Community Shows Outpouring Of Grief For Bryan Beale; Memorial Scheduled

A memorial of flowers, balloons and other remembrances greeted visitors to Drum Intermediate School today.

Included in the tribute to Assistant Principal Bryan Beale was a wooden cross with a Hot Wheels motorcycle toy in its original packaging. Balloons with messages such as "Thanks for all you do," fluttered amidst the wind and rain.

To anyone who knew him, Beale was more than a school administrator. He was a musician. A snowboarder. A funnyman. A friend.

It's been two days since Beale . He was 37.

As news of his passing spread via social media and the online world Sunday, people who had Beale for a class or taught snowboarding with him on Stevens Pass shared their grief and memories.

That continued today. The Starbucks at 40th Street West carried a somber feel, more so than most days, which one employee attributed to Beale's loss. The coffee shop donated coffee to Drum Intermediate today.

On Monday night, UP Public Safety Commission co-Chairwoman Melody Williams talked about how valuable Beale was to the group as a member himself.

"To lose him at such a young age is definitely an immeasurable loss," she said.

Superintendent Patti Banks said the district had counselors available to help students cope, but it didn't hold an all-school assembly, as it could be too upsetting for some students.

A memorial service for Beale is scheduled for 1 p.m., May 14 at , she said. The Valhalla Vox ensemble from Curtis High will sing at that service, and Banks is expected to speak on behalf of the district.

Here are some of the responses posted on Patch to date:

"I got to work with Bryan, when I worked for drum. We send our regard's and condolence to his family and friend's. Bryan was an unselfish person. Doing his best  every day. Keeping thing's positive the best he could. We will miss him. And pray that his family and friend's can be comforted." - User Mary Russell

"I was a band student Mr. Beale's first year of teaching at CKJH. He was an inspiration! He will be greatly greatly missed." - User jill

"Seems like another lifetime when 14 years ago, Mr. Beale joined us at CK Jr. High. We were typical ninth-graders; snotty, thought we knew everything, not warming up to the "new guy," simply because he wasn't Mr. Sorensen, our former band director. He eventually earned our respect, and took all the band classes to new heights. I even remember his speech to our class on the final day of school. Thanks for that great year, Mr. Beale, and may you rest well." - User Beryle Cruz

"Bryan was a fellow snowboard instructor at Stevens Pass, and although there was a 15-year age difference between us, he always treated me with the respect of a peer. Beale was the most enthusiastic and passionate person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. For that matter, anyone who knew Bryan was better off because it. I will always cherish my memories with him. My thoughts are with his family." - User ethan

"I was a long-term substitute at Drum last school year, and I was so saddened to hear this. Bryan Beale was a fantastic administrator and the only one under whom I have ever had the privelege to work who supported music wholeheartedly (I was a music sub). Know that my thoughts and prayers are with his family as well as the University Place schools--especially Drum and Curtis Junior High. He will be greatly missed but never be forgotten." - User Ruth Hill