Harold Beggs

12/24/1931 — 4/12/2025

Service Date: 5/3/2025
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In Loving Memory of Harold Oliver Beggs

Dec. 24, 1931 – April 12, 2025

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Harold O. Beggs, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather left this world to be reunited with the love of his life, Hazel, who passed away on Dec. 2, 2012. His passing came in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home.

Harold was born in Backus, Minn., on Dec. 24, 1931, and was the only son of Hilda and Oliver Beggs as they raised seven children during the years of the Great Depression. He spent his early years in Backus, attending both elementary and high school in this rural community. He graduated from Backus High School in 1949.

Harold excelled in all sports during high school and received MVP recognition in football and basketball and placed first in the 100- and 220-yard dashes, as well as the long jump and discus. Harold continued to be active throughout his life, playing softball in Lewiston leagues until he was 58 years old when he finally retired his glove. He ran in his last Seaport River Run, completing in under 30 minutes, when he was 59 years old.

Harold’s love of sports lasted his entire life. He loved the Mariners, the WSU Cougars, Gonzaga basketball and the Seattle Seahawks. However, he best loved watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they played multiple sports at various levels of competition.

Harold received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University, his Master’s degree from the College of Idaho and his Doctorate in Education and Finance from Washington State University (Go Cougs!). He was a lifelong learner. He was a scholar of the Bible, loved studying the Civil War, and engaged in expanding his knowledge of the world until his death at 93.

On July 29, 1950, Harold married the love of his life, Hazel Zaffke. They celebrated 62 years of marriage. Hazel was his best friend and all his stories included her. At the time of his passing, he had four children, eight grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. As children and grandchildren were married, the family grew in number from just Harold and Hazel to a total of 40 at family gatherings.

Harold was a dedicated member of the Church of the Nazarene for 86 years. He started attending Sunday school at the Nazarene Church in Backus when he was 7 years old. He is an alumnus of Northwest Nazarene University and later served time on their Board of Regents. He and Hazel were members of the Nazarene Church in Lewiston from 1976 until their passing.

Harold began his professional career as a teacher and coach in Boy River, Minn., in 1957. He worked his way through school as an underground miner in Butte, Mont., while supporting his family, a wife and three children. Hard work was always a part of who he was and what he believed. Harold went on to become a principal and assistant superintendent in Ione, Ore., and superintendent in Grand Coulee, Wash.

In 1976, Harold and Hazel moved to Clarkston, where he became Superintendent of the Clarkston School District. He served as superintendent for 16 years until his retirement in 1992. Harold loved his work as superintendent, the excellent people he worked with, and the opportunities to improve the lives of children over so many years.

During his time as superintendent in Clarkston, he was involved in many community activities. He was a member of the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce for 16 years, serving as president in 1981. He served as president and campaign manager of the United Way and ran the first “Hands Across the River” event. His dedication to the United Way led to being named Volunteer of the Year on two occasions. Harold was also a member of the Clarkston Rotary Club and was twice named Rotarian of the Year. He started the Rotary White Elephant Auction and was the auctioneer for many years. He started the Rotary/Chamber Christmas Luncheon which became an annual tradition in Clarkston.

Harold worked on many fundraising projects during his years in Clarkston, including raising money to remodel the Valley Arts Center, support for the YWCA, National Public Radio (NPR), and the Valley Boys and Girls Club. He provided the leadership to get the first Boys and Girls Club built in Clarkston adjacent to Grantham Elementary School.

Following his retirement from the Clarkston School District, Harold served time as the director of the Clarkston Branch of Walla Walla Community College and as an Asotin County Commissioner.

Harold worked hard throughout his life, fully committing himself to every opportunity he undertook. However, his greatest pride and what brought him the most fulfillment was Hazel, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved them dearly and they all loved Grandpa Harold. His home was decorated with family pictures and his memories were filled with the times he spent with loved ones.

After 93 years of a “life well lived” on Earth, he is now at rest and happy to be with Hazel again. He will be greatly missed by his family and his cherished friends. Harold lost his parents, spouse, siblings and many of his friends before his death as he lived such a long and rich life.

Harold is survived by his four children: Charity Marquardt (Rick), Joy Rapp (Robert), Doug Beggs (Sue), and Scott Beggs (Charlie); eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him great pride and joy.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1700 Eighth St., Lewiston. Please join the family for a reception following the celebration of Harold’s life in the reception hall at the church.