WMABA Community Remembers the Life and Legacy of Don Beaver

by Alana Quartuccio

Don Beaver was certainly one of a kind. Passionate, hard working, energetic and helpful are just a few of the many ways he’ll be remembered by those who knew and loved him. 

He made a very strong impact on others, especially those in the WMABA community and the auto body industry to which he devoted so much of his heart and soul. August 4 was a sad day for all, when the former WMABA president and longtime Board member, body shop manager, expert welder, former I-CAR instructor and friend passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 62.

Whether it was fighting for legislation at the Capitol, promoting WMABA events or just bringing positive light to any situation, Beaver’s devotion and influence was imminent in everything he touched, according to WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler. 

“He was the salt of the earth,” she reflects. Beaver was helpful in countless ways, Hendler reminisces, including how instrumental he was with WMABA’s push for parts reform legislation at the state level in Maryland. “Even though we didn’t get it passed, it was a good example of how we can all come together to do something positive.”

Beaver was known for his influence and for sharing his point of view as a body shop manager or I-CAR instructor. “I loved how he was so vocal with his opinions,” says Hendler. “He could bring levity to any situation. No matter how dire something might be, he had a way about bringing out a back slap and a laugh. He was just that positive energy and influence that helped keep us going when it didn’t feel like things were going our way.”

“He really was one of a kind,” says Torchy Chandler, who served with Beaver on the WMABA Board for many years. “He was always patient with people, knowledgeable and just a pleasure to work with.”

Her experience with Beaver was always a pleasant one. “There’s not a negative thing I can say about him,” she says, recalling how he had that type of positive energy one can just sense when walking into a room. At a time when it wasn’t very common for women to be in the collision repair world, Chandler recalls how he instantly made her feel comfortable. “While walking into a room predominantly of all men, I heard him say a few words, and I could just size him up and know that he was the type of individual I wanted to work with. Don was one of those people who made others want to be involved.”

“He was really passionate about everything that went into the auto body industry,” shares his daughter Jessica Petroff who, along with her siblings, grew up around her father’s work in the auto body world. 

Beaver’s devotion to the industry started in high school where he studied auto body at a vocational school, she says. From there he went on to sweep shop floors and began to learn the many skills needed to launch his career. 

Beaver had a love for the industry that went beyond the trade and extended into wanting to see to it that technicians were paid fairly, insurance companies got a better understanding and that cars were fixed correctly. “He fought for what was right and he was always willing to share his knowledge with others,” Petroff says of her father. 

Not only is it a loss for the industry as a whole but specifically for the many friends he made over the years. 

“Sometimes life just isn’t right, and it certainly isn’t fair,” laments Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. “Losing someone like Don so early is heartbreaking proof of that. I had the privilege of working closely with Don during my time on the WMABA Board of Directors from around 2005 to 2008. Don was always so deeply grounded in the realities of our industry and in the people we served. He also had an incredible way of bringing laughter into any room. As part of the executive committee during a pivotal time of transition, Don was instrumental in shaping the path forward. Those of us who served alongside him built bonds that have lasted nearly 20 years – and I know they always will.

“It’s hard to imagine that my friend is no longer with us,” adds Schulenburg. “But when I think of Don, I can’t help but smile at the legacy he leaves behind. He created so many stories – funny, heartfelt, unforgettable – and I hope we all continue to share them often and loudly. That’s one of the best ways we can honor him and carry his memory forward.”

“Don was a great guy and was always willing to offer a hand to help,” remembers WMABA Board member John Shoemaker who worked closely with Don at the various WMABA golf outings. 

WMABA Vice President Phil Rice worked with Beaver on the Board for a number of years and also during the time they both served as I-CAR instructors. He remembers him “as a person of integrity. Don was always looking for and willing to try something new. He was just a go-getter.”

Rice notes Beaver was a “phenomenal welding instructor. I can’t tell you how many welding events Don was instrumental in organizing.”

Beaver’s relationships in the industry were about more than business. He was a friend to all. “You couldn’t have a conversation with Don without him asking how your family was doing,” Rice shares. “He’d steer from business and make it personal every time.” 

“Don was always the constant professional; he gave so much of his time and energy to the association and to the region,” expresses WMABA President Kris Burton. “Serving on the WMABA board is a selfless volunteer position in support of the collision repair industry in the region. You could always count on Don to show up, be present and engaged. It was an honor to work alongside him. He was someone we should all strive to be like. One of the many memories I have of Don was when he’d host several of our annual planning sessions. He was always an amazing host. Everyone would look for these sessions as they were an opportunity for us all to connect and work together. I truly appreciate the countless hours put forth into serving WMABA and its members to make the industry a better place for us all.” 

Longtime readers of Hammer & Dolly who remember the anonymously written “Rusty Dent” feature may find it interesting to know all these years later that the voice behind all that industry ranting and raving was none other than Don Beaver. 

“Don wasn’t just one of my favorite people from the collision repair industry – he was one of the best people I’ve known from any walk of life,” says Joel Gausten, former editorial director. “He was easily one of Hammer & Dolly’s biggest supporters, always ready to roll up his sleeves and help with whatever we needed. I know everyone who knew him through WMABA would say the same about his commitment to the association. In many ways, Don was like the collision repair industry itself: tough-looking and slightly intimidating to those who didn’t know him, but instantly kind, warm and welcoming to anyone who gave him a chance. A man with a heart as big as Don’s is a rarity in this world. How lucky were we all to have had the blessing of experiencing it?”

“He always wanted to see better for this industry,” adds Hendler. “He’d be frustrated by the same things everyone else was, but Don didn’t just sit back; he jumped in.” 

Beaver leaves behind a legacy of community spirit. Upon attending his celebration of life, Hendler noted his patriarchal and community spirit which was imminent not only in the body shop industry but in his family and hometown. “He really brought people together.” 

Don is survived by his wife Helen; his children and stepchildren Donnie Beaver (Kirstyn), Stephen Uhler (Emily Becker), Paul Smith, Jacob Pulliam and Jessica Petroff (David); his siblings, Robert Beaver, Diane Bitzer and Gale Kistner; as well as his cherished grandchildren: Mason, Dylan, Kinsley, Benjamin, Nova, Teagan, Chase and Dakota.

Want more? Check out the October 2025 issue of Hammer & Dolly!