BELGRADE – Carl Linwood Beck of Belgrade passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home and surrounded by family, on March 26, 2024, at the age of 78, four weeks after experiencing a debilitating stroke. As was always his way, he fought with relentless determination right up until the end, maintaining hope and mental fortitude even as his body said no more.

Carl was a man who prided himself in caring for everyone around him, positively impacting the lives of so many. Whether loving his friends and family, giving back to the community, or supporting his employees, you could always count on Carl to be there for you.

Carl was born on April 2, 1945 in Honolulu, Hawaii where his father, Linwood, was stationed at Pearl Harbor with his wife, Mary. As the first born, Carl quickly became the de facto leader of the family, with his siblings Cyndi, Doug and Bruce looking up to him and seeking guidance through their youth and into adulthood. Growing up in Waterville’s Roosevelt Avenue neighborhood, Carl’s boundless charisma and huge heart drew people to him, creating life-long friendships with the finest of people, many of whom were to become pillars of the Central Maine community. His countless hours playing basketball at the Boy’s Club and caddying at the country club opened doors to what were to become his deepest of friendships.

He never was one to shy away from work, finding himself on construction sites at a young age with his grandfather Carl, his father, and Uncle Waldo. His tireless work ethic spurred him to become a top scholar and stand-out athlete at Waterville High School. He later became the first in his family to attend college, graduating from the University of New Hampshire with top honors, and then obtaining his MBA and CPA from Boston University. He went on to work in the prestigious accounting firm of Arthur Young in Portland, quickly obtaining status as their top junior associate. Despite this success, in 1975, Carl was drawn back to Central Maine. He recognized an opportunity to grow the family business. His hard work and business acumen injected new life, setting the stage for decades of success that continue to this day. He was so very proud to be an integral part of C.O. Beck and Sons celebrating 100 years of service in 2020.

A transformative year for Carl was 1979, meeting his soon-to-be wife, Sally, and her son, Steven. Carl and Sally eloped to Bermuda in June of that year. Sadly, months later, Carl was diagnosed with Lymphoma. Given only a 20 percent chance of survival, he forged on, battling through months of intensive cancer treatments. He beat it, as he would do four more times, including serious neck/throat cancer in 2009. His resolve was tested over and over, but he never relented.

Carl dedicated his life to supporting those around him, never shying away from being there for his family, friends, and community. Whether it was supporting Sally and Steve’s demanding sports schedules and their higher-education, building his dream-house, managing the finances of friends and employees, or donating his time and resources to

charitable organizations, Carl always found the time. In recent years, he was tireless in his commitment to Sally in her ongoing battle with Parkinson’s, ensuring she could continue to pursue the many activities that brought her joy. The pride he had for his family was beyond words, capped off by a special Christmas this past year shared with his wife, son and grandson, Francis. Carl was overcome with love and joy.

Outside of being there for his family and friends, attending big sporting events was Carl’s passion. He snuck into the Master’s with Gubby in the ’60s, took his young son to countless Celtics games in the ’80s, went to Arnie’s last U.S. Open at Oakmont, attended the British Open at St. Andrews with Sally, and was on the parquet with his best friend, Chip, for the Celtics last game at the old Garden. Carl went for it, creating the best of memories with his loved ones.

It’s rare that we are blessed with the opportunity to share in the life of someone as special as Carl Beck. He has left behind a void that cannot be filled.

Carl is survived by his wife, Sally Beck of Belgrade; son, Steve Hildreth and his partner Andrea Smith of Chelsea; grandson, Francis Hildreth Pedrero of Barcelona, Spain; sister and brother-in-law, Cyndi and Craig Warren of New Gloucester, brother, Doug Beck of Rome, brother, and sister-in-law, Bruce and Peggy Beck of China; and many nieces and nephews in Maine and throughout the country.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Mary and Linwood Beck; and his brother, Brian Beck.

We invite everyone who knew Carl to attend his celebration of life at the Loon Cove common area in Belgrade on Friday, July 19 at 3 p.m., 125 Loon Call Drive – arrival by boat welcome. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux and Redington Funeral Home.

Those interested in honoring the life of Carl can make donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in his memory.

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