Richard James Bean

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by West Point 1955 on October 9, 2015:

Richard James Bean Richard James Bean was born in Fort Sheridan, Illinois on 18 October 1932 and now has a permanent Tee Time at the Holy Links Golf Course as of 1 January 2013. Dick is best remembered as a man of humility, strength, and grace sprinkled with an infectious sense of humor. He treated all he met with dignity and respect. Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Dick Bean served 20 years as an Army Infantry Officer with various assignments as a Ranger Instructor, General's Aide, Company Commander, and the Army Staff. Dick moved his family to Colorado Springs in 1971 where he became the 1-10 "Golden Rifles" Infantry Battalion Commander at Fort Carson, Colorado. Dick was a Soldier's Soldier and was always concerned with the morale and welfare of his troops. He lived the West Point motto - Duty, Honor, Country. Dick's military career took him to numerous overseas assignments including, Korea, Okinawa, and 2 tours in Viet Nam, first with 1-5 CAV in 1967-1968 and again with Military Assistance Command, Viet Nam 1974-1975, where he was instrumental in the planning the evacuation of South Viet Nam in 1975. His accomplishments earned him numerous military awards and citations to include the Bronze Star, Air Medals, and Purple Heart. After he retired from the military, Dick worked at Merrill Lynch and as a Senior Trust Officer at the First National Bank. While at the bank he became active in various aspects of the Colorado Springs Community. He served as President of The Skyway Association, the Colorado Springs Downtown Rotary, and the Colorado Springs Association of the United States Army. He was President of Board of Directors of the Colorado Springs Opera Guild and the Dance Theater. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Cheyenne Mountain Country Club. Over the last decade Dick discovered his talent for Art and took up painting between rounds of Golf and wine tastings. Though he never promoted his art work, they were sought after by friends and he became a successful amateur painter. Many a home now has a Dick Bean original, and they remain a lasting memory to a budding artist. Dick was the Son of the late MG (R) Emmett James Bean and Jeannette Gertrude Geibel Bean. He was a graduate of Normandy High School, Saint Louis, MO; The United States Military Academy, class of 1955 and received a Masters in History from the Columbia University in 1963. Dick Bean was married to Sally Mann Alexander, his Bride for 55 years. He is survived by his wife Sally, their Son, LTC Robert A. Bean, his wife Jane, and their children, Corum, Hunter, and Catherine, their daughter, Leslie E. B. Gottesman, her children Emily and Teddy, her husband Dr. Rob Gottesman, and his daughter Audrey. He is also survived by his sister, Bettye Bean Young of Bountiful UT, his three nieces, Barbara and her husband Dr. Jim Morrison of Bountiful UT, Lynda and her husband Mr. Rob Erickson of Helena MT, and Patricia and her Husband Mr. Rick Hughes of Spring Hill Texas and their children and grandchildren. Dick loved his family and they loved him. He was called Gimpy by his first grandchild; the name stuck and became most honored and enduring title. He was a member of the Broadmoor Golf Club, The Cheyenne Mountain Country Club, and the Marine's Memorial Club. He also was involved with several wine groups. Dick Bean will be deeply missed by his family and friends but he would like them to continue to; "live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God." Donations may be made to St George's Anglican Church, Evercare Hospice, or the Broadmoor Garden Club.

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