6/10/1942 - 7/28/2010Stephen M. Beizer, age 68, of Buckhead (Atlanta, Georgia) lost his long and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer on July 28, 2010 at Hospice Atlanta comforted by his family and friends. His strength and love of life carried him through this difficult journey still caring for all who knew him.
Steve loved his life-long career in the automotive industry, excelling in both the retail and manufacturer environments. He especially enjoyed mentoring his employees and sharing his knowledge with customers who wanted to better appreciate their vehicles. He was, at the time of his passing, the Centre Manager at Land Rover Gwinnett (Duluth, Georgia). Prior to that, he was Facility Development / Franchise Manager for Land Rover North America and Manager of Market Development for Saab Cars USA.
His very first full time job was with a Volkswagen Porsche dealer, Aircooled Automotive of Maplewood, NJ, where he swept floors and performed whatever job the owner assigned. He advanced to Assistant Service Manager after finishing first in his class of one hundred at the Volkswagen Service Advisor and General Repair School. Next was Continental Cars of Pittsburgh where he became their youngest salesman. In 1967, Steve joined Elsco BMW, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida to distribute the then little known German import, BMW. A great opportunity soon arose and Steve became President of the Northlake Porsche Audi dealership in Tucker, Georgia.
Along the way this “car nut” was touched by the racing bug and Steve excelled here, too. He owned or prepared cars through his Steve Beizer Sports, Inc. of Conyers, Georgia for many top teams and drivers. His showroom stock Lotus Esprit prepared for Lotus of America won that marque’s first U.S.victory in twenty years. With relationships developed through car sales Steve was a natural to direct Audi of America’s showroom stock efforts. His team had the first road race victory in the world for an all-wheel drive Audi, including the Twelve Hours of Sebring. Among the drivers were Hurley Haywood, Doc Bundy, the actor Gene Hackman, Bobby Unser, Gene Felton, Poncho Carter, John Buffam, the singer Christopher Cross, and Jeff Andretti, just to mention a few.
Steve was a representative of Lubrizoil and was involved in many great wins and performances at the prestigious 24 hours of Daytona with Peter Gregg’s Brumos racing team.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Beizer of Buckhead; a daughter, Morgan Beizer Adams (and her husband Jason) of Kennesaw; his sons, Logan Beizer of Snellville, and Jafer Beizer of Conyers; a sister, Elaine Beizer Gaidemak, of West Orange, NJ; father-in-law, Edward Murray, Jr. of Homosassa, FL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward III and Rita Murray of Stuart, FL; two nephews, Samuel Gaidemak of Chatham, NJ and Brodey Murray of Stuart, FL; one great nephew, Jonathan Gaidemak of Chatham, NJ and Murray the Cat.
A memorial service was held for the family at Hospice Atlanta on July 29th. A Celebration of his Life is planned for October 3, 2010 at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Please visit the following website for upcoming details and signing of the guest book: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stevebeizer. To RSVP for the Celebration, please email your name, mailing address, phone and email address to: stevebeizermemorial@gmail.com. Questions should be directed to Yasmine Moss at 404-749-8441.
Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation Society and Memorial Centers in Alpharetta. (678) 735-5500.
Steve and I were like each other in many ways. I will think of him anytime I need automotive help and the power of postive thinking. Watch out St. Peter, Steve may take your job. John Biltgen.
I will always think of Steve Beizer as being a kind, considerate gentleman. A man's reputation is all he really has and his was imppeccable.
