Steve Beaver, a longtime Ceres resident who was involved in numerous community interests for four decades, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Sept. 20. He was 72.
“He had been dealing with some medical issues but nothing that we expected to result in this,” said daughter Amy Peterman.
Mr. Beaver was active in the Ceres Lions Club since joining on Nov. 1, 1985. He was also active in planning and organizing the annual Ceres Street Faire and past president of the organizing committee.
From 2003 to 2018, Beaver was a board member with the Ceres Community Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization which channels tax-deductible contributions to projects which enhance cultural, educational, artistic, and historic elements of the Ceres community as well as parks and recreational facilities or opportunities.
He also was an active member of the Ceres High School “chain gang” during football games from the late 1980s through the 1990s.
Born on Dec. 2, 1950 in Wood River, Illinois, Steve moved to Manteca with his parents when he was 10. In 1983 Ceres was his choice for a new home after his employer, Save Mart Supermarkets, transferred him from Fresno to Modesto. He retired in 2010 after 40 years with the company, last serving as its vice president of operations where he was in charge of 115 stores.
Steve was married 30 years to Ceres teacher Patricia “Kay” Beaver who battled cancer to her death in 2001. Today one of Ceres Unified School District’s newest elementary school is named in her honor with daughter Libby Callahan serving as its first principal. Oldest daughter Amy Beaver Peterman was principal of Central Valley High School and is now Ceres Unified School District’s assistant superintendent of Educational Services.
In 2004 Steve married his new partner in life Janet, and enjoyed traveling together to such places as Maui, Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. One of their most memorable trips was to Scotland and Ireland with two other couples. When Janet developed dementia Steve got involved with the Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group. Her passing in May was especially hard.
Mr. Beaver was an avid golfer.
“He was both a dad and a mom to us for the last 22 years,” said Peterman. “The loss of our mom made us closer than we ever were. We talked every single day on the phone. He was a huge part of his grandchildren’s lives, very involved. He was just the ultimate family man, especially in his retirement years. He loved to serve his community.”
Beaver and his daughters lived within a mile of each other in Ceres which allowed them to see each other often.
“It’s very hard.”
Mr. Beaver also leaves behind 10 grandchildren.
In a 2018 interview, Beaver felt the work of the foundation makes a difference in the community by assisting with funding community projects like recreation programs, park improvements and maintenance, the National Night Out event.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Modesto Portuguese Pentecost Association Hall, 432 6th Street, Modesto. The celebration will be followed by a luncheon. For those planning to attend, pelase for email how many will be in your party to beavercelebration23@gmail.com.
