Colonel Dwight Wales Beach of Monterey, CA, devoted husband, father, and friend passed away unexpectedly at the age of age 85, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Glen Cove, New York to Val and Lois Beach, Dwight was an only child who spent his childhood days playing in Manhasset with his “sisters” Lynne and Sandy H. and Miki M. A skilled pianist and voracious reader, he often was scolded by teachers for reading multiple books simultaneously. After graduating from Manhasset High School, Dwight continued his education at Pennsylvania Military College where he studied English and was editor of the school paper. Upon graduation, he was awarded a scholarship to Columbia University’s School of Journalism in New York City. Soon after, he entered the military, embarking on a meritorious career.

An accomplished and highly decorated U.S. Army officer, Dwight humbly served his country with honor and distinction for more than 25 years, during which he earned more than ten medals and ribbons; earned two bronze medals during the Vietnam War; served as a Military Attaché in Athens, Greece; led the G2 Intelligence Division at Fort Ord Military Base; coordinated international negotiations between the Organization of the Joints Chief of Staff and other U.S. Government agencies; and worked as an analyst and author at the National Intelligence Council.

In the early 1960s, Dwight was assigned to the Presidio of Monterey Defense Language Institute to study Greek. It was there he met the love of his life, Catherine, during a Friday night social dinner at the Officers’ Club. Struck by a thunderbolt, he proposed on their second date. After a one-year courtship, the two wed at the Presidio of Monterey Chapel on January 4, 1964. For sixty-one years, they shared a love, friendship, and mutual respect revered by all.

An intellectual and bibliophile, Dwight completed his graduate studies in 1974 at the University of Cincinnati where he received a Master of Arts in History. Throughout his military career, Dwight relished opportunities to learn, completing numerous military intelligence programs and graduated from the Command General Staff College.

In 1987, Dwight retired from the military and began his second career, where for over a decade he worked for The Kagan Group, a media-research firm in Carmel, CA, as Managing Editor and VP of Operations. Dwight finally retired for good in 2006 after working as Research Director for PK Worldmedia, a Kagan enterprise, with hopes of becoming a bookseller in the antiquarian trade.

Dwight enjoyed the simple things in life: good books, whiskey neat, a bowl of pasta.

Dwight led his life with unparalleled principle, integrity, and compassion. Known for his booming voice, dry sarcasm and wit, and unwavering dedication to his family, he left an indelible mark on those he met, and his passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Dwight is survived by his wife, Catherine Beach of Monterey, CA; daughter Valerie Beach of Phoenix, AZ; daughter Desirée Beach and Ian McKenney of Monterey, CA, as well as his “four-legged grandchildren,” Leo and Elphie.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Mission Mortuary Chapel in Monterey. 

Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Mission Mortuary Chapel (450 Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA 93940) followed by Military Honors & Burial at San Carlos Catholic Cemetery (792 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA.)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org

St. Joseph’s Indian School: https://www.stjo.org