William Andrew (Bill) Beaulieu |
| Posted 2013-01-06 by Pat Wilson |
| William Andrew "Bill" Beaulieu, 82, an Arizona resident since 1927 and active leader and shopping center developer in the Apache Junction community, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sept. 15, 2005, in his home looking out on the magnificent Superstition Mountains. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bill, with his wife, Lucille "Lu" Beaulieu, made a huge contribution to Apache Junction by developing the Arroyo Hermoso Shopping Center, 350 W. Superstition Blvd. His pride and joy, Bill spent the past 18 years of his life personally managing and taking care of his tenants and the shopping center grounds, always bringing his generosity and sense of humor to his daily interactions with partners, tenants and friends alike. Born Dec. 30, 1922 in Hyde Park, Mass., Bill's parents moved to Arizona when he was five years old. He grew up in Phoenix during the Great Depression, attending school and delivering newspapers to earn money for groceries. He served for four years as a radioman first class in the U.S. Navy during WWII, then returned to attend Arizona Teacher's College (now ASU), where he met his wife-to-be, Lucille Andrews. He graduated from ASU with Bachelor's and Master's degrees and worked as a school psychologist in the Creighton Elementary School District, Phoenix, before retiring and moving to Apache Junction in 1978. Always a real estate investment enthusiast, Bill took up his passion full time, creating architecturally beautiful centers where none had previously stood. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, caring for the trees and plants on his 3.5 acre home site, and listening to classical and country music with his beloved wife, Lu. His dogs, Bruno and Star, were always at his side. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lucille; his children, John and his wife Paula; Cynthia Searcy and her husband Mike; Andrea; and Roxane; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren with two on the way. In his parting days, he said everything he did in his life was "to give you kids freedom," and that experiencing his family's profound love during his illness "made this all worth it." Known as "the great philosopher," he was an inspiration and blessing to his family and friends. He is deeply loved, and will be greatly missed. Visitation Sept. 20 and services celebrating his life Sept. 21, 2005, at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Bill Beaulieu, Banner Gardens Hospice House, 7231 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, Ariz., 85208. Published in The Arizona Republic on 9/18/2005. |
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