Dr. Debra Baker Beck Obituary
Debra Baker Beck, 58, of Laramie died Tuesday, March 7th, in Ivinson Memorial Hospital, after a 4-month battle with cancer. Dr. Beck grew up in Cheyenne and attended Central high school where she was active in drama and choir, among other things. She received the Wyoming High School Honor Scholarship and attended the University of Wyoming. As journalism major she was a member of numerous organizations, including the Mortar Board. She was named the editor of the Branding Iron in 1980 and held that position until she graduated with honors in 1981.
After graduation she took the job of general assignment reporter/editor at the Sheridan Press in Sheridan, Wyoming. While covering a school board meeting in 1983, she met a new broadcast reporter named Bob Beck. The two got engaged and when a Laramie radio station hired Bob, they moved to Laramie. They were married in 1984.
Debra eventually was hired to be a publications editor at the UW News Service and later took over as the office special assignments editor. In 1990 she took over as the assistant director of the UW Alumni association. During that time she earned two masters degrees and became interested in non-profit governance, an interest that led to a number of papers, presentations, articles and board trainings. She became a national expert on the topic and was a key speaker and panelist at a variety of national conferences. Debra later took a PR position with the College of Education and earned her Doctor of Education degree in 2009.
Debra not only studied boards, she served on 13 non-profit boards, and in 1999 received the Albany County SAFE Project Lifetime Achievement Award. She also was awarded the 1999 – Yoplait Yogurt “Committed to the Cure Award” for Outstanding Commitment to the Fight Against Breast Cancer, Komen Wyoming Race for the Cure©. She also co-chaired the 2009 United Way of Albany County campaign with her husband.
Debra was a gifted writer and had numerous articles published on topics surrounding feminism, crisis communication, and non-profits. At the time of her death she was working on a book concerning non-profit governance. She also loved photography and had several photos published in her career.
She is survived by her husband Robert Beck of Laramie; brothers James and Jim Baker of Cheyenne; and was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Carol Baker of Cheyenne.
Services will be held Saturday March18th at the First United Method Church in Laramie at 2 p.m. The Alibi in Laramie will host a post-service reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Black Dog Animal Rescue in Cheyenne, The Kindness Ranch, or United Way of Albany County.
I never met Debra personally, but knew her online through her writings and through tweeting. I loved her approach to boards and governance and corresponded with her a few times. She was a real leader in the nonprofit world through her wonderful blog and wrtings. Just wanted to let you know that people from far away and different moons followed Debra and grew as a result. I'm in NC. Thanks for sharing her with the world.
My deepest condolences to the family on the loss of an incredible person. The College of Education and UW will miss her terribly.
One thing I will remember among many good memories of Deb is how much she loved the tactile richness of special writing pens and beautiful, unusual inks. I did not know she was ill and fighting for her life. I will miss her!
Debra was a wonderful lady. I always enjoyed helping her when I worked at the tire store. Prayers to her family. She will be forever missed.
My deepest sympathies go out to Bob and Debbie's family...including their dogs that she loved with all her heart. The only solace I feel now is that she no longer suffers and that she has joined her Black Dogs that have already passed over the Rainbow Bridge. Debbie brought grace and intellect to each of her varied pursuits. Her work and support for the College of Education was a gift to us all and I will miss her beautiful smile and quiet presence. May she rest in peace.
I send heart felt condolences to Robert Beck and the Baker family. Debra was a truly gifted person and journalist and will be sorely missed. She did several stories on my grant projects. They were excellent reports. I am grateful for her contributions to the UW family.