Gordon R. Beckman

Gordon Roger Beckman, 67, architect, father, husband, music lover and all-around great guy died peacefully at home in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood on Sunday February 4, 2024. He was surrounded by a family who adored him, including his wife Mia and daughter Ana. His memory will be eternal. Born in Rockford, Illinois, Gordon graduated from Guilford High School and then headed west to Montana State University in Boseman for a spell. He returned to the Midwest and earned his architecture degree from the University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee, where he studied in Paris and London. Gordon built a distinguished career working nationally and internationally on a broad range of building types including commercial, civic, transportation, and mixed-use developments since 1973. His work reflected his ongoing interest in, and examination of, the interdisciplinary connections that structure, technology, environmental concerns, and transparency play in next-generation architectural thought. His recent work as Principal/Sr. Vice President Director of Design at John Portman & Associates in Atlanta reflected these values and ideas. Prior to joining Portman in May 2007, Mr. Beckman worked 23 years for Murphy/Jahn as a Senior Vice President/Principal Architect, leading some of the firm's most recognized projects including Charlemagne in Brussels, Belgium; the Serono Corporate Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland; Bishopgate Town in London, England; and HALO Corporate Headquarters in Niles, Illinois. In addition to his tenure at Murphy/Jahn, Mr. Beckman’s professional experience includes Kahler Slater Engberg in Milwaukee and Larson & Darby in Rockford, Illinois. Mr. Beckman also taught for the University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee and the Illinois Institute of Technology, and participated in numerous design reviews and juries at several universities. He has been recognized by the AIA and awarded the AIA Henry Adams Medal. Above all, Gordon was the guy everyone wanted to know. Gordon loved attending rock shows, all things water, and traveling the world. He spent many weekends fishing with his brother-in-law and friends in the northern woods. His love of good food, drink, and music were diverse. On a random Friday night in Chicago, one could find him nursing a gin and tonic at Inn Joy on Division Street or pouring a glass of wine at Chicago’s Millenium Park, listening to the Lyric Opera. His outstanding career was only outshone by his glorious family. Gordon is survived by his wife of 16 years, Amelia “Mia” Tatic Beckman. Together, Gordon and Mia were blessed to have daughter Ana Clara Beckman. Gordon was also the adoring father of Alexander (Becca Cohen) Beckman, Olivia Marie Beckman, and very proud grandfather (“Pops”) of Henry Alexander Beckman; he is also survived by his brother, Gary Beckman, of Whitewater, WI. Gordon was the son of the late Roger Clarence Beckman and Virgene Rainwater Beckman. Gordon will be especially missed by the entire Tatic and Ivanisevic families, along with his faithful companion- Pepper the cat. Gordon was the former spouse of Elizabeth Kidera. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Gilda’s Club Chicago, https://www.gildasclubchicago.org/. Friends and family are gathering Saturday, February 24, 3-5pm (eulogies 3:30) at Innjoy Wicker Park, 2051 W. Division, Chicago, 60622. Come prepared to share a brief remembrance of Gordon. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com

Gordon R. Beckman

August 19, 1956 - February 4, 2024