LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth                             

Vance Becker passed away August 10, 2002, at the home of his parents in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, from complications associated with AIDS. His fighting spirit and courageous demeanor during his long years of illness were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Vance was born in York, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in chemistry and biology. Upon graduation in 1980, he moved to Baltimore to begin a successful career with the Baltimore Spice Company, and then in 1990 with McCormick Spice Company (from which he retired in late 1998 on disability). Vance was an expert on spices. His knowledge was highly valued, especially at McCormick where he was responsible for the quality improvement program in the McCormick Flavor Division. Vance also served on an advisory committee that provided the McCormick Board of Directors with guidance on manufacturing operations.

Though Vance had been coming to the Delmarva beaches since childhood, his love affair with Rehoboth Beach began in 1981 and he soon turned into a year-round visitor, residing with his best friend, Tony Burns, on Lake Comegys in Rehoboth. Vance was as proud of his German heritage as Tony is of his Irish and this soon led to a German flag arriving on the premises to fly side-by-side with Tony’s ever-present Irish flag.

Vance truly enjoyed every aspect of the wonderful community life that Rehoboth offers. He was a regular visitor to Browseabout Books and loved sitting by the beach for the day engrossed in a book, listening to the sounds of the ocean, and sharing conversations with his many friends.

He was a gourmet chef and loved entertaining friends at small dinner parties in Rehoboth, as well as dining out in the many fine restaurants in town. Vance’s annual Thanksgiving Saturday in Rehoboth was an eagerly awaited event, as was his Easter Sunday brunch.

Vance was also an enthusiastic gardener, an expert skier who looked forward to gay ski week in Aspen each year, as well as a roller blader and swimmer.

Starting with the annual reopening of the Blue Moon for Valentine’s weekend, Vance eagerly looked forward to the many events and parties that would occur during the rest of the year.

He enjoyed the Chocolate Festival (serving as a judge last year), the Henlopen Theater offerings, the various artists’ receptions at the Art League, and the annual Rehoboth Cottage Tour. He was a regular sponsor of the annual Love Benefit and always a host for Sundance, which was his favorite event of the year. Two weeks ago, despite his illness, he sent his check in as a host for Sundance 2002. Vance was a jazz enthusiast and would be in attendance at all of the major events for the Rehoboth Autumn Jazz Festival. He also managed to squeeze in eight or nine films each year during the Rehoboth Independent Film Festival and thoroughly enjoyed the opening and closing receptions.

Everyone who came in contact with Vance would describe him as a gentle, thoughtful, and caring person who loved life and people. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. In addition to Tony Burns, he is remembered by his parents, Kay and William Becker, sister, Dr. Kyra Becker, Jack Harman, Conrad Welch, Jerry Gallucci, Matt McCloy, Dennis Strickland, Peter Rosenstein, and Chris Cox among so many others in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Rehoboth Beach.

LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 12, August 23, 2002.

Back to Top of Page

Copyright © 1997-2006 CAMP Rehoboth, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Website updated July 2006. Email us at editor@camprehoboth.com.