Louis Beadle dies at 82; beloved SoCal middle-distance runner
Louis Beadle, a longtime masters runner beloved in Southern California, died this week at age 82, according to friends and his track club, the Southern California Striders. Club president Brenda Matthews shared the news with members this morning: “It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of Louis Beadle …. (who) represented the Southern California Striders always with honor and dignity. … Please join me in offering the Beadle family our condolences. … Note: The family has not shared memorial services or funeral arrangements. ” Louis competed as recently as June 2010, when he ran 400 meters at the California Senior Games in Pasadena. His surviviors include his loyal trackgoing wife, Doris, and son, Ron. Brenda included an article.
Louis Beadle (right) enjoys evening with Sam Flory (left) and George Simons at the 2007 Southern California Striders awards banquet.
The 2005 piece on Louise Beadle:
Runner Louis Beadle of Pasadena, in the 75 to 79 age group, will compete in the 400 meter, and the 200 meter. Beadle’s fastest time for the 400 meter is 78 seconds, and for the 200 meter, 31.6 seconds.
In 1994 Beadle competed in the 800 meter National Masters Championships.
Beadle began running at Thomas Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. In his sophomore year he set the school record for the three-quarter mile, 3 minutes, 20 seconds. In his junior year he held the record for the fourth fastest time in nation for running the mile, 4 minutes, 30 seconds, this was in 1944.
Encouraged by his son, Beadle became involved in the Pasadena Senior Olympics after fifty years of absence from running. Beadle says that the foremost reason that he runs is because he loves it, and that it is good for his health. He says “It forces me to keep my body in shape, for me it is a win-win situation.” Beadle should know because he has had two knee surgeries, and competed in many races using the support of a knee brace, although this year Beadle will compete without a brace.
Beadle also says that for an older adult is it important to keep moving. He reflects back on the way he would treat a running injuries, he says that he would stop training until he was better. One day a friend told him to stop “babying” his injury, and to keep moving. Beadle considers what world-class runner
Payton Jordan used to say “run through your injuries.” Beadle says even if you’re not feeling 100 percent, there is always something that you can do.
6 Responses
This is, indeed, sad news to all of us, who knew and admired this wonderful friend and gentleman. We will miss you, Mr. Beadle, but we will remember you always. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
I’m curious as to what happened. If he just ran a 400 last summer at age 82; it says alot about his conditioning. A 400 is not easy at any age. Hopefully; he went peacefully.
I fixed my typo in original posting. Apologies to the Beadles.
I don’t know, if Doris, his beloved wife,will read the blog. I do have the address at home, I am in St. Louis at the time.
That is truly sad news. Yes, Lou still competed at our Pasadena meet and I was always happy to see him
at least once or twice a year.
We were former team mates with “Corona Del Mar” and all is left to say: Good bye, great memories will stay with me, and a big hug for Doris.
Christel Donley(former Miller)
I am greatly saddened and shocked at the passing of Louis Beadle. I’ve known Louis since before I became a Masters Runner and became good friends with his son and daughter who were great athletes as well beautiful people.
I don’t remember too many track meets that he didn’t attend in the last 30 years and I will dearly miss seeing him and his wonderful wife sitting on a grassy area at the track waiting for his race to begin.
Louis was a quiet man but would always give me encouragement to win my races and I would always try to encourage him.But in the last few years he would tell me ” Nolan, i don’t expect to win this one but I do want to run a good race” and that has become my mind-set ever since.
I will miss him immensely.
I was advised of Louis’ demise a couple of days ago by Sheila Newton, who didn’t actually know much else other than the cause of death and the family’s wishes per Louis himself. I have a few great memories of him going back to the late 70’s-early 80’s. As a competitor he was a joy to watch and an inspiration to a young person like me. He was the consumate gentleman at all times and he and his lovely wife and son were always encouraging and fun to be around. He epitomized the spirit of Master’s competition and typified the reason so many of us continue participating in this wonderful sport. Condolences to Doris and Ron and everyone who knew this special person.
Warmest Regards,
George Cohen
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