Harry Beaver III, a member of the University of Denver Sports Hall of Fame, passed away on February 18, 2025, at 79, leaving his longtime wife and family heartbroken.
From a young age, Harry Beaver III developed a passion for sports, beginning his athletic journey at The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut.
During high school, he participated in several sports, including hockey, lacrosse, and soccer.
The DU Athletics Hall of Famer, who co-founded the men’s lacrosse program in 1965, passed away last week at the age of 79.#GoPios https://t.co/bjwz465f9J
— Denver Men’s Lacrosse (@DU_MLAX) February 26, 2025
Similarly, with his exceptional skills, Harry began his collegiate sports career at Denver University in 1964, playing for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Lacrosse team.
With his love and passion for lacrosse, Harry co-founded the lacrosse program at Denver University in 1965.
Moreover, he served as co-captain during the 1966 and 1967 seasons, and in the team’s three seasons, Beaver helped lead DU to a 17-11-1 overall record.
Following his passing, the University of Denver Athletics expressed their heartfelt condolences to Harry’s family and honored their legendary lacrosse player.
“We are saddened by the news of Harry Beaver’s passing,With a heavy heart our program extends our thoughts and prayers to Harry’s family and all Pioneer Lacrosse alums. Harry, along with Charlie Dean, co-founded our program 60 years ago. Through his passion and love for the game, Harry established the first club team here at DU. Over the past 60 years Harry’s continued support of what he created was unmatched. We are so thankful for everything Harry has done for our program, shaping it into what it is today. It was a privilege to have him with us during this year’s Fall Celebration Weekend, where he had the opportunity to see firsthand the legacy he created 60 years ago. His vision, passion and dedication continue to inspire us. He was a true PIONEER!.”
Denver pioneers
There will be a moment of silence to honor Beaver before the Denver men’s lacrosse home game against Marist, starting at 6 p.m. MT on Friday night.
Many send their heartfelt prayers to the late Harry Beaver III’s wife, Patty, and his whole family during this difficult time.
Late Harry Beaver III And Wife Patty Celebrated More Than 50 Years Together
The late lacrosse star Harry Beaver III and his wife, Patty Beaver, were married for 52 years.
The couple began their marital journey after Harry graduated from the University of Denver with a BSBA and Marketing degree in 1968.
Harry and his wife, Patty, spent decades happily together, starting their marital journey in Colorado and later moving to Texas and South Carolina. Throughout this time, Patty remained his constant source of support.
Very little information about his wife Patty’s professional and personal life is available as she prefers to keep her life private.
The late Harry Beaver III and his wife raised two daughters, Cristina Beaver Dustin, and Rochelle Beaver, to be successful in their respective fields.
While very little information about Rochelle is available, Cristina’s Facebook page shows that she currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina, and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado.
In addition to his wife Patty and two daughters, Harry Beaver III is survived by his four grandchildren, Alec Dustin, Emma Dustin, Amanda Mann, and Ashleigh Ralls, and his four great-grandchildren.
His family has organized a memorial service and celebration of life for the late Harry Beaver on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, 639 North Main Street, Greenville, South Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that everyone make donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Harry’s memory.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Harry C. Beaver III was born in 1945 to mother Margaret and father Harry C. Beaver Jr. in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
- After graduation, he began his career as a regional salesman in Technistar in 1989 and worked for Stabuli Robotics for over 18 years as a regional and national sales manager.
- Harry played on the first Denver Alumni team at the Vail Shootout in 1997.
