Gary B. Beikirch
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Gary Burnell Beikirch Greece: died at home with his sweetheart and family by his side on the Lord’s day, Sunday, December 26, 2021. Mr. Beikirch, 74, was a resident of Greece, New York. He was a husband, father and grandfather. He was also a Christian minister, and a recipient of the Medal of Honor. That medal, presented to him at the White House by President Nixon, was for action at Camp Dak Seang, Vietnam, on April 1, 1970. A Green Beret medic, serving with Bravo Company of the 1st Special Forces of the 5th Special Forces Group, Sergeant Beikirch was wounded repeatedly over several hours as he worked to defend the camp and tend to wounded American and Vietnamese soldiers. He carried more than one of these men to safety while administering immediate life-saving care to them, and while facing direct enemy rifle and mortar fire. Eventually, his injuries were so grievous as to paralyze his lower body, at which point he directed a Montagnard teen-ager – a beloved comrade named Deo – to carry and drag him to unmanned gun positions and to wounded soldiers needing his care. Mr. Beikirch’s injuries required months of hospitalization and therapy, and he was never completely free of their impact upon his body. Decades later, while operating on him for cancer, surgeons were amazed at the wartime damage to his internal organs. Mr. Beikirch recounted his war experiences, and the battle back to emotional stability afterword, in the acclaimed 2020 biography “Blaze of Light.” There and elsewhere he told of being a college student adrift, literally living in a cave in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It took love to get him out of that cave, he said, and he found that love in Loreen Wheeler, a young single mother who noticed him in town and left a note for him at the post office. She became his battle buddy, his Lolly and, inseparable over 46 years of marriage, she was lying beside him, holding him, when he passed away. Theirs was a Christian marriage of love and joy, dedicated to God, family and country. Their children are Stephanie (Robert) Zimmerli, Stephen Beikirch and Sarah (Andrew) Hinds. They have 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Their grandchildren are: Katelynn Umstetter; Mallory, James and Phoebe Zimmerli; Annabelle, Elisabeth, Timothy, Joseph, Esther, Levi and Lydia Hinds; and Madeline, Reagan and Garrett Beikirch. Their great-grandson is Noah Umstetter. Mr. Beikirch was the son of George W. and Norma L. (Burnell) Schwartz, both of whom are deceased. His mother primarily raised him, with a stepfather, George W. Schwartz, who is also deceased. Mr. Beikirch was born in the City of Rochester, New York, and almost died there at age 2 when he fell out of a window in his family’s second-story apartment on Genesee Park Boulevard. Mr. Beikirch has one sibling, a brother, Larry, who was named by Mr. Beikirch, after his best friend from school. Mr. Beikirch served for more than 30 years as a guidance counselor in the Greece Central School District, from which he himself had graduated. There, he shaped the lives of untold thousands of students, many of whom did not know of his wartime service. Their tales of gratitude and love for this wise man are legendary. Mr. Beikirch was involved in various Christian ministries, including one to the inmates of Groveland Correctional Facility. Mr. Beikirch was also active in veterans affairs, and was one of the founders of the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester. He was the chaplain of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, spoke to hundreds of military and veterans groups across the country, and counseled innumerable veterans grappling with the emotional toll of their service. In 1982, he and other veterans returned to Vietnam to talk with officials there about Americans missing in action, and about the fate of Amerasian children. The next year, to honor Americans who served in Southeast Asia, Mr. Beikirch and a group of other Vietnam veterans parachuted into Death Valley and ran 100 miles across the desert. As a Medal of Honor recipient, Mr. Beikirch attended many affairs of state, usually with his wife. They took each of their children in turn to presidential inaugurations. He sat in the front row at the White House when local soldier David Bellavia was presented the Medal of Honor. Military and civilian parks and buildings are named in his honor. The family wishes to thank Bob Lonsberry for the dedication, support and love he has put into the family and the writing of the Life Story above. Friends may call Friday (Jan 7th) 3-7 PM at First Bible Baptist Church, 990 Manitou Road, Hilton. His Celebration of Life will be held Saturday (Jan 8th) 10:00 AM at First Bible Baptist Church, to which the Beikirchs belonged for more than 20 years.. All are welcome, and the service will be live streamed. Private interment, White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Veteran’s Outreach Center, 447 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 (veteransoutreachcenter.org) in his memory.
Celebration of Life | Medal of Honor Recipient: Gary B. Beikirch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI9yH-2SZ0E
Dear Lolly, thinking of you and your family. My heartfelt love is with you all. Gary’s light and goodness will shine upon us all as it did always.
May the light that he shared with so many continue to bring you peace. He taught each of us more than he ever knew. My deepest sympathy.
My very dear friend, Gary, was always trying to save just one more!!! In the military all those years ago it was just one more life in the most horrific of conditions!!! In civilian life he was still trying to save just one more and bring them to the Love of Jesus Christ and save their very soul!! He was an exceptional man that had a significant life because he helped so many others!!! He will be sorely missed by so many!!! I am sure our Lord and Savior Jesus welcomed him with a Job Well Done
Thank you Sir for your service to our country -RIP
We want to send our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Beikirch and to express our deepest sorrow. We were privileged to work with Gary on a book about the Vietnam Memorial and to whom it is dedicated. Further, I was privileged to work with Gary in the Greece schools where he counseled and touched the lives of so many students. I’m not sure I’ve ever met somebody filled with so much love and empathy for our young people. We will miss him, but we know that his spirit will live on in the minds of the people who knew him.
Until we meet in the Halls of Valhalla Brother. DOL.
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Thank you for a life of service to God and Country. Your reward is had and your place set for eternity. I pray many will follow this example and follow such a bright light for Christ.
We met Gary and Lolly while working with the Medal of Honor Foundation and instantly fell in love with them. What a wonderful couple, and Gary’s faith was so vibrant. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months before Gary and my daughter sold shirts to support pancreatic research. Gary and Lolly were one of the first to buy the shirt and send me a picture. When Gary was diagnosed, we kept in touch about treatments and procedures. Like everything in his life, he fought to the end. I will miss him. Ilene and Vic Bezjian
Highest gratitude toward a wonderful role model, counselor and friend to all three of our children when they went through Arcadia Middle School. His peaceful demeanor, calm presence and good nature were inspiring to all around him. We were so fortunate to cross your path in life and made better for it. Rest in peace and know that you will always remain in the hearts and minds of those you touched.
Reading about Gary, or seeing him on television has been the norm for so long, We will sure miss seeing him. When his book came out, I let my children and grandchildren read it. Some parts sounded familiar, because we have talked about him for so long. I hope we continue to talk about this local Hero, for many years to come. Our condolences to Lolly and Garys family. He was a treasure, and I am glad you shared him with all of us. God Bless….Roger and Shirley Buda
He was one of gods blessings! He left behind a legacy through all the children that he reached out to as well as all the military that he reached out to ! As a mom of a marine I had the pleasure I’ve seen a different side of him! He was so humble and I believe that was because of his life and God‘s will! God bless you Gary Beikirch may you now continue to watch over all of your loved ones! As Well is all of your students as they have carried all of your words of wisdom your caring and compassion with you into their adulthood! And to your family God bless you always!
Linda Beikirch Pointer. Though we had never met; we are still cousins and I am so very proud of you. Your accomplishments in life are a testament to your love of God and family.
Thank you. My condolences for this great loss.
I first met Gary at a Monroe ribbon cutting/ dedicationg for the War on Terrorism monument. I had heard about his book, which I read with great interest as I am a US Army Flightmedic (combat/OIF) and related to some of his experiences. I was not astounded at his service record, but when I finally got to personally meet him I found myself compelled to follow in his service to his Brothers and Sisters in service locally to make a difference. You would have thought a Warrior that received a MOH for actions in Vietnam would be a bit pompous, he was the exact opposite! Humble, caring, matter of fact in his life choices after the fact and always ready to take a call if you needed to relate! What in inspiration to all of us that perform "service after service"! I am a Member of the Monroe County American Legion Honor Guard and we all valued his intincts and drive to honor the men and women of crisis that have fallen to be honored and represented when their time comes to "go home" to the Lord. I will miss him tremendously and his Legacy will live on through the Soldier’s lives he touched. Respectfully, Keith "Doc" Dawson, SSG (ret) US Army
Rest In Peace Brother
As a teacher and guidance counselor, Gary had an enormous impact on my children. Although soft spoken, he had the ability to touch others with his words and his gentle spirit. As a fellow Vietnam veteran, Gary and I connected and I am better for it.
Lolly, Stephanie, Sarah, Stephen, and Families, We are sorry for your loss and are praying for you. Gary was a unique man of God, servant of all, upholder of truth, defender of our country, lover of his wife and family, compassionate counselor, calming presence, peacemaker during conflicts, follower of His Savior Jesus Christ, exemplary role model, kind, humble, gentle, wise, genuinely caring, a patriot, a prayer warrior, and a friend to many. He is missed. We are thankful that we will see him again one day, and that there will be no more separation. Gary ran his race well. He influenced countless people for good during his time on earth. He undoubtedly heard, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!" Our love and prayers to all of you!
Godspeed Gary, blessings to the family through this trying time
RICHARD WATERSTREET
Godspeed Gary, blessings to the family through this trying time
My sincere condolences. Rest In Peace Gary.
Gary led me out of the darkness into the light as I was dealing with PTSD. He inspired to reach out to others. His friendship and guidance will be missed.
Thank you for your Service Rest In Peace Brother JerryS
Pat & Mike Ferrara
I am proud to call him a brother Vietnam vet. May he rest in peace and in the love of his God.
Gary was a brother in Arms and a true American Hero. Your fight is over my you rest in peace in the arms of the Lord.
Sending our sincere condolences to the Beikirch Family , Gary will remain in many people’s hearts Sending Heartfelt condolences to the Beikirch Family
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Gary Beikirch had such an amazing and positive impact on so many! His life story is nothing short of incredible. He was a counselor for me at Parkland all the way back in elementary school. I knew him all through graduating Arcadia in 1994. God bless everyone so close to him he will be missed!
It was an honor to have known you, even more so to call you brother. The good lord you loved, and as expected when he called for you… you stood and loyally responded. Rest in eternal peace my friend.
We are sorry for the loss to Gary s family. He was a counselor, mentor and Good friend to our son Vincent as a young man. Gary was a military Brother and a Christian brother. My wife and I didn’t know him well, but are thankful for his guidance to our son. He was a man of God and I know was always about The Lords work. I pray for God to comfort his family.
I enjoyed the time I had visiting, and talking with Gary, a fellow Vietnam Veteran. In these days of so much talk about hero’s—-Gary did not talk about heroism—- " He Lived It "
You have had a really big impact on me Mr Beikirch and you shall not be forgotten that is for sure. May god bless you always My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
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Gary ,You saved an unknown number of children during your time in the Greece Central. One was my daughter. Thank You and bless you and your family.
I worked with Gary many years ago (probably the late 70s/early 80s) at Century Warehouse in Rochester. We were a team in the back stockroom fetching orders from customers who shopped in the store. He was always a pleasure to work with and always blessed my soul when I was a young Christian back then. I am sure the angels are rejoicing that another child of God has been welcomed home. Enjoy your eternal rest Gary !!
Gonna miss you Mr B thankyou for all your help throughout Middle school
Our sincere condolences to the entire Beikirch family. Gary was a very special individual. We will never forget his outstanding presentation at our PGRNY Annual Heroes Run fundraiser. He was a true inspiration to all.
I am very saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. I met Gary at one of the Special Forces Association conventions in Harrisburg, PA. He is a great Special Forces soldier saving countless lives and eventually became a counselor in school where he was an asset in guiding them. Gary gave GOD all the credit for his great accomplishments. GOD will be good Gary Beikirch because Gary was good To GOD’s children.
"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men" (Acts 24:16)" This verse reminds me of the life and legacy of Gary Beikirch. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family. Pastor Richard and Cindy Scheer
Rest In Peace.
We express our sorry for your loss. Gary was a member of American Legion Post #82 Norway, Maine. He became a member many years ago after talking to one of the post members. This story was told to me by the member who enrolled him as a member. The Post proudly salutes his contribution for his service to the USA, family and community.
What could I say about a true American hero. Gary was the epitome of a real man. He was humble, personable, very reverent when he spoke about his LORD and most of all a loving husband to his beautiful bride(Lolly). When he looked at her it was pure love. Gary, you are the source of happiness to many and your smile will always lighten up my day. You will always live in my memories as one special friend. Your soul will always find the peace you so graciously deserve. You and I share something special from most people; we went into battle as young kids and emerged as full grown men. You a Soldier and I an Airman ,but both were fighting the same dark force of tyranny and slavery. I know your sweet memories of comfort and peace will help me throughout my life. In a time of grief, we pray to God to give you all the strength to face these difficult times. Hold tight to all the fond memories of your walk through life. Remember, memories are something that can gave you the power to fight those times. I wish that my prayers would take away any pain you experienced. I remember you telling me that a “Green Beret” never gives up. Well old friend, you have to put that thought into action. My thoughts and prayers will always be there with you during the most difficult times of your life…. You get on that great white steed, pull on the reins back and say OK, let’s go Lord. In these challenging times, there is just one way to find peace and happiness and that is by remembering the old and good times you spent with your lovely bride. Always remember, you take LOVE with you no matter when or where. A memory is something in the heart that brings eternal joy and happiness into your life. In his absence, you have nothing but I know and you know that Jesus is right by your side saying it is OK soldier. We have been here before and there is nothing to fear. Always remember his smiling face, tender heart and the sweet memories that you have created with him…. He is truly special and he will always be special…. He will always live with you. To us it was like standing upon the seashore just as a beautiful sailing ship pulled up along and spread his pure white sails into the morning breeze and started for the blue ocean. He is the object of beauty in the heart and strength as we stood and watched him until at length he hung like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky came down to mingle with each other. Funny, I heard someone at my side say:” There! He’s gone “I said Gone where? Gone from my sight that is all. He is just as large in mast, hull and spar as he was when he was at my side and just as able to bear his load of living freight to the place of destination. His size is not diminished to me and just at that moment when someone said, “There! He’s gone, another set of eyes are watching him as he waves. The other set of eyes say “Here he comes in all his Majesty” Our great soldier has finally come home. The Father said “Welcome” home son. You did a great job and I am very proud of you.. The one thing I will always have in my heart was that I can say "He was my friend and it was you who united Trish and I to a forever life together" So you remember’ I’ll be seeing you again old friend".
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give you His comfort.
Glad we had our time in this world together old buddy, from our days on the playground at #40 School to the celebrations of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge at the Monument, and finally on your front porch this summer, we were half of the gang of four Gary’s in the hood. See you in the next world gbI, hugs gbII
God Bless your family Mr.B. You were an amazing man. Thank you for providing a young me with the stepping stones and everything I needed to succeed at the time.
Rest in peace, brother.
Gary, you lived a life of great significance and you were the greatest example to others of how one should be Christ-like. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to become friends with you. You changed my life for the better in the short time I knew you. Thank you for your service to our great nation and your community. Thank you for being such a wonderful example of how we should love one another. I will miss you but know that we will see you again. Until then, goodbye. May God comfort Lolly, your children, and all your beautiful grandchildren.
Rest In Peace Mr B and thank you for being in my daughter Kristie’s life and guiding light in her years in a hard time.
Though we never met personally, you are one of the kindest men I ever met. You replied to my email requests for friend, and sent me encouraging words and scriptures! You honored a friend of mine, a fellow Green Beret with signed autographs and letters when he was at his lowest despair, and he never forgot it. You are a true HERO, and my HERO!! Rest in peace my friend in the loving arms of our Savior!
Soldier at Dak Pek in 1970. I remember the battle which was south of us and we later learned of the award of the MOH. The battle later came to us and as with Dak Seang we persevered and defeated the enemy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family even though I didn’t know Gary personally we were brother special forces soldiers. (I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.) Abraham Lincoln
God bless his Soul for his valor, love & honor.
Begin living your ideal life now with the incredible!
Only knew of Gary from afar. A friend of mine out of Springfield Mass Doug did the same think in 65. Pumping gas at the local filling station he volunteered all the way through to become an SF Medic and was ultimately assigned to B-55 MF in Nha Trang after Tet. Doug ended up out here in California. We’d break bread together and the stories are eerily similar. As for my Chrisitan faith Gary was a beacon of God’s light. He is remembered.