Ralph Donald Beckwith

Ralph Donald "Don" Beckwith Don Beckwith, 86, of Wellington, Colorado died on July 8, 2014 in Fort Collins. Don was born August 27, 1927 to Ralph and Anna Markwed Beckwith in Pierre, SD. He was the first born of 5 children. He started ranching/farming with his dad at a young age. Due to an injury to his dad, Don had to quit school to help out on the homestead. He continued ranching/farming after marrying Mary Joy Hauk. To this union they had 4 children, Linda Cutshall, Gary Anne, Rick Sally, Rod Marsha.
They moved to Fort Collins in 1966. After coming to Colorado, Don proudly went back to school and earned his GED. Don went to work for Poudre Valley Co-op, shortly after and continued to work there until he retired in 1992. He then drove truck for Jim Sinnard until he was 76 years old. In 2009, Don moved in with his son, Rod and daughter-in-law, Marsha. While living with them, he loved getting the family interaction as the grandkids were always around. He would smile and just watch as they would run by laughing and playing. In 2013 he moved into Good Samaritan nursing home. While in the nursing home he loved to play bingo and attend church functions as well as joining in on many other activities offered there. Don enjoyed many things throughout his life. Ranching and farming was a big part of his upbringing and a way of life he missed dearly. Trucking became his way of life and passion as he was able to stay in touch with many farmers. Fishing was a hobby he enjoyed since he was a small child. Hunting became an annual event with his sons and daughter-in-law. Rock hounding was an annual pass time he enjoyed while exploring many parts of the country. Music and polka dancing became his passion after receiving dance lessons which has been passed on to the younger generations. He is survived by his children, Linda, Gary, Rick and Rod; his siblings, Mary Ann Stoner Leo, Margaret Crago, Jimmy, Ronnie Helen, eleven grandkids and twenty six great grandkids. He was preceded in death by both his parents, Ralph Beckwith, Anna Markwed Beckwith, brother-in-law, Vince Crago and two great grandsons, Austin Beckwith and Dakota Beckwith. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A Funeral Service will also be held in Midland, South Dakota at Deep Creek Church on Saturday, 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Deep Creek Cemetery in Midland, South Dakota.