Memorial set for professor emeritus Becka

By: Calli Turner

Posted: 7/3/07

Philosophy professor emeritus Richard Becka died at his daughter's home in Onalaska, Texas, of heart failure, Sunday. Becka had been with the philosophy department for more than 30 years. He is remembered as a loving family member, a first-rate medievalist, a devout Christian and a student mentor.

Becka retired from A&M in 1968, but continued to teach until summer 2006. Becka was the department's first honorary member for life.

Emil Ogden, Class of 1987, said Becka was an extraordinary philosophy teacher.

"Professor Becka was one of most dedicated and conscientious professors I had." Ogden said. "He was a very kind man and he was always available and looked forward to visiting with his students."

Philosophy Professor Richard Stadelmann said Becka was devoted to philosophy, his students and his faith.

"Today the emphasis is on publishing and moving from university to university, but [Becka] represented the old school of professors that that were primarily interested in their students and searching for the ultimate truth and meaning of life," Stadelmann said.

Stadelmann said Becka and his wife were both very active in pro-life movements and

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan.

"He was a religious man, he practiced his faith, but did it quiet. He never had a 'better than thou' attitude toward anyone," Ogden said.

Becka received his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Ottawa in Canada.

"It was quite an adjustment to come down here to Texas but he fell in love with the place and really enjoyed A&M," Stadelmann said.

Becka is survived by his wife of 58 years, Irene Becka; children, Ann Babbitt, Richard Becka Jr., Therese Becka, Irene Griffin, David Becka, Mary Richards and husband Rick, Andrea McFarlin, Jeanne McFarlin and husband Ray, Madeline Nichols and husband Allen, Roberta Becka; sister Miriam Bodner and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A mass will be held in his honor at 1 p.m. July 15 at St. Joseph Catholic in Bryan.