By Gary Corbitt
It is with a heavy heart I write this tribute for Byron LaBeach. 91 years and a 57 year marriage were a good run. His wife Violet Yvonne LaBeach passed in June.
Byron and my father Ted Corbitt were 1952 Helsinki Olympians. Byron competed in the 100 meters for Jamaica reaching the quarter-finals and was the alternate on the famous gold medal world record setting 4 X 400 Meter Relay team of Les Laing, George Rhoden, Arthur Wint, and Herb McKenley. The Jamaican team was coached by Mr. Joseph Yancey the co-founder of the New York Pioneer Club (NYPC) and the longtime coach.
Byron’s Celebration of Life Service is January 31st. This date is special to me for it would be my father’s 103rd Birthday. Byron passed on December 12, which was the 14th anniversary date when I lost my father. These bible verses come to mind: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Eccles 3:1,4
