Carl Thomas Beaudry

Carl Thomas Beaudry

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Carl Thomas Beaudry, age 55, of Fort Washington, MD, passed away unexpectedly September 27, 2019, at home with his family. His untimely passing made us realize just how many things we promised to do together but put off until another day, including a tutorial on his new technology set up for the television, which the bereaved are now unable to turn on without him.

Carl was born to Brunnell Wilfred (“Jerry”) Beaudry and Henriette Corinne Beaudry (Tetreault) on April 8, 1964 in Des Moines, IA. Rounding out the family of four was Carl’s brother, Paul Joseph Beaudry (August 10, 1961), who preceded Carl in both life and death.

He was baptized in All Saints parish and attended All Saints Elementary School in the Des Moines northside neighborhood of Highland Park. He was an exemplary student, a reluctant altar boy, and perennial favorite of even the toughest nuns, given his mature vocabulary, angelic smile, and rebel heart.

Carl was an avid debater his entire life, willing to go to great lengths to prove he was right by marshalling his incredible wit, voluminous knowledge, and ability to woo his opponents with words – whether discussing politics, finance, quantum physics, or the proper way to squeeze a toothpaste tube (from the bottom up). He happily shared this passion for argumentation with his debate partners and those he coached at Dowling High School and Washington High School. That same passion extended to countless co-workers, friends, family, and any telemarketer with the great misfortune to get Carl on the phone.

His lifelong love affair with electronics and generous technical support of his friends at all hours was fostered by his dad who bought him his first computer – a TRS-80 that still resides in his family’s basement. He honed his skills at the University of Iowa where he had a student job with the Engineering Department and a position as the University representative for a collaboration with Apple Computer, Inc. providing technical support for the University of Iowa and U.I. Hospitals and Clinics.

Combining his love of politics and technology, Carl moved to Washington, D.C. in 1988 to take a job in the United States Senate as Technical Staff Assistant to Senator Tom Daschle. Finding new ways to use his technical acumen to help others, he became the Systems Manager at Georgetown University Hospitals/National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health followed by a position administering the computing services at Swarthmore College. He subsequently returned to Washington to spend a decade at the Universities Space Research Association as their Information Systems Manager and IT Security Officer, before cyber security was cool. It brought Carl great satisfaction to receive the USRA Highlights of Achievements book celebrating their 50th Anniversary earlier this year and great pride to have been part of those accomplishments.

Always ahead of the market and eager to help Melissa spend the recruiting bonus, Carl joined her at SRA International as a Senior Cyber Security Solutions Architect, a role in which he was unparalleled. He made many friends along the way while supporting the newly formed Department of Homeland Security and later, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

After a brief tenure as Cyber Security Architect for the US Federal Government at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Carl put the needs of his family first and moved to the MITRE Corporation, significantly increasing his proximity to Max’s school (Congressional) and returning to support the Department of Homeland Security as Lead Cyber Security Architect. While at MITRE, Carl received his Master of Science degree in the Management of Information Technology from the University of Virginia and also convinced Max that part of his work at MITRE included building Max a robotic exoskeleton just like the one worn by Iron Man. After confessing that there was no exoskeleton, Carl took what was to be his last position as Senior Cyber Security Architect at CGI Federal, in the same business unit that Melissa had occupied months before. He was embraced on his own merits for his warmth, humor, intellect and ability to put up with Melissa.

Outside of work, Carl was a foodie, an amateur radio enthusiast, an adventure traveler, a scuba diver, fan of British humor, a proud liberal, formidable intellectual adversary, unwavering friend, faithful brother, loving husband, devoted father, and all around renaissance man.

Carl is survived by his son, Maxton Beaudry, his wife, Melissa Houghton and their faithful dog Niko, who continues to patiently wait in the kitchen for daddy to come home and open the cheese drawer.

In the words of James Acaster, a comedian Carl and Max both enjoyed, “You’ve been cabbaged,” and more appropriately:
“…[A] lot of people will say, at the top of the conversation, have a good ice-breaker. What they won’t tell you, at the end of the conversation, UN-break the ice. You don’t want anyone else sweeping in, taking advantage of all the lovely little ice cubes YOU’VE created. So freeze it over again before you leave. Just as you’re leaving, just slide something under the fence like “death comes to us all”. Something like that.”

Stories will be told at Carl’s expense from 2-4 on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron Street, Alexandria VA. A reception will be held directly afterward at a nearby venue to be announced at the end of the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Carl’s name to your local no kill shelter or a charity of your choice that reminds you of your time with Carl.

Offer Condolence for the family of Carl Thomas Beaudry

Celebration of Life

Cunningham Turch Funeral Home

811 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

10/13/2019

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Condolence Messages

  1. Mike Sciachitano says:

    I am sorry to hear of Carl’s passing. He was the drummer in my first band. Myself and Dave O’Connor had many good (and loud) times jamming at Carl’s house.
    My condolences to his family.

  2. Monique J says:

    Melissa and Max,

    My condolences to you two during this time. You are in my thoughts. I will always remember Carl’s humor and his profound love for you and Max. Sincerely, Ms. Monique (Toddler 2)

  3. Denise Willmott says:

    Dear Melissa & Max,
    My heart hurts for both of you, and your dog. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I would have come to the service but didn’t know. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.
    Much love,
    Denise Willmott

  4. Elizabeth Pentecost says:

    Melissa and Max,

    Carl was the best. He was funny, so smart, and so proud to be a husband and Dad. He was opinionated especially when it came to politics but always allowed the other guy to state his opinion and then tell you, “your are wrong.” I loved working with Carl and appreciated all of his support the ten years I worked with him at USRA.

    Even though he probably didn’t attend church services very often, I still think he still held some of the tenets of his Catholic faith, “love one another as God has loved you.” He loved you both beyond the Moon and back and He will be so missed by those who knew and loved him for the wonderful person he was.

    May the Good Lord comfort you both during this time of sorrow. Celebrate his wonderful life and remember all of the good things he did and the great times you had with him.

    Liz

  5. Marty and Warren Mattox says:

    Dear Melissa and Max,

    We spent a short time with Carl and will never forget his friendly smile, good humor and personality. Our deepest sympathy to Melissa and Max. Our prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time.
    Warm condolences,
    Marty and Warren Mattox

  6. Bryan Polk says:

    Melissa and Max,
    I am sorry to hear of Carl’s passing. While our paths haven’t crossed in a while, I have fond memories of you as fine folks that I consider a part of my professional family – great people with kind hearts whom I could always rely on for great conversation and a laugh or two. I will always remember Carl’s wit and intellect. Rare is the colleague that one looks back on and has nothing but fond recollections of every interaction. That was Carl. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    With condolences,
    Bryan Polk

  7. Mary Sue Deffiky says:

    Deepest sympathy! Thoughts and prayers are with you!

  8. John Nemoto says:

    Melissa – I only had the pleasure of working with Carl for a few weeks but in that short time, I truly enjoyed tapping into his wealth of deep knowledge, and more importantly, sharing his wit and humor as he brightened up every day in the proposal room. I only regret that I won’t get to know him better. My thoughts are with you and your family.

    With deepest condolences, John N.

  9. Arati says:

    Dear Melissa, what a beautiful description of Carl. Most of my memories of him include standing around with cake at the many birthday parties or rushing in the corridors at Congressional between different teacher presentations (not to omit that crazy quidditch game where the snitch disappeared) and they were never without that trademark smile and humor he had This is something all three of you share as well as the openness of spirit that makes it easy for people to immediately get comfortable with him and you. Please count on us anyway we can help; Thinking of Max and you, big hugs, Arati, Vinai, Raghav and Sanjeev.

  10. Carrie Kramer says:

    Carl was one of the first people I had the opportunity to work with upon joining CGI last year. His quick wit, endless enthusiasm for teaching people new things, and his appreciation and admiration of his family made him a highlight of many days here. I am truly sorry for your loss, and will be thinking about you as you celebrate his life. We will do our part here to see to it that his many contributions at work continue to drive toward success.

  11. Kelly Sprague says:

    Dear Beaudry Family,
    I am sorry for your loss. I lived across the street from Carl in Des Moines, IA. He was a great guy and will be missed by all. Prayers with your family during this difficult time.

  12. Mari J. Spina says:

    I worked with Carl at MITRE during his time in Cybersecurity. And yes, it was cool then and Carl had the greatest insights and experiences to share. I will miss visiting him to vet on technical topics and vent on politics. He will be sorely missed! He was a great individual; a man everyone should have had the pleasure to know and call friend. R.I.P. beautiful Carl! The world is not the same in your absence.

  13. Tim, Vicki, Cal and Olivia Hurlebaus says:

    Melissa and Max

    Your eulogy/write-up of Carl’s life makes it clear he made a dent in the universe and was admired and respected by everyone he met. I had not realized he joined CGI’s CDM team (as usual I am the last to know anything) but the notes and thoughts I have heard from his teammates are a testament to the positive impact he made on our team and our clients.

    If I or anyone at CGI can be of help to your family in the future please let us know. We are off this weekend on a long-planned college visit with my daughter so will be unable to attend Carl’s service but please know we are thinking about you.

    Also my son will be home for Thanksgiving break … if you have not figured out the TV by then I will be happy to send him over to help.

    Seriously — Carl will live on in both of you and we send you sincere condolences and wish you the best in the future.

  14. rob wexler says:

    Dear Melissa, Max, and Niko:
    Our hearts are full of sadness over your loss. It is hard to lose a loved one, but when taken so early in life it is even more tragic. But with the loss there is also a love that we can all share and strengthen our bond with one another. For me, I shall always remember Carl as the kind professor, willing to share his knowledge with anyone who asked. Sometimes, I have to admit, a shorter in a nutshell response would have been better. It is only now, that I realize this was the way Carl showed his admiration to his friends, wishing to part as much of himself as he could to better one’s understanding of any topic. That was Carl in a nutshell. Michelle and I always looked for Carl at any school function, because large events make us ill at ease, we are more naturally wall huggers. We could always count on Carl for a warm smile to lure us way us away from the wall and into casual conversation.
    Melissa, Max know that we share in your loss and that our prayers and thoughts are with you now and always. As a friend of mine once told me… “the tribute to any person is the love they shared with you so open and honestly”. Carl did this so freely and we are the better for it.

  15. Mark Campbell says:

    Melissa and Max,

    I had the pleasure of meeting you all in Des Moines at Paul’s funeral. I’m very sorry to hear of Carl’s sudden passing. May their souls be reunited in the glory of heaven and may you find comfort in peace in the days ahead.

    With deepest condolences,
    Mark Campbell

  16. Ed Heartney says:

    This is a very nice message, one worthy of Carl and one that he would have enjoyed reading.

    I have been thinking of Carl and his family since I heard the terrible news that he had died. I have know Carl for a long time, since we were freshman in high school, and especially junior and senior years when we were debate partners. As with so many other people, Carl touched and improved my life. It meant a lot to me to become friends with someone who also believed in questioning things, including authority. Carl was very smart, had opinions on everything, and some of his views were even well founded.

    I lost touch with Carl in the middle years, as we were running off doing different things. I was very pleased to renew our friendship back in Washington, which also affording me of the great fortune of becoming friends with Melissa and Max. We always had great fun together, whether (in his early years) Max beating me with swords, or more recently Max beating me at the Settlers of Catan game. Carl was the same guy, always kind, always curious, and always late for things, but in a good humor when he did arrive. Time really had not passed and the friendship was still there, but perhaps stronger as we had seen more of life.

    One nice touch was the friendship that developed between my daughter Kira (who is much like me) and Max, who is a mini me Carl. The friendship continued to the next generation.

    We will all miss Carl very much, who left to soon. I understand that he died while making dinner for his family, which is as life giving as you can get. My deepest sympathy to Melissa and Max.

  17. Richard Needham says:

    Dear Melissa and Max,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

  18. MICHELLE MATTOX says:

    We will never forget Carl. No matter the day, weather conditions or where he was, he was always seen with a smile on his face. He was “that guy” who would make you feel comfortable in a crowd and always happy to chat just about anything that came up! We will never forget the time we spent a week with Melissa, Carl and Max in Wilmington, NC – we were so excited to have a built in chef for the week and Carl did not disappoint. We will especially miss his delicious pasta sauce – Carl WAS the “secret” ingredient. Max and Melissa, as you know, we are here for you today, tomorrow and whenever you need us. Hugs, Michelle, Rob and Anderson

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