Beau MacVane
The 33 year old son of Matthew & Sandi MacVane has died.
Beau was an adored son, brother, grandson and uncle. He excelled as a soldier and teammate.
After graduation from college and a bit of soul searching, Beau enlisted in the US Army. He volunteered for, and graduated from, the elite Rangers School and subsequently served five tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The 31-year old survived the war, and was honorably discharged in 2006. Matt and Sandi no doubt breathed a sigh of relief to have him home safely.
While serving his country, Beau earned numerous citations for bravery. However nothing could have prepared him for the enemy that was awaiting him on his return home.
The 33 year old son of Matthew & Sandi MacVane has died.
Beau was an adored son, brother, grandson and uncle. He excelled as a soldier and teammate.
After graduation from college and a bit of soul searching, Beau enlisted in the US Army. He volunteered for, and graduated from, the elite Rangers School and subsequently served five tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The 31-year old survived the war, and was honorably discharged in 2006. Matt and Sandi no doubt breathed a sigh of relief to have him home safely.
While serving his country, Beau earned numerous citations for bravery. However nothing could have prepared him for the enemy that was awaiting him on his return home.
Stepping into civilian life, and eager to pursue his interests in preserving the natural environment, he joined the Department of Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management.
On April 5, 2007 Beau was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This was the war after the war. For 27 months he fought that disease with Matt and Sandi by his side, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Born on June 4, 1976 and taken from us on June 25, 2009 this man stood as a testament to what some of us in my generation consider the highest attributes of civilized man. During his illness, Beau, with the kind and loving care of his Mother and Father, continued to exhibit the traits that were the mettle of his soul. Above all, courage and good humor, honor, kindness, a genuine concern for others and an abiding love of nature were the ideals that made this man so special. The huge tropical fish tank, build for him to watch the creatures of the sea, which he loved so much, now stands without him. The vacuum left in our society by his passing will not be filled. The debts society owed this man can never be repaid. Those lucky enough to have known Beau will be forever grateful for his acquaintance.
Rest In Peace Ranger
Although Beau has left us, his untimely death has given us an opportunity to honor his memory, as he honored all of us, by his exemplary life.
The disease which took Beau is scarcely known about. The name is familiar enough, but few know any real facts of the disease.
Although the number of deaths from this disease is rising, there is little meaningful research being done. There is so little money available to finance the research necessary to find a cure for this disease that it might be fair to say nothing has changed since Lou Gehrig died with it. There is no cure. There is no hope.
If you feel moved to honor this man please contribute to the ALS Association 561-789-0341 or in the alternative, a Foundation is being set up in Beau’s name. For information you can contact Debby Funk at marcmydog@yahoo.com
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