NORWICH – Gordon N. Beckwith, 76, of Wheeler Avenue, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born Feb. 17, 1933 in Cortland, Gordon was the son of William and Bernice (Winfield) Beckwith. He graduated from Guilford High School in 1953. After graduation Gordon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged as a Sgt. ‘Permanent’ (E4) July 6, 1956. Upon his discharge, Gordon worked for L.D. Dexheimer and Sons of Guilford until 1960.  During that time Gordon also substituted for his father-in-law Ben Guinn driving one of the two school buses owned privately for Norwich City Schools. From 1960 to 1993 he was employed by Victory Markets-Great American Perishable Warehouse as a foreman at the East Main Street facility. He retired in 1992. Gordon was a school bus driver for Norwich City Schools from 1960 to 1993.
On Aug. 27, 1955, in Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Norwich, Gordon married Evelyn “Jackie” Guinn, of Norwich, who survives. Gordon is also survived by his children, Julie Beckwith of Norwich, Gordon David Beckwith of Norwich, Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ (David) Cooley of Brandon, Fla., Joan (Howard) Nesbitt of Winder, Ga., John Beckwith of Norwich and June (Steve) Beneke of Auburn, Ga.; grandchildren Michael, Matthew and Carissa Cooley, Eric and Jennifer Nesbitt, and Lindsey and Logan Beckwith; a brother, Willie (Robbie) Beckwith of Spotsylvania, Va.; six sisters, Marjorie (Roger) Bliss of North Norwich, Eleanor (John) Ruston of Brooksville, Fla., Beverly (Hobie) Gridley of Guilford, Marian (Bill) Gerst of Smithville Flats, Ella Mae (Merle) Cox of Norwich and Gloria (Jim) Holmes, of Asheboro, NC; and several nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Leonard, Raymond and Donald Beckwith and sister Harriet Johnson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Norwich. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norwich Volunteer Fireman’s Association.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at:  www.wilsonfh.com.