Alumnus Seth Beebe ’78, who worked at Loomis Chaffee for 41 years but whose affiliation with the school stretched more than 58 years, died on June 12 after a long battle with cancer.  

The son of former longtime history teacher Al Beebe, Seth grew up on campus, an experience he treasured. As part of the school’s Centennial celebrations in 2014, Seth helped organize a Fac Brat Reunion on the Island. More than 40 former faculty children and their guests returned for the event. “Everyone that came back to the reunion was happy to be back,” Seth shared at the time. “It was like a family reunion for us.” 

Another of Seth’s “families” were all the boys III basketball players he coached for more than 20 years. They held a special place in his heart as did that level of basketball. “The energy of the boys brings a smile to my face,” he said in February when he retired from coaching but not from his role in the Alumni/Development Office. “It’s a great opportunity for them to be involved with a team and make friends. Admittedly, almost all of them are not going to be varsity basketball stars. But most of them will be varsity athletes in other sports. They learn a lot that translates to their other sports and maybe even beyond sports.”  

Seth graduated from Loomis Chaffee in 1978, and he returned to the Island after college to work in the Alumni/Development Office as director of research. Over the years, his responsibilities expanded to include overseeing the office’s research and operations, and he was instrumental in strengthening alumni engagement with the school and growing Loomis Chaffee's fundraising capabilities, including two successful capital campaigns. 

While Seth preferred to work in the back of the house, generations of students and faculty benefited from his love of sports. Seth coached at Loomis Chaffee for 40 years, lending his expertise, encouragement, and enthusiasm to boys and girls teams at various levels of basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. In basketball, he was an assistant with the girls JV team and then the head coach of the varsity girls team for nine years, but perhaps his favorite coaching role was as head coach of boys III, which he did for 23 years right through this winter’s season. A special celebration took place after the final home game of the season this February, with some of Seth’s former players as well as faculty and current players gathering in Erickson Gym to honor Seth’s wise and nurturing legacy as a coach and advisor. 

In an article marking Seth’s retirement from coaching, former player Trevor Stern ’07 shared the following: “Coach Beebe had an incredibly positive impact on me when I was a freshman at LC. When I look back on III basketball, it was arguably one of the best athletic experiences I've had in my career. … I will never forget how Coach Beebe put his arm around me after practice one day and asked if I was doing OK. I don't remember why I was upset, but I do remember how Coach Beebe cared about me and the rest of my teammates. I'll remember this for the rest of my life. We'll never forget how people treat us. Coach Beebe has a big heart.”  

Nic Civale ’10, in that same article, said that he had recently become a father, “and there is little doubt that the lessons I learned from Coach Beebe will be reflected in how I raise my son. I am proud to say that I believe his influence will show in a generation of players’ sons and daughters.”   

When Seth was asked what he would miss most about coaching, he said, “The players. I have tried to give them my best every day. They bring me such great joy and energy. The competition. It’s fun to put yourself on the line every three or four days and try to win a game. Or at least play well. Finally, Erickson Gym. Erickson Gym is such a classic high school gymnasium. I have been playing or watching games in Erickson Gym since I was a young child. It has a particular feel, a smell, an aura. I will miss that a lot.”  

Seth’s colleagues in the Alumni/Development Office marked his 40th work anniversary in 2024 with a video tribute. They described Seth as “humble,” “down-to earth,” and “a great friend.” Former Director of Development John Clark thanked Seth for his “excellent judgment and good humor over the years.” And former colleague Patti Loomis noted that Seth “always wanted the best for Loomis and worked hard to make that happen.” 

Seth had institutional knowledge. Bricks and mortar, for sure. But more so the people. If you had a question about alumni, Seth was the first stop. Mention a name, and he could fill you in. Chief Advancement Officer Tim Struthers ’85 said that Seth worked in the Alumni/Development Office for more years than anyone in the history of the school.

“His institutional knowledge was second to none, as was his pride in Loomis Chaffee," Tim said. "His circumspect perspective provided an appreciated and comforting level of confidence and collective self-assurance in our team’s decision-making over the years.” 

Seth leaves his wife, Wendy; their daughter, Charlotte; Seth’s siblings, Susan ’74 and Will ’76; and many other family members and friends. 

A memorial service will be held at Loomis Chaffee on August 15.