Tink

Ellsworth Walter Beckman Jr., affectionately known as “Tink,” passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, at the age of 85 in Bath, NY, surrounded by his loving family and angel caregivers.
Born in Front Royal, Virginia, on May 19, 1940, Tink was the eldest of three children born to Evelyn Boyd Beckman and Ellsworth Walter Beckman Sr. He moved to Bath, NY as a child, where he attended Haverling High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany from 1959 to 1962.
In May 1963, Tink married the love of his life, Kay Kathryn Ireland. Their 62-year marriage was a shining example of love, partnership, and laughter.
He is survived by his devoted and “patient” wife, Kay, and their “practically perfect” children: Kym Beckman-Draht (Alan), Amy Beckman-Mezger (Mike), and Jon Beckman (Michele O’Brochta). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Madilyn, Elia, Miles, and James (Elizabeth Mitchell); his cherished great-grandchildren: Oliver and Lucille, who lovingly called him "BIG Poppa"; and many extended family members and dear friends.
Tink’s professional life was defined by his strong work ethic, leadership, and integrity. He was recognized in the “Legion of Leaders” for seven consecutive years at Wolcott Chevrolet. In 1969, he pursued a profession in banking, building a 31-year career marked by deep community ties and respect. He retired first in 1995 from Bank of America and again in 2000 as Senior Vice President of Bath National Bank.
His commitment to service extended far beyond his career. A proud and active member of his community, Tink was a lifelong Rotarian and served as President of the Bath Rotary Club in 1984. He was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow award and, in 1998, received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award from the Steuben Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. His civic contributions included service as a Bath Volunteer Firefighter, Steuben County Fire Deputy Coordinator, a member of the Steuben County IDA, and Chairman of Bath Electric, Gas, & Water Systems. He was also a member of the Bath Jaycees, Bath Elks BPOE #1547, American Legion Charles E. Wescott Post #173, and VFW Post #1470.
A proud Virginian at heart, Tink never lost his Southern charm and took great "Dixie" pride in his heritage. He found immense peace in the outdoors—hunting with his GUST-O brothers, golfing with The Judge and the boys, fishing at Murphy’s on Keuka Lake, and growing blue-ribbon vegetables and garlic for the Steuben County Fair.
Tink was also an avid traveler, having explored the far corners of the United States—including Alaska, Hawaii, and Montana—as well as journeys abroad to England, Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Ireland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tink’s name to:
Bath Volunteer Fire Department
50 East Morris Street, Bath, NY 14810
The Friends of Camp Gorton
P.O. Box 962, Corning, NY 14830
The family invites all to a Military Service to honor Tink’s life at Nondaga Cemetery, 75 Rumsey Street, Bath, NY, on August 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
A Celebration of Life will follow at the Bath VFW, 7230 State Route 54, Bath, NY, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.