A PROFILE IN COURAGE

MICHAEL D. BEAVER

1955 - 2005

All of you know Mike from his fantastic reference books published by Schiffer. These are Camouflage Uniforms of the Waffen-SS (1995), and his three-volume series entitled Uniforms of the Waffen SS (2002). The books have become the absolute Bibles on these topics.  This is because Mike spent half a lifetime digging, probing, researching and literally traveling to the far corners of the globe to seek out original materials to use in his books.

Many of you know Mike from the thousands of e-mails he responded to, answering countless questions pertaining to the identification and originality of SS-related materials. Mike always took the time and had the patience to provide comprehensive and accurate information on this very sensitive topic. He was always very thorough and detailed, because he was passionate about conveying the correct message.

Some of you have had the opportunity to meet Mike in person at the many shows he attended over the past 35 years. He always took the time to answer the myriad of questions posed to him. He was generous to a fault and was never concerned about profiting from this hobby. Many times he would buy an item simply to be able to have it to photograph!  Then he would turn around and offer it to me or another collector for the same money.  His primary interest was from a research and documentation standpoint. This certainly came through in the quality of the reference material he presented to us collectors.

Mike enjoyed a high quality of life. He was always upbeat and positive. He was a dedicated Husband and Father who survived the tragedy of September 11, 2001. I remember Mike, who was a pilot for American Airlines, telling me about his experience on that day. He had just taken off on a routine flight  and had remarked to his co-pilot "What a beautiful day".  Then, seconds later, the world changed. The radio went wild and he, along with over 6,000 other flights, were ordered to "FIND A PLACE TO PUT THE AIRCRAFT DOWN!".  How ironic to have survived that day, only to be taken by this evil disease.

His fellow workers at American Airlines told me what a special person he was in his profession. Mike never came to work with just one cup of coffee. He always brought along enough for the entire crew.  His wonderful Wife Maria would bake biscotti or other treats and Mike would bring a helping for the other workers.  Even his relationship with ground crew was special. He would treat them with respect, instead of looking down on them. He'd encourage them to do their job quickly, thoroughly and safely. This way, they could finish up and go have their coffee break!  Guess what, honey does go a lot further than vinegar. More flights got off on time because of Mike's ability to treat people with dignity and respect.

Even after the diagnosis, Mike continued to maintain a positive outlook. He told me that he had "the good cancer". When I asked him to elaborate, he said there were two types of Pancreatic Cancer. One takes you in less than one year while the other gives you up to a ten-year window. What a brave man!

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Maria.  He also leaves behind his 24 year old son Matt and his eight year old son Scott.

I was privileged to have the chance to spend some time with Mike before he passed away.  I told him what an honor it was to have known him and had him for a friend. As I left his room he said to me, "Make something of your life.".  I can tell you this, Mike made something of the brief 50 years he was on this earth!

Most of you did not have this opportunity to convey to Mike what a positive influence he had on you with regards to collecting Militaria. You didn't have the last chance to thank him for the great contributions he has made to this hobby, or how his reference books have enhanced your knowledge.  However, shortly after his passing, I set up an e-mail address so you could send in 'tributes' to Mike.  I am happy to report that we received over 100 touching e-mails from you!  I compiled them in a bound book, which I presented to his widow Maria in July 2005.

Mike's legacy will be perpetuated by the books he has already written and the posthumous publication of his last project, SS Helmets - The History, Use and Decoration of the Helmets of Black Corps.  This publication was completed by Kelly Hicks and reflects Mike's legacy of presenting the finest books possible on a particular subject. 

MAY  HE  REST  IN  PEACE !

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