POLL: Curtis High Gym Will Bear Ray Beard's Name

Ask anyone to share memories of University Place schools during the 1950’s, 1960’s or 1970’s, and it’s near impossible to miss hearing Ray Beard’s name.

The first principal at then helped mold the school district into what it is today. Among many longtime UP residents, Beard’s name is as synonymous with schools as, well, George R. Curtis.

On Wednesday night, the University Place School Board did its part to keep Beard’s memory alive, unanimously voting to name after him.

With Beard’s family members – including his wife, Rosalie – and former school leaders in attendance, the board heard stories from products of University Place schools who unequivocally supported memorializing the educator, who retired in 1977 after 17 years as Curtis High’s principal. He died in May 1997 after a battle with Multiple Myeloma at 73 years old.

“The man is an icon,” said UP resident David Webb.

Joe Thomas, a lifelong UP resident who first proposed naming the gym after Beard a few years ago, said some students and educators in University Place today can barely name its pioneering educators, let alone speak to their contributions.

He told the school board Wednesday night at that he couldn’t think of another name that was more appropriate than Beard’s.

“It’s a name that needs to live on in University Place,” he said.

Beard, according to Thomas, believed that a high school education involved more than sound academics. It needed to meet the needs of all students, including music, performing arts, industrial arts, clubs, activities and, of course, sports.

Beard’s children – Steve, Dan, Tim and Ann Marie – all spent time in the high school’s original gym. The three boys played basketball, and his daughter was a cheerleader.

The high school’s new, $14.2 million gym will bear the name of their father, whom newly elected School Board member Annie Fitzsimmons said is one of the cornerstones of what UP schools have become.

Superintendent Patti Banks even asked his wife if the title should officially read “Raymond Beard,” but Rosalie Beard said that it should be “Ray Beard,” which is how most locals referred to him.

 “It will be a very visible and fitting tribute to him,” Banks said.

The school district plans to conduct a ceremony to officially name the gym.

Who is Ray Beard?

- First principal at Curtis Junior High (1955), then Curtis Senior High (1960)

- Began as a teacher at UP schools in 1947

- Retired in 1977 after serving almost two decades as high school principal

- Born Oct. 31, 1923 in Elk River, MN; graduated from University of Minnesota

- Joined the Army Air Corps during World War II, during which he was transferred to then-McChord Air Force Base

- Continued his education at the College of Puget Sound, received masters degree in education

- Moved to University Place in 1947, then to Gig Harbor in 1977

- Loved photography, boating and water skiing (even though he never learned how to swim)

- Family: Rosalie (wife); Dan, Steve, Tim and Ann Marie (children); many grandchildren.

- Died May 3, 1997 at his Gig Harbor home after a battle with Multiple Myeloma; he was 73.

Source: Obituary, The News Tribune

Other educators need honoring too

Thomas said Curtis and Beard were part of a group of pioneering school administrators who could all be honored by the community. Others include:

- Merle Cheesman

- Ken Lobeda

- Earl Birnel

- Don Lindberg

- Bob Burdick

- Ken Johnson

- George Luscombe

- Dave Granlund

What do you think, University Place Patch users? Can you name other former UP educators who deserve recognition?