Moses Lake political gadfly passes

MOSES LAKE - Former Moses Lake resident Richard Beeson was known for his enjoyment of local politics and challenging the city council on many issues.

He even ran for a position on the council four times, according to Grant County Election's Office records.

Beeson, 81, died from heart attack complications at his daughter's home in Lacey, Wash., on Sunday.

"He enjoyed local politics," said his daughter, Mary Ann O'Garro, of Lacey, on Wednesday. "I'm suspecting I will find some former runs for office signs in his home. It's mainly because he really liked Moses Lake."

O'Garro said her father "had opinions, that's for sure."

She believes her father was an independent, but always right-leaning in his political views.

"He was just fond of different things that would surprise people," O'Garro says. "He was supportive of the ACLU, but an NRA member."

In the community, he met friends for coffee in the morning at the Moses Lake McDonald's.

She recalled there was a good group of old-timers in Moses Lake, calling it a "really nice small town."

Up until his health problems began, he was safely driving and living in his home, O'Garro explained.

"He would get out when he chose and was still doing the things you would hope to when you were 81," she said.

Beeson went to live with O'Garro after his heart attack in February.

He decided he would go on hospice since he was terminal.

He had only arrived at his daughter's home and gotten settled when he died five days later.

Beeson served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1972.

His other hobbies included historical research, genealogy, cars, photography and information technology.

He is survived by four children, nine grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.

A service is planned for 1:15 p.m., March 25, at Tahoma National Cemetery, in Kent, Wash.