Eugene N. Bechamps Jr., PE
Former FBPE and FEMC officer Eugene N. Bechamps Jr., PE, died July 5, 2019, at his home in Cape Coral. He was 89.
Born Oct. 7, 1929, in Flushing, N.Y., Mr. Bechamps attended the University of Miami, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1953. He received his Florida Professional Engineer license in 1960, and worked as a Head Highway Engineer at Dade County Public Works for several years before joining Carr Smith & Associates in 1969. He ran his own civil engineering firm from 1981-2005.
Mr. Bechamps was on the Florida Board of Professional Engineers from 1968-69 and 1973-86, serving terms as both chair and vice chair. He was instrumental in moving the FBPE office from Orlando to Tallahassee in 1979, and in a major rewriting of Chapter 471, Engineering, Florida Statutes.
He was among the first board of directors for the Florida Engineers Management Corporation, serving from 1998-2003. During that time, his efforts as chair and vice chair helped ensure a smooth transition from public to private management by contract with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Mr. Bechamps served as president of the Florida Engineering Society from 1971-72. He was FES Engineer of the Year in 1973, and received its award for Outstanding Service to the Engineering Profession in 1975.
He also served on the board of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, was NCEES Southern Zone vice president in 1978-79, and was NCEES president from 1980-81. NCEES presented him with a Distinguished Service Award in 1983, and a Distinguished Service Award with Special Commendation in 1990.
Mr. Bechamps was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Beverly Jean (Allen) Bechamps, and daughter Theresa (Bechamps) Seeley. He is survived by children Eugene Jr. (Patty); grandchildren Jessica (Danny) Fraguela, and Eugene III “Geno,” Ashley, and Brittany Bechamps; great grandchildren Alyssa and Ashley Fraguela; siblings Beatrice Hennington and Rose Carol Bechamps.