Gene Beyer, Educator and Ex-Mayor of Orange, Dies

Norman Eugene Beyer, a two-term mayor and longtime educator, died just before midnight Wednesday after battling pneumonia and heart disease.

Beyer, 67, moved to Orange from his native Glendale in 1960 and began a lengthy career in the Orange Unified School District.

In 1980, he began a political career as councilman first and later as mayor. His political activities ended when health problems forced him to not seek reelection in 1994 as mayor. He served on many boards and commissions.

“He educated three generations of parents and kids in this community and had tremendous respect,” said Councilman Mike Spurgeon. “His contributions to Orange have been immeasurable.”

Friends and associates said he was sincere, honest and straightforward in everything he did.

Community activist Carole Walters said losing Beyer was like losing a member of the family.

“I respect him very highly,” she said. “I can say to this day that he never lied to me. When Gene Beyer touched someone, he touched them forever.”

Beyer began his educational career as a vice principal at Yorba Junior High School in 1960. He was principal at Peralta Junior High School and at Cerro Villa Junior High School. He retired in 1987.

“He was one of those principals that everybody liked,” recalled Harold Kibby, who was superintendent of the Orange Unified School District when Beyer was hired in 1960.

For all his influence in the schools, Beyer’s wife, Lois, said he would probably want to be remembered most for his contributions as councilman and mayor.

“He was a people person and so he enjoyed both careers because it was working with people and helping them solve problems,” she said.

As a councilman and then mayor, Beyer helped retain large businesses and build a solid economic base, Spurgeon said.

“Gene was the guy who for two terms took the city through the transition from an emerging small town to the fifth-largest city in Orange County,” he said.

Beyer is survived by his wife, four children--Bradley Beyer of Corona, Devon Blasier of La Habra, Clark Beyer of Washington and Andrew Beyer of Orange--and four grandchildren.

Viewing will be from 3 to 8 p.m. at Shannon-Donegan Mortuary, 137 E. Maple St. in Orange. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 154 S. Shaffer St. in Orange. Donations in his name may be made to the Gene Beyer Memorial Youth Fund, care of Orange National Bank, Plaza Office.