WATERVILLE – Linwood C. Beck, 85, died Friday, April 7, at Mount St. Joseph Nursing Home.

He was born on Aug. 29, 1920, in Mercer, the son of Carl O. Beck and Christine (Carlstrom) Beck. He lived on a farm, and his strong work ethic was developed at an early age. Linwood attended a one-room schoolhouse in Norridgewock and other local schools thereafter, including Thomas College in Waterville.

In 1943, he went to Hawaii to work at the shipyard. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in Hawaii, marrying his wife, Mary, while there.

In 1945, he returned to Maine to work for C.O. Beck and Sons Roofing and Sheet Metal, a company started by his father in 1925. Linwood was a hard worker, committing 60 years to C.O. Beck and Sons. He was a skilled metal worker, installing thousands of standing-seam metal roofs throughout Maine and Northern New England. In addition, he directed several major ductwork jobs, including the Augusta and Brunswick Vocational Schools and the Cianbro Office Building. On these and other projects, he would move his equipment into the buildings and continue working well after the other crews had left the job site for the night.

With his father and brother, Waldo Beck, he developed long-term relationships, creating a foundation for the company’s continued success. These relationships included, among others, Harold Alfond and the Dexter Shoe Co. (66 years) and the Cianchette Family and Cianbro Corp. (56 years). Although Linwood worked on many large projects, his favorite jobs were the many homes that he worked on across the region. Linwood always strived to improve the overall quality of metal roofing, and his employees and many other contractors were positively influenced by his work. He left his mark on a company that continues to thrive, now in its fourth generation of family involvement.

Linwood was a kind person who always supported his employees and community activities. His employees had great respect for him, as evidenced by their extended length of service with the company – many more than 40 years, with an average of more than 25 years. Linwood was always willing to donate his time and resources to community organizations, especially the Lions Club, Good Will Hinckley School, First Congregational Church and the Boys and Girls Club.

Linwood was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who enjoyed spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed sporting activities on China Lake and Great Pond and encouraging his children and grandchildren in their organized sports endeavors. Linwood will be greatly missed by his family and many friends, especially his longtime friend, Evelyn Hurd.

He is survived by his four children, Carl and his wife, Sally Beck, of Belgrade, Cindy and her husband, Craig Warren, of New Gloucester, Doug and his wife, Margaret Beck, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Bruce and his wife, Peg Beck, of China; five grandchildren and one great-grandson; two brothers, Waldo Beck of Oakland and Arthur Beck of Waldoboro; sister, Selma Mcavoy of Falls Church, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.

His wife Mary; son, Brian Beck; brother, Melvin Beck; and his parents predeceased him.