Hiram Becker   (English/Coach - Arthur Hill High School)
1919 - 2003

Mr. Becker of Gladwin died Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at MidMichigan Medical Center–Gladwin following a long battle with heart complications. He was born in Saginaw on April 24, 1919, to Agnes (Gray) and Hiram M. Becker. Both preceded him in death.

He attended the Bridgeport–Saginaw Schools and Central Michigan University. He spent his entire career in the fields of education and athletics. At Saginaw High, he starred in football, acting as captain of the 1936 team and receiving Saginaw All Valley honors. At Central Michigan, he captained the freshman squad and helped his varsity teams to an 18–5 record in three seasons and captained the 1940 squad. He was an outstanding tackle from 1938–1940 and went on to become one of the most successful prep football coaches in Michigan history. He also served the University as president of the men’s Union Board.

He taught and coached at Chesaning, Ithaca, Cadillac, Bay City Handy and Saginaw Arthur Hill for a total of 25 years, winning 10 conference titles posting seven undefeated seasons and twice-named Coach of the Year. His teams at Cadillac won 26 straight games and the 1950 State title.

Moving to Bay City Handy in 1960, he rebuilt a struggling program and in two years claimed the State Class A title. Leaving Bay City, he moved to Saginaw, his hometown, to coach at Arthur Hill. He guided the Hillites to a record of 25-13-2 over the next five years. He was fortunate to coach his oldest son, Hiram. He retired from coaching in 1966, but continued to teach until 1981. He was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 1984, the Central Michigan University Hall of Fame in 1995, and the Bay City Hall of Fame and the Cadillac Hall of Fame. He was also past president of the Saginaw Education Association. Hiram was also an outstanding instructor and leader at whatever he chose to do. He left his mark of humility, burning desire to win, honesty and fine conduct on an untold number of young men that he coached. His children and grandchildren will remember him as a wise counselor, a man to be respected, and a person who believed that being punctual, honest and courteous to others was important in life.

His wife Beth survives him. They met in college and enjoyed a love and great friendship that lasted for 59 years. They enjoyed doing everything together. Also surviving him are his children, Hiram J. and Laura Becker of Saginaw, Robert Becker of St. Petersburg, Florida, Elizabeth and Dennis Greenwood of Freeland; three grandsons, Hiram M. Becker at MSU, and Alexander and Benjamin, both studying this year in Germany; sisters Jayne (Harold) Wilber, Ruth Raymond, and a brother, Jack H. (Gloria) Becker, all of Saginaw; a very special sister-in-law, Lucy Booth Bradley of Newberry; many nieces and nephews; and two dear friends, Dr. Don Borchard and Stanley Paskiewicz.