Dallis Beck
October 8, 1927 – October 21, 1990
Inducted 1990
Primary Outlet
Winnipeg Tribune, Winnipeg Free Press
Dallis Beck enjoyed a distinguished career as a sportswriter spanning four decades, with contributions to the Winnipeg Tribune, Winnipeg Free Press and several other newspapers across Canada.
Known for his wit, professionalism and generosity, Beck began his career in 1953 when he was hired as a sportswriter at the Tribune. During 12 years at the paper, he covered a wide range of sports, including golf, curling and his personal favourite, hockey. After a brief period working at newspapers in Ontario, Alberta and B.C., he returned to Winnipeg to join the Free Press, where he worked as a night sports editor.
Despite the late shifts from 4 p.m. to midnight, Beck was deeply dedicated to his work and respected by his colleagues. Ashley Prest, a fellow Free Press sportswriter, recalled his encouragement and kindness, particularly at a time when few women were writing in sports.
“He never treated me any different,” she said.
Beck was also an avid curler and golfer. He was an original member of the Grey Owl golf tournament committee and remained as such for many years.
It was at the Free Press that Beck met his future wife, Joyce Frances Beck (King). Known for their shared sense of humour, the couple brought warmth and levity to the newsroom. Beck earned the nickname “Knobby,” thanks to his habit of wearing shorts to work after returning from their annual Mexican vacations, undeterred by Winnipeg’s harsh winters.
In 1989, Beck served as president of the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. Colleagues remember him fondly for his warmth and camaraderie.
“Everybody loved him. He was a friendly guy. He always had a smile on his face,” said broadcaster Bob Irving.
Following his passing in 1990, the MSSA established the Dallis Beck Good Guy/Good Gal Award in his honour. The award recognized individuals who provided outstanding support to the sports media, an enduring tribute to Beck’s generous spirit and lasting influence.
Dallis Beck was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1990.
Known for his wit, professionalism and generosity, Beck began his career in 1953 when he was hired as a sportswriter at the Tribune. During 12 years at the paper, he covered a wide range of sports, including golf, curling and his personal favourite, hockey. After a brief period working at newspapers in Ontario, Alberta and B.C., he returned to Winnipeg to join the Free Press, where he worked as a night sports editor.
Despite the late shifts from 4 p.m. to midnight, Beck was deeply dedicated to his work and respected by his colleagues. Ashley Prest, a fellow Free Press sportswriter, recalled his encouragement and kindness, particularly at a time when few women were writing in sports.
“He never treated me any different,” she said.
Beck was also an avid curler and golfer. He was an original member of the Grey Owl golf tournament committee and remained as such for many years.
It was at the Free Press that Beck met his future wife, Joyce Frances Beck (King). Known for their shared sense of humour, the couple brought warmth and levity to the newsroom. Beck earned the nickname “Knobby,” thanks to his habit of wearing shorts to work after returning from their annual Mexican vacations, undeterred by Winnipeg’s harsh winters.
In 1989, Beck served as president of the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. Colleagues remember him fondly for his warmth and camaraderie.
“Everybody loved him. He was a friendly guy. He always had a smile on his face,” said broadcaster Bob Irving.
Following his passing in 1990, the MSSA established the Dallis Beck Good Guy/Good Gal Award in his honour. The award recognized individuals who provided outstanding support to the sports media, an enduring tribute to Beck’s generous spirit and lasting influence.
Dallis Beck was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 1990.