At the service memorializing Ryan Beaupre, from right, Mark Howard, University Registrar Jack Fields, Provost Janet McNew, and Dean of Students James Matthews.

A Eulogy for Ryan Beaupre '95 by Jack Fields, University Registrar (March 25, 2003)

Dear Ryan,

You have been such a very special person to so many people over these too few thirty years. I know that makes you blush but that’s one of the "benefits" that goes along with being red headed. You have always been so warm and at ease with everyone about you that you never realized the impact that you have had on all of our lives. We knew it of course, but we’ve kept that private until now – until this time in which we feel more at ease (like you) to share our innermost thoughts. Of course, I knew you most particularly as a fraternity brother and as a college student but you have been so much more than that. You have been the son that was in fact the bright sun as from the sky in your parents’ lives. You have truly been a brother in the best sense of that word to your sisters and brother. The love exchanged among you has been open and clearly apparent to all around you. You have been the neighbor that everyone hoped to have move in next door. The most trusted confidant, of the kind that we usually find only in legends. You have been worker, player, teammate and coach. You have been a leader among men and you most richly deserve the titles "Officer" and "Gentlemen" and all the accolades that they encompass.

I have to share with you Ryan, only a few of the profound impacts that you have so obviously had on so many of your friends. I know that this embarrasses you but you’ll deal with it. You’d be surprised at how many have come forward now to tell me what they really have been thinking of you all these years. Paul said to me that "it’s hard to argue with someone who’s always standing up there doing the right thing." Chris said "He’s one of the most unselfish, honest, and admirable people I have ever met." Tom said "He is one of the best. I can’t say that I remember Ryan ever making a negative comment about anyone or anything. As far as I know he always seemed to do the right thing." CJ said "He’s an amazing brother." I can go on but that pretty well sums it up and I know your face is burning pretty brightly right now anyway.

Even so, these words are a dreadfully inadequate expression of the feelings we truly carry in our hearts for you. Our words pale in the shadow of our grief; they seem so insufficient even to measure the brave sacrifice you have made on our behalf. The true testimony is not in the words I write to you today, but rather in the way you have led your life – with dedication, honor, and an unquenchable desire to serve God and Man.

I have to tell you also that CJ asked me to tell you that you, just by the way you lived your life you taught him three things. First, the difference between personal moral conviction and intolerance. Second, the difference between dedication and obsession. And third, the difference between confidence and arrogance. I failed to mention above the fact that you have been a remarkable teacher, and that you taught us well.

The best that we can do now is to remember you as you have lived and as you have touched our lives. You have brought so much love and joy to we who know you, and our hearts swell with pride as we recall your life. You have exemplified heroism and noble sacrifice in the conduct of your life. You answered a call beyond duty and gave more than was expected or required – and you did so with little thought to worldly reward. You choose always the path that seemed right, however rough it might have been. And so we will always remember you as a true American hero because of the way you lived your life. Oh that we could do that so well as you.

Among those of us in the Fraternity you have been the best brother that we ever could have asked for. We thank God for your election to join with us. Yet now, because of that, we all suffer an inexpressible feeling of loss and sadness. We take some comfort in hoping that you are in a place where you can read this letter and see and hear us clearly ... where you posses all of the wisdom of the ages, and you now understand God’s plan and your place in it. Knowing you as we do, we shall expect that you will be along to help us to make sense of it all too.

In Chapter last night we repeated the words of the Creed that you have known by heart for so long. I recalled then that as Pledge Educator you told the pledges that you wanted them to know the creed because for the fraternity’s brothers it is the most import thing that the Fraternity believes in. Paul had asked me to tell this term’s pledges what you thought of that and I tried. Mike let them know that you embodied the true meaning of brotherhood as few can. Paul reminded them that you would tolerate nothing but truth and justice in your relations with others. Cory emphasized your dedication to scholarship. Ann has let the world know that you are the definition of chivalry. You set the standard for service to God and Man. You would have been proud of all of them last night as they pledged to follow your example and strive to make real your fraternity’s ideals in their own daily lives. I must admit though that at that point I broke the rules – and I’m doing it again right now – because I commented on your character then. I told them that you did not merely strive to make these ideals real – you actually did make them real in you daily life.

As I said before, I know that words are inadequate but I hope that you realize that recognize that we have all been so very fortunate to have you in our lives – you have been so very special to all of us. The unfortunate thing is – as Joe said "I feel so badly about what has happened, but I feel most sorry for those who never had the opportunity to meet Ryan, they are the ones who missed out."

Until we met again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Fraternally,

Jack