Remembering a Radio (and Humanitarian) Legend: Frank Beckmann
By Tom Lang
Most people know the tagline for WJR 760 News Radio in Detroit: The Great Voice of the Great Lakes.
Most would agree that Frank Beckmann was the great voice of that great voice and one of the fiercest supporters of the game of golf Michigan has ever known. The golfing world lost this gem of a larger-than-life man, Feb. 13, passing while in Hospice care. He was 72.
Beckmann did it all in sports radio for over 48 years. Lions’ games. Tigers’ games. Michigan football for decades. Beckmann also had his own daily morning talk show in more recent times on WJR, with a conservative bent. Most people knew Frank in all those roles because they heard his great voice, and great mind, when tuning in.
Yet some would say his love of golf was the strongest. And what is probably less widely-know statewide was Beckmann’s immense support for charitable causes, and using golf to raise millions of dollars, often quietly out of the broader public eye. His final round of golf was last August as the long-time spokesperson and host of the annual March of Dimes Golf fundraiser.
Below are a collection of thoughts from those who knew Beckmann better than I.
Lew LaPaugh, President of the Ted Lindsay Foundation, for Autism research:
“Frank's heart was bigger than the man. He never turned people down. He led by example. After the passing of Shawn Burr (who was our golf outing's Live Auctioneer), Frank took on this challenge and was concerned if he could fill the ‘shoes of Shawn.’
“Frank was so determined to do what he could to raise the most money for our foundation, he would run over to the silent auction tables and bid on several items which he later donated to other charities. If an item was slow to get an opening bid Frank would step up and make the bid himself to get things moving.
“His interest in the Autistic community was also spurred on by his daughter, Tori, and her therapy degree for Autism. He never turned down a request to work with us through the years. It is always sad when a friend leaves us but even more so when a 'giant of a man' for his family, profession and community passes.”
Bill Hobson, Michigan Golf Live TV and Radio:
“I could write pages of praise for Frank about the tireless passion he showed for all things golf and charitable causes, because he often connected those two in very effective ways. His willingness to donate time, talent, and treasure to the things he believed in was an inspiration for me and so many others.
“I was a Frank Beckmann fan dating all the way back to the days of SportsWrap on WJR, when a nervous young caller (me) from Clio dialed in to try and stump the host and win an ‘American League Red Book.’ Well, the host won...but still sent me the prize and I was a Beckmann backer ever since.
“Little did I know that we would become friends through our love of golf and radio, with Frank sharing very encouraging words about my work, even though I was reaching out to praise him for something I heard him say on air. From this fan of the Wolverines, golf, and many of the same worthwhile causes...thank you to the Beckmann family for sharing Frank with all of us.”
Brain Cairns, PGA professional and 2015 Sr. PGA Professional of the Year:
“Every time we got together it was about cigars and good times, and just all the funny things that happen on a golf course. It never mattered how bad he was playing, because he was so excited to hit the next shot, and only a real golfer feels like that. And it’s not just about golf, but everything in life… I really respect people like that.”
Cairns said Beckmann had the map of the state of Michigan ‘branded’ on his calf, a tattoo.
“He was so proud of Michigan, and of Detroit. He would stand up for it. He really lived it and preached it. Who’s going to carry that torch next? It’s going to be tough to fill. A big hole in our lives for sure.”
Bernie Friedrich, Boyne Resorts:
“Frank’s love for the game of golf was exceeded only by his love for his WJR listeners. Our business relationship through WJR developed into a friendship through his many trips to our resorts and BOYNE Golf courses. He enjoyed every round.
“One of our favorite memories was Frank extolling the virtues of Michigan golf on the Links/Quarry course at Bay Harbor Golf Club with Matt Ginella from the Golf Channel. His loss is tragic and his enthusiasm for Michigan and the game of golf will be greatly missed.”
Barry Owens, GM at Treetops
“His support of golf in the state of Michigan and the Pure Michigan Campaign; it was wonderful to have somebody with that influence just talking about golf, and golf in Michigan. He was obviously passionate about the game himself and played every chance he got.
“But what made Frank such a good journalist is he was very curious. He found out I’m an amateur beekeeper and he became infatuated with that. He visited the hives at my house and got stung once. And whenever I got the wonderful opportunity to be on his radio show his first questions would be, ‘how are the bees doing?’
“He will be missed, that’s for sure.”
