A pillar of the local swimming community, Jack Beattie, passed this morning. Jack swam competitively all of his life, and was the host of the legendary annual Beattie lake swim in Winter Park for the last quarter century. A multiple masters national champion and world record holder, he competed for the original Central Florida Masters and later for Team Orlando Masters. Jack was one of the original Lucky’s Lake swimmers. His children Jeff, John and Kim as well as his wife Ernestine are all masters swimmers. Rest in Peace Jack, you will be missed.
Jack surrounded by many of Lucky’s Lake swimmers that attended his annual Beattie swim
Carrot Top, Lucky and Jack Beattie at one of Jack’s annual lake/swim pancake breakfasts.
Jack held Masters world records in the backstroke.
Jack in his original college team swimsuit.
Jack at Masters nationals in Nashville 1991
Jack and Ernestine with Jim Davis and George Mann at one of Lucky’s many Halloween parties during the 90s.
Jack returns to Lucky’s lake swim after a 20year hiatus. Also with Harris Rosen, Lucky, Mark Nation and Bud Seaman
Jack and Ernestine at one of the many St. Pete Masters meets.
I have been friends with Jack for a quarter of a century. I swam his first Beattie lake swim/pancake breakfast and got lost with 3 others in the lead. We were out in the water trying to find our way back for 2 and a half hours. Jack, very upset, thought we must have drown or been eaten and was getting ready to call the police when we finally found our way home. As we got out of the water he approached us with his famous smile and said “the pancakes are all gone” (they weren’t, best plate of pancakes I’ve ever eaten). Good times, great memories. Lucky
Jack is an icon in the swimming community. He leaves a legacy of generosity and good sportsmanship.
man, the swim world just got a little smaller 🙁
That is very very sad news
I hope the family will continue the annual lake swim and name it the Jack Beattie memorial swim. Perhaps Lucky can help them keep it running as he is a genius at these things.