Deaf chaplain dies before move home

AUCKLAND — Danny Beech, a long-time leader of New Zealand’s deaf community, both Catholic and secular, has died.

Mr Beech, 66, died in Auckland Hospital on September 11, just hours after a farewell liturgy with friends and colleagues at his Auckland home. He was preparing to move to Pahiatua to be near his family.

Born deaf and educated at St Dominic’s School in Feilding, Mr Beech had a long and close relationship with the Dominican order. In 1979, he spent a year at the Auckland Lay Training Centre, run by Jocelyn Franklin, who told NZ Catholic she had wished Mr Beech could have been a full-time deaf chaplain after completing his time at the centre.

In recognition of his work ministering to Catholics, particularly the deaf community, Mr Beech was recognised with a Benemerenti Medal from Pope John Paul II in 1997. He spent four-and-a-half years working as part of Auckland diocese’s religious education team before his death.

Mr Beech’s requiem Mass was celebrated at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Pahiatua, on September 17. An Auckland memorial service was scheduled for September 20.