George Edward Beetham, Jr.

George Beetham, Editor, Army Veteran

George (Geo) Edward Beetham, Jr., previously from Philadelphia, lately of Glenside, (81) died on Friday morning, January 24, 2025. Even in the face of a long illness, he infused some of his most challenging moments with his sharp wit and humor. George is widely known as editor of The Review, a local publication serving Roxborough, Manayunk, and East Falls, from 1989 to 2014. Previously he had been a reporter for the Waynesboro News-Virginian, with his final contribution being a powerful six-part series that shed light on child abuse in the area. 

As Editor of The Review, George was a beloved colleague and friend. He was widely respected for his fairness, journalistic integrity, mentorship to new reporters, and exemplifying civic mindedness. His dedication to honoring others was evident when he served as a guest speaker at a Memorial Day event, where he delivered a tribute to local and forgotten heroes, remembering those who served for their incredible sacrifice. 

As a veteran himself, he joined the army at age 19 and became part of Army Intelligence. He was based in the Philippines in 1963-1964 which required trips into Vietnam. After discharge, George worked for Army Intelligence as a civilian for many years. 

Growing up in North Philadelphia, George could lie in bed listening to steam engines whistle and pant up and down the main line, could walk to Connie Mack Stadium, maintained a collection of rocks and minerals, and felt the summer heat in the absence of trees. Almost every Sunday, he would be taken to his grandparent’s farm where he learned to love nature. All of these interests came together in his weekly column, “Adventures on Earth,” where he merged his passions for American history, geology, nature, environmental issues, and sometimes featured stories about the trains going through the area. 

George enjoyed traveling and was an avid backpacker, with a particular affinity for the wilderness areas of West Virginia. His travels inspired him to become an advocate for land preservation. He brought the beauty of the trails to others through his writing, rich with metaphor and vivid detail, and beautiful photography. He became a board member of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and sometimes wrote columns for their newsletter. 

George served as a Board of Directors member of Exclamation Theater, Inc. and played Vincentio in Taming of the Shrew in 2017. 

He was a devoted fan of the sports teams of Philadelphia, most especially the Phillies, the Flyers, and lately, the Eagles. He also enjoyed going to the Army-Navy games whenever they were in Philadelphia. 

George is survived by two sons, Paul and Eric, 5 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, one stepdaughter and two brothers, Don and Gerald Beetham. For those wishing to remember George with a gift, please send donations to KeystoneCare: 8765 Stenton Ave, Wyndmoor, PA 19038: 215-240-6635 www.keystonecare.com