1938-2022
– Joseph Norman Beecroft passed away peacefully on April 19, 2022 surrounded by his family.
Joe was born in Douglas, Arizona to Ruth Huish and Irl Robert Beecroft on September 30, 1938. After the early passing of his father, the family relocated to Provo, Utah, where he was raised alongside his eight siblings. Joe graduated from Provo High School in 1957. He was an all-state baseball player and all-region in basketball and football. Joe continued with his academic and athletic career at Brigham Young University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and was an ace pitcher for the BYU baseball team. He was a loyal Cougar and “self-proclaimed” legend at BYU – most remembered for his 95 mph fastball. We all have many fond memories of attending and watching BYU sporting events with Joe. He was always the first to “rise and shout” the Cougar fight song.
Despite multiple offers to play Major League baseball, Joe opted to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served faithfully from 1960-1963 in the Central America mission, where he developed a deep love for the Latin people and the Spanish language. Joe was always a missionary at heart and never failed to share his testimony with all those with whom he encountered.
Joe married Lois Jean Madsen in the Salt Lake Temple on September 11, 1964. They soon moved to Washington D.C., where Joe attended law school at George Washington University. They subsequently settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised a family of seven children. Joe’s greatest joy in life was his family.
Although he disliked flying in airplanes, he loved taking road trips in the family station wagon to San Diego. He also loved family meals, sitting on the back porch watering the rocks, and officiating backyard football games. The Beecroft home was a haven, where friends and family always found love and acceptance. The doors of his home were open to all – one could count on lime-aid, popcorn, and gospel discussions into the wee hours of the night. Joe had a great appreciation for music. He loved to sit and listen to anyone he could convince to play his piano. He could also be heard singing anything from show tunes to Johnny Cash.
Joe worked as an attorney for many years, but was most effective at convincing his colleagues to leave for lunch. He found greater fulfillment in real estate development with his brother Bob, at which they were very successful. He was a master communicator and had an astounding ability to connect with others. His keen wit and magnificent sense of humor made him the life of every party.
Joe had a deep love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of the LDS Church. He served in many leadership positions within the Church throughout his life. He loved serving as a Bishop, and he was a gifted teacher and speaker. In one moment, he could have you laughing, and in the next move you to tears. However, ultimately he always left you with a profound sense of hope and inspiration.
Joe lived life to the fullest and endured to the end. He will be forever missed, but never forgotten. We shall feel his influence every day. We shall miss his love and his goodness in our lives. He was God’s great gift to us. May God bless you Joe until we meet again…
Joe was preceded in death by his wife Lois, who passed away tragically after a lingering illness. He was later remarried to Margo Thompson. Joe is survived by his seven children: Suzanne (Scott) Bierman, Amy (Dennis) Pay, Shauna (Richard) Fowles, Joey (Cristelle) Beecroft, Laurie (Todd) Childs, Kara (James) Roe, Danny (Kiera) Beecroft, his sisters Sandra and Vivian, as well as 29 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at the East Millcreek 9th Ward Chapel, 3750 S. Hillside Lane (2600 E.), Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends and family may call Monday evening, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah, and at the church on Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., prior to the services.
Interment: East Lawn Memorial Hills, 4800 N. 650 E. Provo, Utah. Funeral directors: The Larkin Mortuary.
Published by Deseret News from Apr. 22 to Apr. 23, 2022.