Joseph Norman Beecroft

1938 ~ 2022

Obituary Photo for Joseph Norman Beecroft < >

Joseph Norman Beecroft passed away peacefully on April 19, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Joe was born in Douglas, Arizona to Ruth Huish and Irl Robert Beecroft on September 30, 1938. After the early passing of his father, the family relocated to Provo, Utah, where he was raised alongside his eight siblings. Joe graduated from Provo High School in 1957. He was an all-state baseball player and all-region in basketball and football. Joe continued with his academic and athletic career at Brigham Young University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and was an ace pitcher for the BYU baseball team. He was a loyal Cougar and “self-proclaimed” legend at BYU – most remembered for his 95 mph fastball. We all have many fond memories of attending and watching BYU sporting events with Joe. He was always the first to "rise and shout" the Cougar fight song.

Despite multiple offers to play Major League baseball, Joe opted to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served faithfully from 1960-1963 in the Central America mission, where he developed a deep love for the Latin people and the Spanish language. Joe was always a missionary at heart and never failed to share his testimony with all those with whom he encountered.

Joe married Lois Jean Madsen in the Salt Lake Temple on September 11, 1964. They soon moved to Washington D.C., where Joe attended law school at George Washington University. They subsequently settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised a family of seven children. Joe’s greatest joy in life was his family.

Although he disliked flying in airplanes, he loved taking road trips in the family station wagon to San Diego. He also loved family meals, sitting on the back porch watering the rocks, and officiating backyard football games. The Beecroft home was a haven, where friends and family always found love and acceptance. The doors of his home were open to all – one could count on lime-aid, popcorn, and gospel discussions into the wee hours of the night. Joe had a great appreciation for music. He loved to sit and listen to anyone he could convince to play his piano. He could also be heard singing anything from show tunes to Johnny Cash.

Joe worked as an attorney for many years, but was most effective at convincing his colleagues to leave for lunch. He found greater fulfillment in real estate development with his brother Bob, at which they were very successful. He was a master communicator and had an astounding ability to connect with others. His keen wit and magnificent sense of humor made him the life of every party.

Joe had a deep love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of the LDS Church. He served in many leadership positions within the Church throughout his life. He loved serving as a Bishop, and he was a gifted teacher and speaker. In one moment, he could have you laughing, and in the next move you to tears. However, ultimately he always left you with a profound sense of hope and inspiration.

Joe lived life to the fullest and endured to the end. He will be forever missed, but never forgotten. We shall feel his influence every day. We shall miss his love and his goodness in our lives. He was God’s great gift to us. May God bless you Joe until we meet again…

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Lois, who passed away tragically after a lingering illness. He was later remarried to Margo Thompson. Joe is survived by his seven children: Suzanne (Scott) Bierman, Amy (Dennis) Pay, Shauna (Richard) Fowles, Joey (Cristelle) Beecroft, Laurie (Todd) Childs, Kara (James) Roe, Danny (Kiera) Beecroft, his sisters Sandra and Vivian, as well as 29 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at the East Millcreek 9th Ward Chapel, 3750 S. Hillside Lane (2600 E.), Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends and family may call Monday evening, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah, and at the church on Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., prior to the services.

Interment: East Lawn Memorial Hills, 4800 N. 650 E. Provo, Utah. Funeral directors: The Larkin Mortuary.

To view the Completed services via Zoom click the "Watch Services" button or click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/6N1LkeMIjOBc7PYrcQI4HaCfLk7AVsrgGaxAyMYLQMxgXZ1ceC6nijMCcAlGsj3n.ZM1cxBuoCnna5zv_?startTime=1650994745000



Guestbook/Condolences

It was great seeing you all today. I'll miss Joe so much. He's probably eating adult chocolate with my Dad and Mr. Bob right now. Thanks for all the wonderful lifelong memories we share. I'm so glad we have them. -David Kendall


- David Kendall

Joe- Thank you for being a wonderful brother. I will always love you. We were close many years of our lives. I loved the closeness and what we shared in the family and in our private conversations about family, the Gospel, and love. I know you will rejoice in seeing Lois and our Mother in the spirit world. I shall miss you here. Sandra


- Sandra Beecroft Allen

I was so honored to be part of this man's life . We came from the same town. It was a joy to be able to help care for him. He always had a twinkle in his eyes when we talked about our home town. Can't wait to me meet him again on the other side.


- Jacob Shepherd

We are so sorry for your loss. We pray for peace and comfort for all (too many to mention) that loved and cared for this wonderful man. May he now Rest In Peace.
Amy, you’re an amazing woman and wonderful caregiver. Because of you your father lived the best life possible until his final hours. You’ll be blessed and rewarded beyond measure. ❤️


- Linda Hanson- Brooks

Joe was my neighbor bishop and friend for many years on park street. We had church campouts and trips to Jackson hole. Joe would bring his family to visit me in San Diego where he would show up at my ward from time to time. We popped popcorn and had many conversations thru the years. You were a good neighbor bishop and friend Joe, till we meet again. ❤️🙏


- Sydney young vale

I send my love to all of the Beecroft family. I have been very grateful for all of the blessings I have had through the years with my association with all of you. Joe was a huge part of my formative years in many capacities of service in the Wells Ward. I learned how to serve with love. Joe loved all those that he served through the years. Trish Tate


- Trish Tate

I’m so sorry for your loss. I know Joe was such a good father and always loved being around his family who he loved so much. We are so blessed for the knowledge that families can be together forever and are so grateful to know that you’ll see him again. We love the Beecroft family!


- Dave and Jaime Davis

We were sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was certainly one of the greats. We had years of a meaningful friendship and he was always ready to go to lunch. We were sorry to have missed the funeral.


- Steve and Candy Rideout