Philip William Beckett Jr.

Calais & Robbinston – Philip William Beckett Jr., 67, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2014. Philip was born in St. Stephen, NB, on November 27, 1946, son of the late Philip and Lucille (Miles) Beckett. He attended Calais area school and graduated high school from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA, Class of 1965. Philip returned to Maine and attended Washington State College of the University of Maine (currently U.M.M.). While attending college he met his future wife, Eva Racine, and they were united in marriage on August 12, 1967. In 1969, he graduated with two bachelor’s degrees, one in History and the other Business Education. Philip started his teaching career at Corina Academy where he taught 7th and 8th grade math as well as being the 7th and 8th grade girl’s softball coach. In 1971, he returned to Calais and started teaching history. Philip was devoted to his students and enjoyed incorporating the arts into his lectures. He loved photography and was often called upon to take pictures for various high school events. Philip took great pride in taking care of the flag at the high school each day. He enjoyed reading, listening to music; especially classical, antique cars, and had a great interest in military history. Philip was active in his community and was an EMT/Firefighter in Robbinston, an EMT instructor, and was one of the founding members of the Robbinston Rescue Squad. Most importantly, he had tremendous love and respect for his three sons. In June of 2014, Philip had to retire after teaching for 45 years due to his health, but continued to enjoy seeing his past students excel in their lives.

In addition to his parents, Philip was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Lydia Wade. Surviving are his loving wife of 47 years, Eva Beckett; three sons, Paul Beckett of Calais, Dr. Philip Nathan Beckett and wife Daralin of Lebanon, and Maj. Andrew Beckett and wife Sarah of Hickam A.F.B. in Hawaii; his granddaughter, Kjersti Beckett; an aunt, Carol Beckett; two brothers-in-law, Alfred Racine of Brunswick, and Samuel Thomas Wade of Winslow; nieces and nephews, Susan Wade, James Wade and fiancé Katrina, William Wade and wife Erica, David Racine, and Christine Racine; grand nephews and grand niece, Maggie, Alex, and Jeffrey; 1st cousins, Gilbert Beckett and wife Lisa, and Laura Harvanek and husband David; and numerous other cousins. He will be fondly remembered by many highly regarded colleagues, friends, and numerous current and former students.

Visiting hours will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, 2014 at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Calais High School. Burial will follow in Calais Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip’s memory may be made to the Philip W. Beckett Scholarship Fund, c/o The First, 319 North St., PO Box 806, Calais, ME 04619, or through the scholarship’s paypal account, https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=S39FTDDCBYFMW Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com