Death date: Oct 24, 2015
Charles Alan Beauchamp, 75 of Fayetteville, AR died peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Alan was a 1958 graduate of Fayetteville High School, where he started as a point guard for the Read Obituary
I always enjoyed your visits and our conversations. You were a breath of fresh air because you really got it; you really understood what's going on. You are missed!
Alan (or Mr. Alan as my kids have always called you),I will always remember you as a selfless and gentle soul. You bestowed so many kindnesses upon my family and you never asked for, expected, or allowed anything in return. You were an eccentric thinker and philosopher and while we didn't always look at the world through the same lens - your ideas often prompted me to reconsider or at least question my own. You set the bar high as a lover of animals and I know 4 white furry friends who will forever stand in waiting at the window for your return. Tucker is in good hands and is surrounded by his "brothers" and much love. I am left to hope that you knew just how much I truly appreciated your presence in my life. My condolences to your family and friends - as stated by another - I share their sorrow.
Alan taught me to pay tennis at the public courts in Wilson Park. I went on to play for him on the FHS tennis team until he left in 1977. Being only one of many players on the team limited our relationship somewhat, but he was the type of person you always wanted to get to know better. I moved away from Fayetteville for college, and now only return infrequently. As I've gotten older myself, I've become interested in looking up some of the influential people in my life, and Alan was on my list. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing and regret that I never got the opportunity to tell him how much impact he had on me and all of his players. He was a kind, intelligent, and generous person, without any of the usual "athletic coach" bluster. His was the subtle influence of simply being a good man.
Alan loved his family, friends,and all animals..especially his best friend Tucker. He entrusted Tucker to me and I consider that a compliment because he bestowed on Tucker the best of who he was. He was a reader, a thinker and a movie watcher. He could quote lines from most any movie he had ever seen with the greatest of ease and with the same ease, belt out broadway show tunes, remembering every word.He loved nothing better than a good discussion on most anything and cared not whether it was with someone who agreed or disagreed with his opinions.Tennis was his passion and working on his court and sharing that passion with friends gave him great pleasure. When encountering former tennis students, he always said, "I don't remember faces but I always remember their tennis strokes..just a certain way they hit that ball".He was probably the kindest and most compassionate person I've ever met. He will be missed by many. As others have said, he made the world a better place.
You left this world Alan as I had just returned to the United States after so many months in Africa.I will miss you dearly Alan. You were the most gracious and gentle soul I had the chance to befriend during my 10 years in Fayetteville.I remember you driving your red Mitsubishi pick-up truck, Rosie then Tucker on your knees, little Tucker who always came before you, I remember Warwick drive, I remember our tennis matches when you let me win and afterwards the pizza we shared at Eureka, on Mission road, I remember our heated arguments about mankind and the state of the world, I remember your humor and the pertinence of your views, I remember your compassion and your unconditional love for all living things.I send my deepest condolences to your family. I share their sorrow.Your friend Gilles.
Alan was my tennis coach during my senior year at FHS (1969-1970). Alan's coaching style was not typical not my way or the highway. There were a lot of discussions about the game. I talked with Alan quite often about tennis and life. He was always fully engaged in whatever issue was on your mind. He had a kind, generous spirit. He was a great coach and friend.
Alan had a heart bigger than his body. He was always ready to help those who were his friends as well as those who were not his friends as long as they were in need. Our conversations at the tennis court, or sharing a dinner with Jimmie and David are fine memories that I will always carry with me as fond times in my life. Alan, thank for sharing your "being" with us.
Alan Beauchamp taught me how to play tennis on the City Park courts and later I played on his FHS tennis team. He had a special way of teaching that instilled a love for the game. When I heard he had passed this week I realized in my lifetime he has really been one of my favorite people of all time. Kind, Generous, Thoughtful. Thank you Alan for being you!
Al Beauchamp had a very large impact on my life at a critical time...my troubled high school years. He gave me a sense of purpose. Al showed me how to teach myself tennis which resulted in more confidence in myself and helped me learn how to approach other things in my life. He also helped me learn about the joy of movement, something that I talk about with my students who are working on degrees in exercise science. He also taught me a sport that I still continue to enjoy. I have passed this down to my 3 sons, spending hours on the tennis court when they were young to teach them how to play tennis; i.e. paying it forward. Kraemer family reunions usually include family tennis. Additionally, Al's strength with kindness demeanor was an important characteristic for me to observe growing up. Al Beauchamp was a wonderful coach and a wonderful man. I will miss him. Thank you for everything Al.
Alan: You were the kindest person I ever knew. The world needs more people like you. I am going to miss you.
