It is with sadness that I pass on the news that one of our predecessors succumbed to liver cancer on Wednesday, January 17. Bill Beck was better known as The Fat Addict in our Little White Booklet. He also went by the name Allah Ram. Bill died with 39 years clean, celebrating his clean date on July 9 (which coincidentally, is the date Jimmy Kinnon passed away). Bill started up most of California's early treatment centers that utilized the 12th Step approach to recovery, notably Impact House, Cri-Help, and Crysallis. These treatment centers served as a safe haven for recovering addicts to rest, clean themselves up, get medical treatment, be introduced to meetings outside the center, and most, if not all the counselors were recovering addicts themselves. The programs usually lasted anywhere from 6 to 9 months and addicts were not required to have health insurance or money to finance their stay at these centers. Bill's model of assisting addicts in their early recovery led to thousands and thousands of addicts finding their way to a new way of life, for once they completed treatment, they re-entered society with a sponsor, meeting lists, literature, and a new host of friends who were also in recovery. For those who relapsed, a seed had been planted and they always knew they had a seat saved for them in N.A. Bill was an early pioneer in N.A.'s history, lending his time freely to serving at the area level, the regional level, and the world level. He served on the Board of Trustees for a number of years before he tended his resignation from that Board at a World Service Conference, along with Jimmy Kinnon who also resigned, in the early 80's. He was a close and loyal friend of Jimmy Kinnon's to the day he died. I recall Bill was always seated at Jimmy's bedside during his final days, quiet and in prayer, and always there when Jimmy opened his eyes. Bill always encouraged addicts to seek a teacher and find a spiritual path that suited them. People enjoyed and admired Bill's sense of humor, his frankness, and his way of stepping up to the plate and saying what needed to be said. He had a tremendous amount of compassion for others and he also loved beautiful women and good food. He was a pretty good barber and set up shop just outside San Diego during the last years of his life. Although Bill was small in stature, he was a giant of a man. I shall miss him. I give thanks to having known him and the knowledge that we were friends. Perhaps a moment of silence can be taken at your home groups in remembrance of him. May God keep him close to Him. Thank you Bill Beck.
In fellowship,
Fawn F.