Dr. Jerome F. Beekman, 55, Family Man

Dr. Jerome F. Beekman, chief of staff and regional medical director of Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, was known for his intellect and curiosity.

As a child, he read encyclopedias while his sister read Nancy Drew mysteries. As an adult, he attended plays or art exhibits as often as he fought for better patient care.

Most notable was his devotion to family. He took long car trips with his son so they could spend time together and did the same with his wife at their vacation home in Tucson.

"Jerry was in love with his family more than probably anybody we knew, and showed it every day," said Sue Hennessy, his former administrative partner. "Many of us who worked with him at Group Health know Sue, John and Cathy (Dr. Beekman's wife and children) better than any of them will ever know us. He talked about them and demonstrated love for and pride in them continually."

Dr. Beekman died of anaplastic thyroid cancer last Thursday (Oct. 30). He was 55.

Born in St. Louis, he grew up in Belleville, Ill., graduated from Harvard University in 1964, and earned a doctor of medicine degree at the University of Rochester, N.Y., in 1968. He held certification in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and medical management.

Dr. Beekman served as a U.S. Army physician at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., where he developed an interest in Native-American cultures.

"He also was a great music lover," Hennessy said. "The Beatles, jazz, opera - he could appreciate it all."

In 1977, Dr. Beekman became chief of pulmonary disease services at Madigan Army Medical Center in Pierce County. He joined Group Health in 1982, becoming chief of specialty services in 1984 and chief of staff for the central region in 1992. He planned Group Health programs and coordinated inter-regional medical care.

"Jerry Beekman . . . cared deeply about his family, friends and work," said Group Health president Cheryl Scott. "These convictions were evident in all that he did."

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Susan Beekman, and his children, Catherine Beekman and John Beekman, all of Mercer Island; his mother, Sarah Beekman, of Belleville, Ill.; and his sister, Sarah Wolf, of Rockford, Ill.

Services will be private. Remembrances may go to Northwest Harvest, 711 Cherry St., Seattle, WA 98104; Physicians for Social Responsibility of Washington, 4554 12th Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA 98105; or Group Health Cooperative Hospice Program, 83 S. King St., Suite 515, Seattle, WA 98104.

Carole Beers' phone message number is 206-464-2391. Her e-mail address is: cbee-new@seatimes.com