in memoriam
David Booth Beers was dedicated to the Episcopal community David Booth Beers, one of St. Andrew’s founders and a Board member for more than 14 years, died on April 3. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, and their children. Beers, who in 1976 was on the Board of St. Patrick’s and the Vice-Chancellor to the Bishop, was in the room when discussions took place concerning the founding of St. Andrew’s. He later served on the Board of Trustees in a variety of roles, including Secretary and Bishop’s Representative. He authored the school’s initial bylaws and helped create a new type of school in greater Washington: an independently governed Episcopal school with an inclusive mission and a warm relationship with the Bishop and the Diocese of Washington. David became Diocesan Chancellor in 1977 and served in that role for 14 years. In 1991, he was appointed as Chancellor to the Presiding Bishop, a position he held until 2019. David did not stop founding schools with St. Andrew’s. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Bishop Walker School and served on its Board. He also served on the Board of the Episcopal Center for Children. In her email to the Episcopal Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde wrote “David was a friend and a mentor to countless leaders, lay and clergy. If you didn’t know David personally, I’m certain that you know someone whose leadership he helped develop or you are part of a community that he once guided through a turbulent time.” Audrey Demas, another one of St. Andrew’s founders who took part in those very first conversations shared this remembrance of David. “David never gave up and never missed a meeting,” Demas said. “He just loved learning, we even joked that he perhaps
“He was dedicated to building an Episcopal community where spiritual life, academic rigor, and service would come together to inspire every student.” AUDREY DEMAS
loved it too much as he advocated for Latin to be required of every student. He was passionate in his drive – and we argued from time to time, but always came together in our commitment to building a school where every student could find their place. He was dedicated to building an Episcopal community where spiritual life, academic rigor, and service would come together to inspire every student. We so enjoyed being together at the 40th Anniversary. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our pride in the school’s growth, its expression of the founding vision, and, most importantly, its tremendous impact on the lives of so many kids.” Head of School Robert Kosasky knew David for two decades and reflected on the warmth he shared daily. “He was a font of wisdom, counsel, and wonderful humor – a good friend of the school and its leaders for decades,” Kosasky said. “From the first time I met David 20 years ago over lunch at his beloved Tastee Diner, he made me laugh and learn with his wry humor, enthusiastic storytelling, and clear love for St. Andrew’s and the larger Episcopal community to which we belong. I was lucky to call David and his wife, Peggy, my friends, and I will miss him greatly.”
David Booth Beers served in a variety of roles at St. Andrew’s throughout the years, including being one of the founders of the school, Board of Trustees, Secretary and Bishop’s Representative.
SPRING 2022
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