was the Fire Marshal for the City of Costa Mesa. In 1982, after 25 years with the Fire Department, he retired. He continued in the fire field as a fire analyst in the private sector for another 25 years. He never let go of his passion for Utah that he experienced in his youth. From the earliest years of marriage, Bob packed up his family for camping vacations in Utah for a month every year. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking the paths less traveled. He eventually moved to Utah buying property and building a new home in the city and a cabin in the mountains. He was truly at home spending time at the family cabin whether it was operating his tractor, installing a water system or finding any chore or job to put his effort into. Nothing seemed to make him happier, than completing a project, unless it was starting a new one. Bob and Pat are survived by their three boys: Robert, James and Paul, daughter in law Sandra Heline Beauchamp, (7) grandchildren Mallory, Brittany, Kristin, Robert, Megan, Whitney and Chance and (3) great grandchildren Connor, Caroline and Jane.

Robert Donald Beauchamp

August 18, 1932 - August 16, 2024