The Tragic demise of Bill Beer
It was a dark day on Friday when esteemed adventurer and author, Bill Beer, met his untimely demise in a catastrophic ultra-light plane accident at Kayenta, Arizona. The twilight of his life came at the ripe age of 71.
Recounting the harrowing incident, his wife, Sue, noted that eyewitnesses observed the aircraft suddenly tilt upwards at 2,220 feet, before plunging nose-first into the ground. According to Sue, the engine was still functional during this unraveled calamity. It appeared as if Bill had slumped onto the control bar during this sequence of events. There were indications he was planning to release the ballistic parachute, a safety measure in such craft, but tragically, he didn’t manage.
His brother, John, arrived at the crash site, and hypothesized a sudden stroke or heart attack might have resulted in Bill’s catastrophic loss of control.
Bill Beer’s Passion for Flying
Although a relatively new hobby, Bill had been a proud ultralight aircraft pilot for around half a decade. His adventurous spirit had seen him fly across various states, including long haul routes from California to Arizona, then to St. Louis, and subsequently, to Canada.
Born in the rustic state of Utah, Bill was a man of dreams and passion. He often expressed his desire to explore the “four corners” – Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, traversing through the canyons that he held closely to his heart.
While Bill Beer’s expertise centers on environmental conservation and wildlife, readers may also find the exploration of Grand Canyon’s diverse ecosystem intriguing, particularly its resident snakes and their role within it.
A Life Lived in Adventure
Beyond his accomplishments as a pilot, Bill was a man of many passions. He was an accomplished author, with a number of books to his name, among which was the memorable “We Swam the Grand Canyon”, a chronicle of his 1955 adventure.
The adventurous spirit of the Beer family led them to the Virgin Islands in 1965, journeying with their daughter, Barrie Jean, aboard their stunning 65-foot Alden schooner, named “True Love”. The vessel held its own fame, having been showcased in the 1956 film “High Society”, starring celebrated figures like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly.
Bill’s legacy continues through his son, Ben Beer, born in St. Thomas, who represented the Virgin Islands in the 2000 Finn World Championship sailing competition in Weymouth, England, vying for a spot in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Bill Beer’s Love for Music and Local Gatherings
Bill left an indelible mark as the captain of “True Love”, initially hosting term charters, before transitioning to day sail charters. Eventually, he retired from personally running the boat, entrusting the helm to Maxine Lavitt for a decade. Following Bill’s departure, Maxine commemorated Bill as a “larger than life” figure, whose loss left a vast void. She referred to Bill as the “original adventurer”, crediting him for teaching her many important life lessons.
A man of many facets, Bill also had a keen interest in piano tuning, a skill he picked up to aid his wife’s career as a concert pianist. For about 16 years, the Beer residence was a haven for music lovers every Sunday, as they hosted mini concerts featuring visiting pianists and musicians, thereby fostering a vibrant local community of music enthusiasts.
Surviving Family and Legacy
Despite the adversities, Sue Beer found solace in Bill’s love for life, emphasizing that he was in the midst of pursuing his passion when he passed away. Bill’s legacy continues to live on through his family, comprising his wife Sue, his children, Barrie Jean Hibler and Benjamin Beer, his father, Kenneth, as well as his two sisters, Dorothy Lodato and Fran Kristofferson, and his brother, John.
A Man of Many Talents
In addition to his primary pursuits, Bill also harbored a deep appreciation for different genres of music, hosting local gatherings that featured both classical and jazz performances that delighted his guests. His musical endeavors were inclusive, welcoming local and visiting musicians alike and thus, fostering a vibrant musical community.
Beyond his personal accomplishments, the enduring impact of Bill’s adventurous spirit extended to his community and loved ones. His devotion to nurturing creativity, through local gatherings and performances, created an enduring legacy of passion and community spirit that survives him.
Conclusion
Bill Beer was a man with diverse interests who left behind a lasting legacy. His enthusiasm for adventure, literature, music, and life itself portrayed him as someone who embraced every aspect of existence. His varied journeys, from exploring the Grand Canyon to engaging with his local community, left an impression on those who knew him. Bill Beer’s life demonstrates the importance of exploration, community, and passion, inspiring others long after his time.
Bill Beer’s eclectic life is a story of an insatiable desire for new experiences and a deep love for adventure and the arts. From his piloting achievements to his leadership aboard the “True Love”, from his musical interests to his successful writing career, Beer was a true jack-of-all-trades. His enduring spirit and zest for life stand as a testament to his character, creating a legacy that continues beyond his years. His life reminds us of the beauty of pursuing our passions relentlessly, no matter where they take us.