Joseph
B. Beidler, 1918-2016
Hartford,
Connecticut, COURANT newspaper
Joseph
B. "Coach" Beidler, 97, died Monday, October 31, in the comfort of
his home.
He
was born November 15, 1918.
Joe
served our country during WWII as a Lieutenant in the Navy aboard a
mine sweeper.
His
passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, especially his devoted daughter,
Nancee (Ray Torns) and his adoring wife and "best girl" of 74 years,
Ruth.
He
is also survived by his daughter JoAnn Schaaf, his son Robert, his only
granddaughter, Brandy Caban, three grandsons Kalua, Kama and Kahoa McKeague,
and his special great-granddaughter, Kiana Caban.
Joe's
passion was football and baseball. First as a player and then as a coach.
His
career spanned nearly 4 decades, beginning at his beloved alma mater, Trinity
College, migrating to the Pacific West and returning home to CT to coach at
Weaver High and Conrad High.
One
of his proudest achievements was creating what became known as the
"Hartford (Pipeline)" Also it was known as the "Hartford Connection." Between 1958 and 1967 Coach sent 10 young and
talented players to Linfield College in Oregon.
Coach
believed in his players and inspired them to fulfill their potential. Joe's 15
year run of coaching with McKee at Conrad High was legendary, winning over 80%
of games played.
When
he hung up cleats and retired to Vero Beach with Ruth they "played"
together at golf, Bridge, square dancing and pool! Always learning!
He
volunteered for the Dodgers at Spring Training and relished being the driver
who talked "game" all the way to the airport. Coach Beidler was a
great guy. Loved and respected. A coach who knew the science of football and a
gentleman on and off the field. His word was gold. He left the world a better
place.
The
family extends its sincere gratitude to all the caregivers and Masonicare
Hospice professionals who gave Joe such exceptional care.
A
Celebration of Coach Joe Beidler's life will be held at Trinity College Chapel
at a later date. Please visit our guestbook at www.taylorandmodeen.com
Read…
Linfield’s
storied ‘Hartford Pipeline’ is thanks to Coach Joe Beidler
…
Go this this link …
Joe
Beidler’s contact with Linfield happened because he was coaching at Whitman
College, Linfield’s Northwest Conference rival in Walla Walla, Wash.
He
and his wife, Ruth, arrived at
Whitman in 1949, after three years (1946-1949) coaching at his alma mater,
Trinity College in Hartford.
Initially,
he was Whitman head baseball coach and assistant football coach. In 1951, he
became Whitman’s head football coach, too. He coached both sports until June
1955, when the Beidlers left Walla Walla and Whitman to return to Connecticut.
PHOTO from 1952 Whitman College Waiilatpu student
yearbook.
::::::::::::::::::::
Video: Coach Joe Beidler on
Nov. 4, 2005, in McMinnville, Oregon
A total of just over 1 minutes and 12 seconds of video showing Coach Paul
Durham on Friday, Nov. 4, 2005, during a gathering in a McMinnville, Ore.,
restaurant. The next night (Sat., Nov. 5, 2005) he and his Linfield College 1961
Camellia Bowl football team were enshrined in the Linfield Athletics Hall of
Fame. A 1936 Linfield grad, Paul Durham was an outstanding student and athlete
at Linfield College. Later he became the college’s outstanding athletic
director and football coach. During his tenure Durham was also men’s basketball
co-head coach and coached the men’s golf team. Video (MP4) is from a
Wildcatville miniDV. The gathering was held to honor Coach Joe Beidler of Linfield’s “Hartford (Connecticut) Pipeline” fame.
He’s seen with Coach Durham at end of video.
Posted at YouTube:
https://youtu.be/aJ-HS4o85HY
