Edward C. Beaumont

Edward C. Beaumont passed away Friday, May 1, 2020 at the age of 97. A native of Fresno, California, Ed Beaumont graduated from Pomona College in 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts in geology. His undergraduate studies were interrupted by WWII in which Beaumont served 2 ½ years in the US Army infantry.

Ed came to New Mexico in 1946 to attend graduate school at the University of New Mexico, where he met his wife Caroline Brentari. He graduated in 1948 with a Master of Science in geology. Ed married Caroline in September after graduation and soon went to work for the Fuels Branch of the US Geological Survey.

Ten years later, Ed left the employ of the federal government and established a consulting geological practice based in Albuquerque. Through the nearly 40 years of professional consulting, Ed’s practice concentrated on the geology and economics of coal deposits, especially those in the San Juan Basin of Northwest New Mexico.

Ed is survived by his wife, Caroline; son, John (Houston); daughter, Cindy Murray and her husband Phil (Houston); son, Ted and his wife Carolyn (Tulsa); and son, Bill and his wife Eileen (Albuquerque). He will always be remembered as a loving grandfather to Will, Russell, and Jourdan Beaumont; Liz and Jonathan Martin; and Kevin Murray. He shared with his family his fascination of the world and science through the study of rocks and geography (thanks Google Earth).

Ed’s family and friends will remember him to be quick-witted with an interesting story that fit in with every conversation. He paid close attention when others spoke to him, a trait which made you relax and understand that Ed thought your views were important. He took great pride in his participation in professional and community affairs. Ed was a fellow in the Geological Society of America, a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a past chairman of the New Mexico State Technical Advisor Council, and an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a past president of the New Mexico Geological Society, the NM Chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, the Board of Directors of Family and Children’s Services, and the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. Ed served two terms as president of the Rotary Club of New Mexico, where he established some of his strongest friendships.

A Memorial Service will be held in Ed’s honor. The arrangements will be handled by FRENCH – University.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/.

The Beaumont family will be celebrating the lives of Ed and Caroline on Friday, October 2, 2020, 3:00 p.m. at FRENCH – University. There will be a live broadcast of the memorial for those unable to attend in person. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army https://www.salvationamyusa.org/usn/.