Edward Beall

Edward Swift Beall passed away peacefully on July 26, 2018 after a long series of illnesses, just one day before his eightieth birthday. Edward was a lifelong Portland resident and is survived by his wife Sharon, brother George and his son Eric.

Ed was born July 27, 1938 to George Franklin and Mary Louise Beall, and attended Ainsworth Elementary and Lincoln High School in Portland, where he was a center for the Cardinals football team. He graduated from University of Oregon and married Sharon, who he met in high school, shortly thereafter. They would remain together for 58 years.

Ed worked for several years at the family business Beall Pipe & Tank. In 1968, he left the steel industry to join Knappton Towboat Company, a Portland-based marine transportation company. Starting as a dispatcher, he would work at Knappton for more than 30 years, assuming the role of president and COO in 1983. When Knappton was purchased by Foss Maritime of Seattle, Washington in 1993, Ed continued in his role until retiring in 1997. The retirement period was short-lived however, with Ed returning to work as the General Manager of Brusco Tug & Barge for five additional years. He never crossed a bridge in Portland without checking to see what was moving up or down the river.

Ed enjoyed classic cars, motorcycles, and boats, travelled with family and friends to places as diverse as Africa and Italy, Paris and Pebble Beach, Mexico and Sturgis, South Dakota. Still, he remained firmly rooted in the Pacific Northwest, attending the Pendleton Round-Up, fishing on the Oregon Coast, and cheering for the Trail Blazers or the Oregon Ducks. He was a longtime member of the Multnomah Athletic Club, as well as the University Club and the Arlington Club. Wherever he was, he brought a steady confidence and irrepressible humor that was treasured by all who knew him.

A private memorial service was held for Ed on Monday, July 30.

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