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Big Rapids Community Mourns Loss Of Alan Beamer

The Big Rapids community is honoring a man who shed light on Alzheimer’s disease across the country.

We first brought you the story of Alan Beamer last year.

His wife made a viral video showing the heart-wrenching toll Alzheimer’s took on Beamer.

It was viewed more than 50,000 times.

But Beamer lost his battle with the disease.

For 30 years Beam was known as the man who lit up the halls at Big Rapids Public Schools.

Now the community is honoring his life.

"He touched lives. And made a difference," said Tim Buckingham.

We all have that one teacher who stands out.

"He loved them unconditionally every kid he ran in to," Tim said.

For Tim Buckingham-, it was Mr. Beamer.

"He scared the bejebus out of me the first day he said, but it was probably one of the best experiences I ever had," he said.

A life long friendship blossomed. Eventually Alan and Tim were re-united. This time, helping kids at Big Rapids Public Schools together.

"I got to share an office for a couple years with Mr. Beamer and he was quite a guy and you hear a lot of good things about a lot of people but he was down to earth just one of those guys who taught us a lot about kids," Tim said.

Their bond, unbreakable. Something not even Alzheimer’s could tear apart.

"I think one of the greatest things that Al and MaryBeth have done is they’ve enlightened a lot of people on this terrible disease. Alzheimer’s I think a lot of us didn’t know a lot about initially, but now we know more but now hopefully we can continue the fight," Tim said.

That fight, something Beam and his wife MaryBeth spoke out about last year in a video viewed more than 50,000 times.

And at Ferris State University where Beam led football the team to a 1968 National Championship.

"Alan’s struggle brought home to the athletes the dedication they have to give to their sport and the risks they take. But the other thing they took away was how much he loved playing football how much he loved working with young people," said Sandy Alspach..

Now, Beam who was the heart of the Big Rapids community will remain in the hearts of those he touched.

"I said I love him and I’m going to miss him and we’ll see him again," said Tim said.

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