William Beckman

Madison:

William Ray Beckman, age 64, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 7, 2015, following a long illness. He was born December 12, 1950, in Monroe, the son of Ray William and Carolyn Ann (Vogel) Beckman.

Bill is survived by his wife, Shari Davis of Madison; his mother, Carolyn Beckman of Fort Atkinson; two brothers, Robert (Jan) Beckman of Bend, OR, Richard (Kathy) Beckman of Howard City, MI; two sisters, Julia (Robert) McKenzie of Jefferson, Lynn (Steve) Bussan of Grand Meadow, MN; close friend, Angie Hammes of Madison, who cared for and looked after Bill in his final days; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, a granddaughter, and many loyal friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray William Beckman in 2008, and by his grandparents, some years earlier.

Bill attended college at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, and received an associate degree in carpentry and wood technology from MATC in Madison. He was a highly skilled carpenter and craftsman by trade and had many artistic skills, as well. In addition to being an accomplished graphic artist, he was widely known throughout the Madison music scene as a talented bass guitarist. Bill loved blues, rock, reggae and jazz. He played bass in the Unity of Madison Jazz Band for over fifteen years and will be deeply missed by that community. He was also a founding member of Madison’s first punk rock band, So What. He performed for many years with his wife, Shari Davis, in various bands that they formed. He will be remembered for his rare combination of intelligence, humor, strength and gentle kindness, and also for a remarkably beautiful and warming smile. Bill was never too busy to help a friend. He will be missed intensely by everyone who loved him.

A memorial service is being held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 9 at Unity of Madison, 601 Tompkins Road.