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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Ken Calvert. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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April 27, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
Material lawmakers submit for the official record even when it was not spoken live on the floor.
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. KEN CALVERT
of california
in the house of representatives
Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend and Navy veteran, Ward Beecher, who passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Ward lived a life grounded in love, service, family, and country, and he will be deeply missed.
Ward was a true patriot. His love for this country wasn't just spoken—it was lived. From 1956 to 1960, Ward proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the MSO-490 minesweeper. That service was a defining part of who he was, and he carried the values of duty, loyalty, and quiet strength with him for the rest of his life. Ward was married to his wife, Diane Beecher, for 69 beautiful years. Together, they built a family that became his greatest pride—his three daughters, Lori, Lynn, and Jann; six grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
At home, Ward was known for his warm sense of humor. He loved joking around with his grandkids, managed to give everyone in the family a nickname, and ended every visit by saying `toodles.' He found joy in life's simple pleasures: cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners, listening to 50s music, enjoying an In-N-Out burger, and reminiscing about his time growing up on the family farm in Oklahoma. Those stories were part of who he was, and he loved sharing them with anyone who would listen.
his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Ward. Although he may be gone, the many contributions he made to his family and country have left an enduring legacy.