Raymond Clemens Beck, 89, passed away on October 17, 2016 surrounded by family members. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Jezyk Beck, and children Mary Ellen "Ellen" (husband Colonel Robert Gutjahr, USA (RET)) of Frederick, Maryland and William "Bill" (wife Jane Beck) of San Diego, California, and grandchildren Mary P. and Laura J. Beck, Hannah and Joshua Gutjahr, and many nieces and nephews and their children. Ray was born on October 30, 1926 in Warehouse Point, CT, the son of Clemens and Rosa Seipel Beck. Ray attended East Windsor High School, where as a sprinter on the track team, he held the state record for the 100 yard event. Always interested in athletics and the outdoors, he was also a champion downhill skier, and met his Mary through the 'Mountain Laurel Ski Club'. He graduated from the University of Hartford with a mechanical engineering degree. Ray started his career in research with the Fuller Brush Company in Hartford, CT, and is credited with several patents and manufacturing process innovations. He relocated in 1961 to Columbia County to build and open a subsidiary plastics manufacturing company in Philmont, NY. His work as CEO of Charter Supply, Inc. and as a community leader brought new prosperity and opportunities to the area. Ray concluded his career as a Division President for the Sarah Lee Corporation and positioned Charter Supply to become an independent Corporation. Ray was very active in the community, volunteering and taking leadership roles both during his career and retirement. He was appointed to the Governor's Private Industry Council, and the Columbia County Industrial Development Agency. He was a member of the Key Bank Regional Board of Directors, Columbia Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, Rotary Club International Governor's Council and was a Trustee for Chatham's Saint James Church. He was proud to have supported the mission of COARC, been active with the Hudson-Athens River Lighthouse Preservation Society and the Harlem Valley Rail Trail initiative throughout Columbia County. Ray will be remembered as a consummate family man; loving husband, father and grandfather. Ray was passionate about the outdoors and was a lifelong fisherman, sailor and classically graceful skier. He and Mary traveled the world, seeking new adventures and collecting memories. He was known for his great sense of humor; and charming, good-natured personality. He was always generous with his time, talents and wisdom and above all is remembered as a "true gentleman". Ray was a devout Catholic, a Eucharistic minister and very active within the Saint James Parish where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday October 21st at 11am. Visiting hours will be held at French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl from 4-7pm on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, http://www.alz.org/northeasternny. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.