RIP Harry Beckwith

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Zen21Tao

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Gun enthusiasts from all over Florida know the name Harry Beckwith. For many it may be because they have read Massad Ayoob’s detailed account of the numerous times Harry engaged is firefights to defend his gun shop from burglars (see link below) any for others it may be from stopping to look around in his store while passing through the small town of Micanopy Florida on Hwy 441. It is with a deep sadness that I have to use the past tense from now on when talking about this truly great man. Early this mourning Harry passed away. As a regular at his gun store’s social table I had the opportunity to talk and laugh with Harry and the other fellows. Harry not only had a level of gun knowledge that completely amazed me, he also had a very friendly charm about him. He was definitely someone that could put a smile on the grumpiest of faces. Believe me when I say that he is a man that I will always admire and have the deepest respect for. Harry my friend, I will truly miss you.

http://www.afn.org/~guns/ayoob.html

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I am so sorry to hear that.

Just saw him a few weeks ago, he was hale and hearty and frisky as usual.

Rumor has it that Pickett's will be taking over the shop. I hope they keep the same "flavor." There was no cooler old time gun shop in this country than Harry's, and of course, his unique personality was a big part of that.

I thank Mike Baker for introducing me to Harry years ago. I'll miss him.
 
Last Sunday, the annual Beckwith house party and BBQ was held on the grounds of the Castle. Harry was there, looking and sounding great. My wife and I attended. I was honored to be asked to say a few words. I have known Harry for over 40 years now, and I have purchased many a fine firearm from his shop.
Harry had a unique ability to influence peoples lives in a positive manner. That is a trait that many great men have. In the crowd of folks at the BBQ, almost to a person, they all remarked that Harry was counted among their most treasured, and best friends. Not many folks have that effect on others.
When God made Harry, he broke the mold.................

Mas, yes, the Pickett family from Newberry has purchased the shop. The deal takes place Wednesday, the 1st of Nov. I spoke to Jack Pickett last week, and he covered with me some of the changes, and some of the things that will not be changed. I think this will still be a fine shop. The Picketts are great folks too.
In fact, when Frank Pickett spoke at Harry's BBQ, he told of visiting the shop years ago, when he was a young man. He would often stop in with his older Brother, when he visited Brother Carl at the University of Florida. Jack said that he always felt that Harry was the kind of man he wanted to be when he grew up. Frank said that it was still his wish.

Harry will be missed, by many people,for many reasons, and for a long, long time.
 
He will be missed by many

I was just there a week ago, and got to visit a bit. He was cheery, and helpful as always. A great example of the un-politically correct, yet a gentleman to the core. God be with you, Harry.
 
Wow. I went to Univ of Florida and Harry's was the #1 shop around when I was just a budding gun nut. We'd gladly make the trip from G-ville to see him.

RIP Harry.
 
Many years ago as a grad student at UF I used to go down there to shoot. I remember him as being pretty gruff. I am pretty sure I called him 'Sir' more than once.

Gainesville was a great place, I had never lived anywhere with so many gun shops before, and me an innocent youth from Illinois. Saw my first open carry there too, on my first day in the state when I came down to school, way back in 1988.
 
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Harry's Obit:

The Gainesville Sun said:
Harry Edward Beckwith

BECKWITH, HARRY EDWARD, 78 Micanopy - Harry Edward Beckwith, age 78, of Micanopy, FL, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 28, 2006. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Mr. Beckwith moved to Florida in 1950 and worked as a Deputy Sheriff in Broward County. He moved to Micanopy in 1955 where he opened the Beckwith Gun Shop. He continued for 51 years of business as a dedicated, legendary gun dealer and beloved friend to many. Survived by his wife Holly Beckwith; two brothers, Arthur Beckwith of Maine and Bob (Nancy) Beckwith of Massachusetts; One son, Alan Beckwith of New Jersey, six children by wife Holly, Renee', Shawn, T.J., Shannon, Nikki, and Holly Brooke; fourteen grandchildren; and two great grandchildren; ten nieces and nephews. Harry was a lifetime member of the N.R.A., a strong supporter of YMCA and the Sheriffs Youth Ranch, and the Children's Miracle Network. As a member of the American-Okinawan Karate Association, he was a Hall Of Fame recipient for most outstanding contributor to the martial arts world. Annual supporter to the Micanopy Youth Sports. A visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 5-7pm at Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, 311 South Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376- 5361. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Faith Catholic Church 747 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL, on Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Micanopy Historic Cemetery. It was Harry's wish that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Shands Children's Cancer Center P 0 Box 100161 Gainesville, FL 32610. Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 311 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601, (352) 376-5361.
Published in the Gainesville Sun from 10/30/2006 - 11/1/2006.
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I'll miss him.

Sam, thanks for getting me down there Sunday. Didn't realize how important it would turn out.

While not the worst phone call I've ever gotten, hearing Rob's voice while telling me the news was saddening.

Cord
 
I'm bringing this back up....

I just wanted to I got my start with firearms from Mr. Beckwith's shop and range back in 2002. I purchased my first gun from him and he was very patient and helpful during my tips down from G-Ville. I never knew he was a DS in Broward County....very cool.

does anyone know where Robin Nancarrow went ? I popped into the range this past Saturday and its not the same without him behind the counter.

and one more question...who lives in the Castle now ?
 
and one more question...who lives in the Castle now ?
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Possibly his wife? I don't know for sure. I only go to Micanopy Shooting Sports pistol range which is right next door. I no longer go to Harry's old shop, because it is now owned by Picketts Weaponry who continues to carry on Beckwith's legendary name but not his business practice unfortunately.

For those visting the Beckwith shop for the first time. Look for the numerous bullet holes from Harry's SMG on the front of the building. They're still there.
 
Justin R said:
does anyone know where Robin Nancarrow went ? I popped into the range this past Saturday and its not the same without him behind the counter.

and one more question...who lives in the Castle now ?
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Justin,
Rob sold the range back in the spring of 2005, long before Harry passed away. I've been into the new establishment only once. Sad to say it is nowhere near the place it was. Rob still lives in Micanopy.

Holly, Harry's 2nd wife, still lives in the house.

Cannonball888 said:
I no longer go to Harry's old shop, because it is now owned by Picketts Weaponry who continues to carry on Beckwith's legendary name but not his business practice unfortunately
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Yeah no one could run Harry's shop the way Harry did. Although Pat did a good job on Harry's days off.

For many in the area, Harry's was more than a gunshop. Everyday was like a family reunion. Sitting around the round table, smoking cigars and telling stories. Seeing friends you hadn't seen in awile. Making new ones. Having Marg, Harry's first wife, threaten you with the fly swatter, for committing some transgression.

I spent a great deal of time with both Harry and Rob. I consider them both to be great influences in my life.
 
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