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Beverly Kees Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Beverly Kees
Peggy Walsh
March 30, 2012
I came across this site in my favorites list. Oddly enough I was thinking about Bev the other day. I can't believe it's been seven years since we lost one of the most talented, kind, funny, supportive and truly delightful people I've ever had the honor of calling my friend.
Hannah
December 10, 2010
In loving memory of Bev Kees who died on this date six years ago.
Hannah
November 29, 2010
Another December is upon us, and as the 10th approaches, we remember Bev Kees and her untimely death.
Wally
December 11, 2009
I have been thinking of Bev, and I realized today that the anniversary of her death is upon us: five years ago Dec. 10.
How you can show support
Wally
November 19, 2007
As Dec, 10 approaches, we are reminded of the tragedy that occurred on that day three years ago: the death of Beverly Kees. For the legacy left, the lessons taught, the generosity and love received, we are so very grateful. Along with sadness comes a sense of Bev's incredible presence, reminding us that there's a new angel on the move.
Karbala Semanczyk
March 17, 2006
Blessings upon Beverly and everyone who knew and loved her.
john deeds
March 4, 2006
To those who knew Beverly, I wish you pick out the best and remember her so. I never met her, nor read her work but from what I read that would be interesting.
dan mark huges
February 9, 2006
gone too soon
Anthony Gibson
November 17, 2005
Beverly Kees will be missed. She was very encouraging and passionate about the news industry. I am grateful for the opportunities she gave me.
Peggy Walsh
April 2, 2005
I was stunned last night when I accidentally came across the news of Beverly's death. We met when I was AP's San Francisco bureau chief and she was executive editor of The Fresno Bee. After I left the AP to join The New York Times we kept in touch and met often for lunch and dinner when I was in town. When I left the Times to join my husband in Georgia we occasionally got together and stayed in touch via email and her famous Christmas message.
I have many fond memories of Beverly: her joy when I took her as my guest to the opening of Wilfgang Puck's Pos Trio in San Francisco; the first time she introduced me to Chinese food; her delightfully serene smile, her beautiful long hair, her capes and her wicked sense of humor.
One of my fondest memories is when she had a party at her wonderful Fresno house to introduce her staff to me and AP's Los Angeles bureau Chief Andy Lippman.
We worked all day fixing food and setting up rented tables with cloths in her back yard. She told me that at first she was concerned that no one was coming because she had had no response to her invitations. Then she said, "I don't know what younger people are learning these days. I walked around the newsroom and asked people 'Are you coming? I didn't hear from you on the RSVP' and they said, 'Of course, but what does RSVP mean?'" We had a good laugh and a huge crowd.
After everyone left, we got some wine, picked "San Francisco," the Clark Gable movie about the 1906 quake and sat in that small room laughing and going over all the party details.
The last time I saw her several years ago she was thrilled to be living in San Franciso, still full of ideas, genuinely interested in my life and those of our mutual friends. She took me to a new restaurant she had found. It was wonderful, of course.
A friend like Beverly comes across once in a lifetime. I know everyone will miss her terribly.
Mangey Qat
March 31, 2005
I was rilly touched by the memory of Beverly Kees. my condolences. http://stjude.here.ws
Maria mazzetti
January 7, 2005
God Bless Her soul.
Tom Krinke
December 30, 2004
I was a classmate of Bev's at Minneapolis Edison HS. She was always full of energy, and, she always made one feel comfortable to be around her. We were proud of her work with the Minneapolis newspaper. May God Bless her memory.
Ghanya Thomas
December 21, 2004
How can I explain how much I’m going to miss Aunt Bev? The news was such a shock. Sitting there on my couch with the phone still in my hand, I imagined those fatal last moments. The tears started to well up, my shoulders caved in, and my heart cried out in search of understanding, —THEN SOMETHING HAPPENED. As I looked around my apartment there she was. She was there in all the wonderful gifts she’d given me over the years…the beautiful Christmas ornaments, a scarf, jewelry and of course lots of books. I felt hope returning to my soul.
Standing at the bookcase I found a book she’d given me one Christmas entitled “The Worse Case Scenario Survival Handbook” I had to laugh. It was a gift that only Aunt Bev could give. The book had detailed instructions on---How to Wrestle an Alligator…..How to Deal with a Charging Bull and my personal favorite--How to Escape from Quicksand. All important tools for a woman living in LA!
This past week hasn’t been easy for many of us and I know it’s been especially hard on Burt and Gretchen. During the past week, I realized that the more I focused my thoughts on the Beverly I knew the more comfort I felt. And the sweet reality of those memories--are truly everlasting. I’m so grateful to God that I had the privilege to have known her and I know you are too. There are so many fond memories….too many to tell. But before I go Aunt Bev---here’s one more Dumb Blonde Joke for the road.
Two casino dealers sat bored at a craps table. An attractive blonde woman arrived and announced she wanted to bet twenty grand on a single roll of dice. She told the men, “I hope you don’t mind, but I feel much luckier when I’m completely nude. So she stripped off her clothes, rolled the dice and yelled, “Come on---Mama needs a new pair of shoes!” Looking at the dice she hollered….YES, YES I WON, I WON!! Jumping up and down she hugged each of the dealers, scooped up the cash--- along with her clothes and split.
The dealers just stared at each other dumbfounded. Finally, one of them said, “What did she roll?
The other one answered “I don’t know, I thought YOU were watching!”
The moral of the story….Not all blondes are dumb.
----LIKE AUNT BEV WOULD SAY AT THE END OF EACH DAY….WE’LL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW ---
John Cornett
December 19, 2004
It was my pleasure to have hired Beverly as editor of The Post Tribune and to have worked with her until my retirement. Beverly was a true professional, endowed with a fine mind, a ready wit, boundless energy and an easy grace and charm. A classy lady that made working with her a genuine pleasure. Her untimely loss is a real tragedy for her many friends at every post she has graced with her presence. God bless her...
Brian Buchanan
December 19, 2004
I handed off the training-editors program to Bev in the late '90s. I remember wondering how she managed to get so many things done -- and with such great humor, no less. Once before a conference a bunch of us were standing around in the Pacific Coast Center offices watching a Navy ship chug out of the harbor. "Goodbye Tom, goodbye Pete, goodbye Bill!" Bev suddenly sang out. It must have taken us 10 minutes to stop laughing. There was something both angelic and pragmatic about her. She held to the true course. So much to miss, so many to miss her.
David Weir
December 17, 2004
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Beverly twice this year, first on the California First Amendment Coalition event with Sy Hersh, and then as a judge for the SPJ awards. In both cases, I witnessed anew her enduring commitment to journalists and journalistic values. She had that rare charm that compels you to take time away from work and family to help on volunteer efforts such as these. I remember more than one message from her to the effect that "You'll earn points in heaven for this." Well, I wasn't convinced about that as far as my case is concerned, but of this much I am quite certain: Journalist Beverly Kees earned as many points as heaven had to offer. She helped our profession again and again; she did so selflessly, cheerfully, and with unparalleled grace. The loss for our community is a profound one.
Shannon Ryan
December 17, 2004
Beverly Kees will be missed by all who came in contact with her. I was a student of her's this last semester at SFSU and am deeply saddened by this loss. She took great pride and showed great enthusiasm in her work. I will miss her.
Pamela E. Johnson
December 17, 2004
Beverly Kees was a journalist who took pride in to her profession. I met and worked with Ms. Kees at The Minneapolis Tribune. Ms. Kees helped me put together stories for the Metro and Thursday sections of the newspaper.
A dedicated newswoman, Ms. Kees saw past race. She used her keen news judgment ability to help young journalists like myself, write good concise stories. Her patience and gentleness helped me in publishing feature stories for The Minneapolis Tribune. Without Ms. Kees' tutelage, I would not have succeeded in the newsroom or at other newspapers.
I, too, was a fellowship recipient from the Freedom Forum and First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University. Ms. Kees nurtured and molded journalists by providing seminars to help us grow and excel in the world of journalism.
Her death is tragic and we have lost a teacher, editor and good friend. Ms. Kees will be missed.
Kathy Turnquist
December 17, 2004
Having known Bev since college days at the U of Minnesota, she was always the warm loving "earth mother" who took care of everyone. Always a joy to be with, her wonderful sense of humor and wit and easygoing manner will be remembered by all who knew her. I will miss her so much, Kathy
Christopher Berg
December 16, 2004
Beverly was a warm, intelligent person with a quick wit and great kindness. Somehow she seemed to be everywhere at the same time. If there was an event for journalists going on in the Bay Area, she was usually there, helping make it happen and doing whatever needed to be done. Last I saw her was at the California First Amendment Coalition meeting a few months ago. I was running a little late and arrived after the seminars had already started. Who did I see manning the table out front, all by herself, but Beverly Kees. Not some grad student or volunteer, but Beverly. Which was very lucky for me, for I had neglected to print out my recept for pre-payment. With no documentation I had registered, she let me in with nothing but a smile. I can't say I knew her well, but what I did know of her, I liked and respected. She will be missed by all writers in the Bay Area.
Christopher Berg, author and artist
Former Chair, Bay Area National Writers Union
Lynne Enders Glaser
December 16, 2004
As with I suppose so many others who knew and love Bev, I can barely contemplate the idea that she's no longer around. I worked for her in Fresno, and it was a joy and delight. She created the job there of news ombudsman, appointed me to fill it, and never backed off on her support of that position or my efforts. She was witty and wise, and in addition to her beautiful smile, her eyes were something to behold. She was the best, and it's fitting that so many of her colleagues are standing to say farewell.
Cristina Azocar
December 16, 2004
I first met Bev when she worked at the Freedom Forum when I was a student. Later, I had the privilege of working with her as a judge for SPJ NorCal. I'll always remember her saying that there's a special place in heaven for people who volunteer their time to judge. I'm sure she's right there with them now, making sure they do good work. Wanishi for all you've done Bev. Aho.
Catherine Watson
December 16, 2004
She loved L'Air du Temps perfume and swirling capes; her favorite word of praise was ``Splendid,'' and she was funny -- often about herself. She had always intended, she once joked, to meet and marry an English lord, ``but you know how it is. You get busy...''
Nobody was busier than Bev. Once, leaving the Minneapolis Tribune late on a Christmas Eve, her arms full of work she was taking home for the holiday, she ran into the publisher. She was pleased -- she figured he'd think, ``It's Christmas Eve! That woman is a hard worker!'' Then she realized that what he'd really think was, ``it's Christmas Eve! That woman must be crazy!''
Bev was also the kind of hostess who genuinely enjoyed seeing her guests enjoy themselves -- something she enabled splendidly for the periodic visits of the Slumberettes, the handful of women lucky enough to have had her for a boss at the Star Tribune.
She welcomed us in Grand Forks, in Gary, in Fresno and in San Francisco, always the same way: with tireless pampering. She poured us wine, directed us to stacks of good magazines and shelves of videotapes -- heavy on Fred Astaire and Katharine Hepburn -- and told us to relax while she cooked dinner. Then we'd sit down at the table -- on the dining chairs she'd recovered in her own needlepoint -- and we'd talk about work, and life, and people, and work, and work.
Food would magically appear, all weekend: French toast made with French baquettes, for example, and surprises like lemon sherbet drizzled with vodka -- ``something light,'' Bev called it.
During the days, she would urge us to get out and exercise. This meant, first, a trip to her newsroom, a quick driving tour of the local sights and then hitting the local antiques shops.
Bev also loved traveling farther afield -- especially in Spain and Egypt and England -- and she was very good at it.
Once she was in London when I was, and I got to see her in action. She knew places that I'd never heard of. Topping the list was the Royal School of Needlework. She even wangled a behind-the-scenes tour, so we could talk to young women being trained for their life's work: embroidering gold and silver threads onto regimental flags and velvet coronation robes.
Transcending all this was Bev's career. She was a devoted journalist and a great role-model -- the kind of mentor who could soothe complaints, solve a problem without demeaning the participants and find a clear path through the perpetual chaos that is a newsroom.
I know I brought crises to her in the years when she was my boss, but I can't remember what they were; I just remember coming out of her office afterward, feeling clear-headed, capable again, believed in. She brought out the best in her people.
Gina Keel
December 16, 2004
"It's a damn shame." I can hear Bev reflecting on her own sudden and senseless death. And Damn was bluest word she would ever use. Nonetheless she was funny, with a bit of a dark humor that endeared her to me and so many others. I worked for and with her at the Freedom Forum in SF. I recall her famous phrase at the opening of every fabulous (Feed'em Forum) trainers' conference, "we won't cover bail money!"
Bev was one of the most thoughtful people I have known. She made an effort to remember and to give to so many people, even after she or they had changed jobs, cities, etc. If only we could all be so generous of spirit.
Bev was incredibly accepting of others, tolerant, open, curious, all qualitites that kept her young and vibrant and endearing to a motley crew of friends and acquaintances. At the same time, she was a bit mysterious, kept us guessing if she was moonlighting at a waterfront dive or had lived another life under an alias. I liked that about her--to be able to live a strong independent life, yet also able to love and support others.
I suggest we all toast her memory with glass of red wine and a bit of chocolate, and remember to appreciate the small pleasures in life as Bev did. I love you Bev, and thanks for bringing us together again.
David Hawpe
December 16, 2004
In my years as a member of national editors' groups, and especially during my most active time with Associated Press Managing Editors, I got to know Beverly fairly well. She was so smart and insightful, stylish and witty. There was a kind of gallant exuberance about her. But what impressed me most was the relentless good humor and sunny optimism. She always seemed sincerely interested in other people's lives. I choose to remember her during a cheerful walk along the edge of San Francisco Bay, watching fog ease off the water. She asked me, "Where else would we rather be?" We couldn't think of any place.
Barbara Lunde
December 15, 2004
I met and knew Bev for all of two weeks in the summer of 1956 (between our 9th and 10th grade school years) at Girl Scout camp here in Minnesota. She and I stayed in the same cabin and we did a lot of things together during those two weeks. Some where in my large stash of photographs is a picture of her standing in front of our cabin doorway, posed with one arm up in the air as she leaned against the door frame. She then took a picture of me sitting on the steps of the cabin. It must have been a chilly August because we both were wearing jackets and had scarves tied on our heads. Those two weeks were the only contact I ever had with her, but the pictures have always been a reminder of the fun we had. Years later when she was writing for the Mpls. papers I felt a small thrill when I saw her name and could say to myself "I know her, sort of". I wish I could find that picture but so for I haven't had any luck. If I do, I'll share it with you. It's sad to know that someone I crossed paths with once for a few weeks is no longer here in body. May her spirit find a restful peace.
heath meriwether
December 15, 2004
It doesn't seem possible that Bev Kees isn't with us anymore. Her verve, her irrepressible good spirit always made me feel better about whatever I was doing. She was a terrific journalist with a great heart. I'll miss her.
marni tselos
December 15, 2004
it is such a tragedy that such a warm and caring human being would lose their life in such a sudden way. i knew bev through personal, not professional channels. i married into a family of people who adored her, and i soon learned why. she has always been so kind to me. she attended mine and my husband's wedding all the way in winnipeg, canada, and right away i knew how special she was. she always treated me so well, as well as our two daughters, who still refer to her as "beverly, our aunt royal". they received beautiful barbie dolls in the mail just 3 days ago that bev had sent the night before she was killed, and they mean sooo much more to them now. beverly was a passionate and caring person. she will be missed in such an unmeasureable way.
Martin Reynolds
December 15, 2004
I am one of the "young" journalists Bev's influence touched. I met her first when she worked at the Freedum Forum and I was a Chips Quinn Scholar interning at the Tribune across the square. She was the perfect person to instill the tenets of journalism and how to be a true professional. She was gracious, always, even in criticism, and I am proud to have had the chance to learn from her and know her. She was the lady I always had to stop and talk to when our paths would cross at a journalism function. Mama Bev. She lit up a room with her smile. The profession has lost one of its finest, and the world is down one hell of a soul. I miss her already. I guess God needed some editing help and he wanted the best.
Ted Gest
December 15, 2004
It is striking to see how many lives Bev Kees touched, which makes her passing all the sadder. When I co-founded a group called Criminal Justice Journalists in 1997, I don't think I had heard of Bev. I learned that she had run a Freedom Forum program in San Francisco on news coverage of crime and courts. Even though she didn't know me or our group, she readily agreed to speak to our first convention, in San Diego in 1997. Later, as chair of the Council of National Journalism Organizations, I asked Bev to speak on journalist training. Again, she answered the call and traveled to Washington from California to give us her wisdom. I enjoyed working with her on a Knight Foundation project that produced a 2002 report on training journalists. As many others have mentioned here, she was a shining light in a field that unfortunately is often not one of journalism's most prominent. She will be sorely missed.
Gene Williams
December 15, 2004
I spent several hours with Bev the day before she died, talking about our new venture to help train young reporters and editors at smaller papers, and talking about newspapers and journalism, both of which she loved. She was excited about what the new year might bring us and when we parted she said, "It's going to be alright, I promise." This might be the first time she ever made a promise she was unable to keep. Because it won't be alright with her gone from our lives. Bev hired me at the Fresno Bee and I spent the next 15 years learning from her. She taught me so many things, not the least of which is that kindness and a smile are not signs of weakness. She was a truly remarkable woman whose talent, intelligence and wit were unmatched in any editor I ever worked for. She was my mentor, my business partner, and my friend. I miss her more than words can express.
Robert Leger
December 15, 2004
Bev was president of SPJ's NorCal chapter the year I served as national president. It was always a joy to run into her at a regional conference or the national convention.What I will remember is her ever-present smile -- and her tenacious advocacy for better journalism whether through defense of the First Amendment or promotion of greater diversity in staffing and coverage. We have lost so much.
c.w. vertrees
December 15, 2004
Beverly was my boss for a few years when I was editorial page editor of the Post-Tribune in Gary. She was a delightful person and a friend. And wow, she could cook! She made a difference here -- a goal many of us do not reach.
Carrol vertrees
Carrie Copeland
December 15, 2004
Beverly's passion and knowledge were inspiring and will continue through all of us who were blessed to know her.
Lee & Patty Daly
December 15, 2004
I am a friend of Beverly's brother Burt. Even though I never personally met Beverly, I felt I knew her pretty well because of my conversations with Burt. I know they were very close and traveled at lot together - just recently on a trip to France. I wish we could be at the remembrance but our thoughts and prayers will be there.
Erna Smith
December 15, 2004
I first connected with Bev over a plate of good food and a cheesy TNT biopic of the Jackson family. Early on, young Michael befriends a house mouse and is shown late at night chatting with the critter under the kitchen table. A scene or so later, father Joseph kills the mouse and young Michael is beside himself. Bev looked at me and said: "Well, that explains everything."
Yvette Walker
December 14, 2004
Beverly was editor at my first newspaper, the Post-Tribune in Gary, Ind. I later connected with Beverly through her association with the Freedom Forum. She was always ready with a smile, a quick wit and an open heart. She was a woman at the highest ranks in journalism at a time when there were few. She paved a way for the rest of us.
Mervin Aubespin
December 14, 2004
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Bev Kees. I have had the pleasure of knowing Bev for many years, through ASNE, Freedom Forum and the training editor's group.
She was energetic, sincere and gracious. Most of all she cared deeply about journalism and the young people who would pratice it.
I shall never forget the many times we met and the wonderful stories we shared. She will be missed, but most importantly, she left a lasting impression on me and many others. A true class act.
Kent Flanagan
December 14, 2004
Beverly Kees never met a stranger. From the first time I met her in Grand Forks until I saw her again in Nashville years later, her smile and wit made the years melt away. She was an outstanding journalist and a marvelous human being. She will be missed.
Craig Klugman
December 14, 2004
Bev was a friend, a solid journalist, a passionate believer in what we do and a committed advocate for training our youngest practioners. She brought a lot to Indiana journalism in the years she was here. She will be missed.
Deanna Sands
December 14, 2004
Bev was one of my early mentors in Associated Press Managing Editors. She was involved, committed and so much fun. She was a great role model for a young woman starting in newspaper management. I'm so grateful now that over the years I was able to tell her "thanks".
David Hall
December 14, 2004
Beverly was a demanding editor, but cheerful through good times and bad. She was a friend.
David Hall
Bill Winter
December 14, 2004
During my 16 years as president of API, we recruited hundreds of guest discussion leaders. Bev was among the best. Bright, energetic, giving, sincere, smart, wise. She lit up our conference rooms. This is a great loss.
Karen Dunlap
December 14, 2004
Let me join others who remember Beverly Kees as a gracious lady. When the News Coaches moved from the Freedom Forum to Poynter, she was ever available in assuring a smooth transition, but careful not to appear too strong a presence. She cared about quality journalism and knew how to work with people. She will be missed.
Dan Day
December 14, 2004
Bev Kees was a true friend to her fellow journalists and to the First Amendment. She brought vitality and enthusiasm to all she did. Her spirit lingers in the many colleagues and friends she touched.
Rick Newcombe
December 14, 2004
Bev Kees was the consummate editor in knowing how to attract readers. When she was in Gary, she persuaded Ann Landers to pressure her bosses at the Chicago Sun-Times to break the territory and allow Bev's paper to run the column ... and I think Bev's success was largely due to her infectious smile and enthusiasm for life.
Deborah Howell
December 14, 2004
Beverly Kees was a good journalist and a good human being. We were friends since our days as cub reporters on The Minneapolis Star. She was as cheerful and optimistic journalist as I have ever known. When the rest of us were down in the dumps, Bev could see the good and move us forward. I'll never forget her kindness when my first husband was ill and dying. I would come home from the hospital and there would be a cheery note and some food at my door. I always looked forward to her Christmas card, because there would be a witty letter with it. Bev had a marvelous sense of humor, a great laugh. She also had a mental toughness about her. Beware those who thought she was just a nice lady. I miss her already.
David Greene
December 14, 2004
Beverly's death is an enormous loss for those of us in the First Amebndment community. On the ground, Beverly was always there, willing to do the work that no one else wanted to do and put out the fires that no one could seemm to handle. She held things together. And her efforts were driven by a unwaverng commitment to the ideals of a free press. She was a teacher, advocate, colleague, and friend witout compare.
Debbie Wolfe
December 14, 2004
Bev was a total class act.
Over the years, I had the pleasure of having several one-on-one conversations with her including one on the streets of San Francisco as we were walking to the Freedom Forum for the first morning session.
She was very down-to-earth, approachable and giving. She listened. She readily admitted when she didn't know something and sought answers. She synthesized with accuracy and fairness. She managed with genuine care and understanding.
Her unique humor and quick wit enlivened memos and sparked live audiences into plenty of memorable moments. This was especially true on the morning after the training editors would have their first night out on the town during the multi-day conferences in San Francisco. Bev would flash her warm smile at the mic, then provide stunningly accurate details of our collective escapades along with a few of her unique embellishments!
I have looked to her over the years as a model of professionalism. From the messages I've seen on this NewsCoach/trainers listserv, it's obvious that her influence has made a lasting impression on many. What a fitting tribute this is for such a wonderful, giving and gifted
journalist/trainer.
I would be happy to help in any efforts to create a memorial for her. Let me know how I can help.
Sincerely,
Debbie
De bbie Wolfe
Technology Training Editor
St. Petersburg Times
800-333-7505, ext. 2919
727-892-2919
Pranay Gupte
December 14, 2004
I was terribly saddened to learn about Beverly's untimely death. By sharing her experiences and knowledge of the craft of journalism to a generation of students through her teaching, she's left a wonderful legacy.
Ted Pease
December 14, 2004
I first met Bev back when we both worked for the Freedom Forum, and we saw each other often later when she became the ringleader and mother hen of the training editors group. A measure of the number of people she touched is offered in this book of remembrances from her friends and colleagues, by the traffic among her extended family on the newscoach list, and by the response from friends and others who didn't know her, when I posted Bev's motto, borrowed from the Girl Scouts, on Today's Word on Journalism. Bev sent it to me some years ago, and said it described her philosophy of both journalism and life: "Leave your campsite better than you found it." My campsite sure is better for having known her. Thanks, Bev, from a fellow camper.
Peggy Kaplan
December 14, 2004
My Minneapolis journalist friends introduced me to Bev Kees. To a woman, Bev elicited compliments, caring and admiration only.
Thanks for touching so many lives with such grace and fondness, Bev.
Richard McKeethen
December 13, 2004
I did not know Beverly that well -- I met her just a few months ago, as a student in her Ethics class at San Francisco State. I admit now that I knew little about Beverly’s work beyond our classroom, but I’m not at all surprised to find that she was both admired and respected by her colleagues. Beverly wasn't pretentious, but she was very knowledgeable and very approachable. I'm going to miss her.
Liz Fedor
December 13, 2004
A friend of mine likes to refer to Bev's tenure in Grand Forks, N.D., as the Keesonian Period. As editor of the Grand Forks Herald, Bev created an environment that was exceedingly supportive, but she also knew how to challenge people to do their best work. She knew that people excel when they are having fun and working with people they like and respect. When I was a young reporter and working for Bev, I was aware of the fact that she was the first woman to serve as the editor of a KR paper. But I don't recall her drawing attention to her pioneer status as a woman editor. I simply remember her doing an exceptional job and sharing her passion for journalism with others fortunate enough to work in our profession.
Gail Marshall
December 13, 2004
I can see Bev's influence in my living room right now -- she passed on to me her affection for Santa Bears and my own collection of these delightful Christmas toys sits in an antique trunk as a warm reminder of her. She introduced me to "total immersion journalism." She lived the job in a way I had never quite seen before. Though she worked in a world dominated by strong men, she never apologized for loving to cook and bake bread -- she'd just invite the staff over for great staff meetings in her big dining room. She said she became such a good cook because, during her time as food editor in Minneapolis, she never wanted her readers to see her with prepared food in her grocery cart. When she first came to Fresno to work, I think the total was 90 speeches given to community groups. She wanted to meet people and indeed she did. Many of my coworkers and I were inspired to do some of our best work with her guidance. I am so grateful to have had her as a mentor and colleague.
Brenda Moore
December 13, 2004
One of the highlights of the holiday season was getting Bev's annual Christmas newsletter---funny, witty, charming and full of news, just like Bev.
I was lucky to have worked with her for a few years and to have been on her mailing list even longer.
Tom Silvestri
December 13, 2004
After the 2000 Training Editors Conference in SF, I framed the certificate Bev & Co. sent when I returned to Richmond. Over the weekend, after hearing the terrible news, I wondered what I could add. I read the certificate again. The wording sums up the group experience and Bev as a journalist and a spirit to be admired.
"CERTIFICATE: This certifies that .... shared intellectual depth, creative genius and superb insights" during the conference "for the greater glory of American journalism and the First Amendment. Amen."
That describes Beverly Kees. May she rest in peace knowing her fans and training advocates will never forget.
TAS
Royal Calkins
December 13, 2004
If Beverly had stayed longer in Fresno, she might have made a gentleman out of me. As it was, she made me a better person and a better journalist. Later, when she wasn't the boss anymore, I was proud to be able to call her a friend.
Steve Berg
December 13, 2004
"Splendid" was a word Bev liked to use in reacting to a story idea, but it's also a word that describes her as an editor and as a person. Her innovations on the Friday Special section of the Minneapolis Tribune broke new ground in the 1970s. I'm lucky to have worked for Bev and to have had her as a friend.
john taylor
December 13, 2004
Everybody has a Bev Kees story. She was everywhere outside the newsroom in Fresno. And, when you visited her in SF, there was also a good restaurant and good tales to tell. My Christmas card to her sits unmailed.
Elise Burroughs
December 13, 2004
I was deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy. I had the great pleasure with Bev years ago when she was one of the hardest-working members of the American Society of Newspaper Editors. She never said no to a volunteer request and filled every assignment with enthusiasm, skill and grace. The journalism world is a colder place without her.
Butch Ward
December 13, 2004
No matter how difficult the work she found facing her, Bev Kees seemed to be smiling--and determined to help the rest of us smile, too. Even today, thinking of her and that grin, I can't help but smile again. Godspeed, Bev.
Blair Charnley
December 13, 2004
Bev was the editor of the Minnesota Daily when I was a freshman, and she assigned me to enroll in a five-day stop-smoking program and write what certainly was the best-read story of my college newspaper career. Later we covered the ‘burbs together for The Minneapolis Star, and I designed the food section she edited. My memories of her will include professionalism and hard work and good food, but they’ll always start and end with laughter and good cheer.
Pam Johnson
December 13, 2004
I first met Bev through APME. She was on the ladder to be president one day. As a board member, I watched and learned from her. Later, when she was at the Freedom Forum Pacific Coast Center, I again had the pleasure of working with her when I was an advisory board member. One of the projects she and I cooked up was to invite Western editors to meet in Phoenix to tackle the issue of attracting young readers. And a month ago we had a hurried email exchange that resulted, as usual, in Bev coming to my rescue. Over the years, her calls, her help, her friendship always resulted in making my day better. She was always there for so many of us as a role model, as a resource, and as a friend. Losing her is tragic. Remembering all she did is inspirational.
Carol Ann Riordan
December 13, 2004
Beverly was such a great friend of the American Press Institute, both as a seminar alum and a popular discussion leader. In the conference room, she had a wonderful way of projecting "we're all in this thing together," whether she was talking to a group of newly minted reporters or big-name editors. It was an honor working with her. She touched so many lives.
Mark Coast
December 13, 2004
I met Bev while working as a training editor, so our acquaintance was professional, not personal. Still, her warmth and the support she offered so freely made me acutely aware I had met someone special. How sad that she's gone.
Dara Tom
December 13, 2004
I first met Bev in 2001 when I returned to SF State as director of NewsWatch. She was so gracious and always encouraging me to go a little further, push a little harder. Whenever I was searching for a resource, without hesitation, Bev would have the answer; or if she didn't, she could send me to someone who did.
Once, she said she couldn't help me. But the next day, in an e-mail she wrote: "Oh, I'm such a dolt. You could do x-y-z..."
Bev, a dolt? Not a chance!
Nelson Lampe
December 13, 2004
She was a good friend and example to many people.
Mary Jo Meisner
December 13, 2004
I'm so, so sad to hear about Bev's death. She was among the many newspaper women who touched my life and my career in such a positive way. And she was such a joy to be around -- funny, thoughtful and always on the right side of the important issues. A real pro and a friend.
Bonnie Rubin
December 13, 2004
Bev epitomized a certain graciousness that seems to be missing not just from newsrooms but all workplaces. She was my boss in Minneapolis and I followed her to Gary because of her uncanny ability to make people feel valued. She'd bake bread for her staff and never worried about whether it would undermine her authority. And, even 20 years after leaving the Twin Cities, a group of women journalists could always count on getting a package of California pistachio nuts every Christmas. She cared about the paper -- but she cared about people more. That will be her legacy.
Patrick Mattimore
December 13, 2004
I knew Beverly less well than probably all of the guest signatories. I've only recently joined the Northern California Society of Professional Journalists, but she was one of the first people to make me feel perfectly welcome. I am sorry that I will not have a chance now to get to know her better.
Al Cross
December 13, 2004
Beyond expressing my sadness and great respect for Bev, with whom I worked to improve the training of journalists, there is little I can add to the growing list of tributes from journalistic leaders and others in our profession. May her legacy continue to be journalists who know what they need to know, in order to tell the people what they need to know.
Catherine Shen
December 13, 2004
What a Loss! Bev's optimism, passion for journalism, and laugh will live on in the memories of the many, many folks she taught, befriended, and touched.
Sam Pollak
December 13, 2004
Like anyone else fortunate enough to know her, I feel a deep personal sense of loss. Bev was the finest editor for whom I have worked (she would have hated me ending that sentence with a preposition). More than that, she was the kindest, most-nurturing person I've ever met in this profession. Mostly, I shall remember her wonderful laugh and her ability to make anyone she was with feel like the brightest person on the planet.
I shall miss her terribly.
Gail Bulfin
December 13, 2004
I am stunned.
Bev was the rock for a loose-knit group of newsroom trainers that gathered every year under the umbrella of the Freedom Forum. She collected us together and took care of all the details. Every one. She invited speakers who inspired, taught and coached. She showed us the San Francisco she loved and in short order, we fell in love with it too. She was our mentor, our mother and our inspiration. We could come to her with anything - questions about our jobs or the industry and, after making a biting observation poking fun at life, she would tell us how things really worked.
She was so eloquent and said things in ways the rest of us only dream we could say. She was always poised, insightful and most of all fun.
What a loss....
Sheila Solomon
December 13, 2004
Beverly was always the consummate "hostess" during our training editors' gatherings in San Francisco. She's created a legacy that will live on through those of us blessed to share her enthusiam and teachings.
Christine Ledbetter
December 13, 2004
I remember hearing Beverly speak at a Knight-Ridder convention on how to budget. She made the dry topic funny and inspirational. Of course, she herself was always an inspiration to other women editors.
Scott Bosley
December 13, 2004
Bev was special in every of the many phases of her life -- newspaper editor, trainer, teacher and so much more. She was even more special as a friend. So many, including me, will miss sharing her great zest for life and her courage, always, to seek and conquer new challenges. This is a tragic loss and a sad day.
Bob Cochnar
December 13, 2004
Not only was Beverly a wonderful friend and an intelligent, creative editor, she possessed the gift of laughter and a talent to amuse. She was simply terrific to be with. I'll miss her.
Kevin Cavanagh
December 13, 2004
This is staggering news. Bev Kees opened a door that instantly enriched my life, goading me to attend my first Freedom Forum training editors conference in San Francisco. Her passion for learning, and for advancing the craft, was infectious. It's hard to imagine she could ever be replaced.
John and Lee Carroll
December 12, 2004
We are so shocked and sorry, and we share a sense of loss with Bev's many friends across the country. She was honorable and brave. We will not forget her bright spirit.
Peter Lomas
December 12, 2004
Bev’s warmth and inspiration crossed oceans. A workshop (in Fiji) she ran in the South Pacific lit a new newsroom training culture. Her visit to our islands was brief. But she remained a true friend, sending help and ideas and always passing on her passion for all that is good in newspapering. We will miss her. But her inspiration will live on in the South Pacific too.
Peter Lomas (training and development editor, Samoa Observer, Apia, Samoa)
Deborah Gump
December 12, 2004
I've waited to write this entry because the words wouldn't come. And that's preposterous because there are so many wonderful words to describe Bev: passionate and compassionate, gracious and giving, talented and dedicated.
As others have said, nothing gave Bev greater joy than helping colleagues find their voice. And everybody was her colleague. When I first met her, I was a nervous interloper at the trainers' meeting. I was an editor at the paper in Marin and had often heard of these amazing meetings across the bridge. So I screwed up my courage and called to ask if I could sit in. Almost before I finished asking, I was engulfed in welcoming enthusiasm.
Since then, Bev was always there to help, to nudge, to advise. She was an integral part of last year's "Editing the Future" conference at the Freedom Forum Diversity Institute. Without her, I doubt the conference would have happened. It certainly wouldn't have been as good.
The next time I need a gentle shove in the right direction, I'll think of Bev. And the shove will come, ever so gently and oh so supportively.
Sanders LaMont
December 12, 2004
Bev Kees was all that her friends and colleagues describe here, and more. When we were both Bee editors we used to meet frequently in beautiful downtown Merced for lunch to compare notes, plan progress and talk about good journalism. She cared about newspapers, and she cared about people, particularly young people of promise.
I remember running into her years ago at the Algonquin Hotel dining room in New York when she was there for a Pulitzer judging assignment. She fit right in with all the memories, class, wit and wisdom coming out of the walls.
Her efforts to diversify media and make it all inclusive will be her legacy for most.
For me, it will always be her friendship, cheerful smile and positive approach. And her love of good newspaper gossip.
Anthony Moor
December 12, 2004
Beverly was an inspiration and a tireless resource for my colleagues and I on the Northern California Society of Professional Journalists board where I came to know her. Her work for the Freedom Forum in San Francisco was superb and selfless.
Ellen Foley
December 12, 2004
Bev's passing is sad not just for those who saw in her a role model, but also for all journalists who land in that great net of survivors. She taught us the wisdom of living to fight another day. I remember hilarious stories, such as the time she hired a personal trainer when she became a West Coast editor. I marveled at her ability to nurture her friendships despite long distances. She gave new meaning to "having it all."
Felix Gutierrez
December 12, 2004
Through her intelligence, enthusiasm, hard work, and good humor Bev Kees brought out the best in all of us. She always gave us her best and helped us do the same as individuals and as journalists. All of us who knew her were richer for her influence on our lives and the lives of those who we touch. Her energizing spirit will continue as long as we carry it forward.
Felix F. Gutierrez
Jane Kirtley
December 12, 2004
Beverly was a great journalist, generous with her time to those less experienced in the trade than herself, committed to imparting her skills to the next generation, and a true believer in excellence and the First Amendment.
Brenda Rotherham
December 12, 2004
Bev was an inspiration and a joy to be around. Several years ago I saw her in San Francisco and she was hungry for news of her former Minneapolis colleagues and the paper that meant so much to her. She was a great help to me when I first became involved with newsroom training. I am saddened by her loss and appreciative of all she did for journalism and the example she set for women in newsrooms.
Wanda Lloyd
December 12, 2004
Bev Kees was my friend. Every time I visited San Francisco we met for lunch or dinner. We worked on several journalism projects together. Bev was passionate about journalism and passionate about making a difference. We will miss her a bunch.
Dori J. Maynard
December 11, 2004
Bev was a superb journalist, trainer and teacher committed to improving this industry. All those she touched will agree she succeeded. The industry will miss her.
Linda Picone
December 11, 2004
I worked with Bev at the Minneapolis Tribune, but really got to know her only after she left, when we would run into each other at conference in various places.
The last time I was in San Francisco, we went to lunch and had a great time hashing over the future of journalism, not to mention the people we knew in common.
Someone used the word "classy" to describe her in this guest book, and there's no word better. Smart, funny, hardworking, focused, kind, poised ... it all adds up to classy.
Walker Lundy
December 11, 2004
I knew Bev back in her Knight Ridder life. Beyond being a leader and an editor, she had class. How sad is her passing.
Jennifer Zwick
December 11, 2004
Few journalists have left as indelible a mark on the world as Beverly Kees. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
William F. Woo
December 11, 2004
What a privilege it was to have been Beverly's friend. She was ever cheerful, never too busy to take on one more job that God's work required of someone totally committted to journalism, always hopeful that you would join her in whatever enterprise she had taken on to make the press a better profession. I'm so glad I said Yes, the last time she asked me. I'm sorry we won't be doing the work together, but I'm sadder still for this enterprise we love so much. .
Max Cacas
December 11, 2004
I'm shocked and saddened to hear of the passsing of Bev Kees. I worked with her at the Freedom Forum, long distance from here in Arlington, Va. She was a joy to work with, and it was my honor and pleasure to post her fine stories on the FF website, and webcast the programs she and Felix Gutierrez organized at the Pacific Coast Center in S.F. She was a wonderful mentor, and one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. The world is just a bit smaller, and a tad darker with her passing, but those of us who knew her are a bit better for having known her.
Dick Hughes
December 11, 2004
Bev was the heart, the spirit, the soul of newspaper training. She understood the value of training -- for the trainers as well as the staffs. She's one of those people you think will always be there, because the experiences and lessons she provided are firmly larged in our memory and behavior. I hope she knew how much she meant to each of us journalists.
Glenn Proctor
December 11, 2004
What a wonderful person. What a wonderful journalist and trainer. Our industry has lost someone very special.
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