Dr. William J. Becvar

Many years ago, about 1974 or 1975, I was a freshman at PLU. I was on the costumes committee for a production (the Crucible?) directed by Professor Becvar. After the last performance, he went to each of us who worked behind the scenes and thanked us for our work for the success of the production. It made me feel like my work was important, to be recognized for my contribution in sewing costumes. It´s now 50 years later and I´m retired from nursing but I always appreciated his kind gesture in making the effort to thank each one of us. I will remember that forever

Dear Bill, I'm remembering you today, September 9, 2020, on your birthday. We met on campus at Cedar Falls in September 1957, appropriately in the Green Room of the Theatre Department, and were friends ever since. A couple of times it was twenty years between seeing each other, but we kept in touch through many years with those welcome long letters. It was my good fortune in July, 1961, to be asked to travel East with you and your folks to see Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., New York City, Toronto, and Montreal. Cetainly the highlight was seeing "Camelot" in NYC with Julie Andrews and Richard Burton. A bonus for me was getting to know your lovely parents. Our mothers finally met in 1988 at Jackson, MN, as you and Ellen were traveling I-90 to Tacoma, and my mother was accompanying me to Mankato to see the home into which I had just moved to begin work as Acquisitions Librarian at Minnesota State University, Mankato. You shared later that your mother had said, that if they had lived closer together, they would have been friends. After retirement in 2003 I moved to Edina, MN, and in the years after you returned to Decorah in retirement, we got to see each other several times. Each year so many things occur and my first thought is, I want to share that with Bill. You remain ever close in my thoughts. All honor to your memory, dear friend. Gary Austin Hudson

Bill Becvar was and always will be Uncle Bill to me. He and my mom Cheri were at one time together. Beyond a partner, he was part of our family as we were his. Holidays, birthdays, graduationss, Bill was there supporting my sister and I through everything. My mom and Bill met at PLU where my sister later attended school.

Bill was much more then an uncle to me. He played huge part of my childhood and into my early twenties. My dad Jeff and Bill grew close over the years after my mom passed away. I vividly remember his home felt straight out of a story book. Each room a different theme, bookcases, floor to ceiling filled with movies and a glass jar consistently full with Hershey Kisses. Going to Uncle Bills was always a treat.

My sister and I loved our Uncle Bill so much. He supported us to grow, to continue in education, to watch the Oscars, and always find the joy in life.

I miss his humor, his handwritten letters and his enthusiasm for life.

Somewhere out there love will see us through....

For those unable to attend, Bill's Tacoma friends came together to celebrate his life. Following is a synopsis:
On Monday January 18th , Tacoma/Seattle friends of Bill Becvar held a Celebration of his Life at the old St. Leo's School building, former home of Tacoma Actors Guild, the professional regional theatre founded by Bill, his then wife and lifelong friend Cheri Sorenson, Theatre Professor at cross town rival school University of Puget Sound Rick Tutor and his wife Hazel Tutor.
Many former students, actors, theatre professionals, friends and colleagues of Bill attended the event. Bill, the great storyteller, was well represented by the hundreds, perhaps thousands of stories that were told as people socialized in the great room, site of the original TAG Theatre. Former friends, co-workers, acquaintances, enemies and lovers reunited. It was theatre at its best, real people, real emotions real joy and real tears. Bill's Spirit was present and completely at home!
Bill's dear friend, actor, director, playwright and 2nd husband of Cheri, Jeff Mandels, emceed. His beautiful words exemplified the complexities of human relationships and the reality that life is about choices and that you can choose to be bitter and hateful or you can choose to love and be loved. Bill, and Jeff and Cheri, of course, chose the latter.
Practically life long friend and esteemed and accomplished actress, Priscilla Hake Lauris spoke of Bill's and her school years and lifelong close friendship. She represented how Bill valued friendship, perhaps above all else, and how he willingly and actively worked to preserve and protect his friendships.
Jeff Clapp, former PLU student of Bill's and successor as Director of Theatre at PLU spoke of the impact and enduring endowment that a brilliant professor has over his students.
Kevin McKeaon, as a former student of Bill's and classmate of Cheri's confirmed that the legacy of the 4 years that most students had with Bill, was a lifetime of friendship, mentoring, devotion and loyalty.
Eric Anderson, brilliant actor/musician and former student at PLU cross-town rival University of Puget Sound spoke of the unusual and brilliant partnership of two cross-town rival University professors, Bill and Rick, and how they combined their resources to bring professional theatre to Tacoma.
The floor was then opened to attendees to speak about Bill and his impact on their lives. The central theme was that Bill was a person who valued friendship, demanded and got the best from his students, that he could be counted on when a friend was in need and he wrote the best damn letters with the most amazing tiny cursive a human being can have. Of course, typically you had to write a letter to get a letter.
Once again, Jeff spoke and further confirmed how Bill was so generous and open-minded with his fellow man. He touchingly expressed how Bill loved Jeff and Cheri's 2 beautiful daughters and how he embraced them all as his family.
After Jeff, Bill's life-long friend, author and lyricist Bill Russell spoke about their devoted friendship. He shared that he was staying in Bill's Tacoma home when he got the call that informed him that he was nominated for a Tony award for the show Side Show which was currently being performed on Broadway. He talked of how when he originally was told of the Tacoma Celebration of Bills Life he said he couldn't come because he had travel plans and that he would be out of the country. After a little thought he realized that nothing was more important than honoring his dear friend, so he changed plans and made arrangements to travel to Tacoma instead.
Next Bill's dear friend and partner Rick Tutor spoke of the deep and meaningful friendship he had with Bill and how from great partnerships come great accomplishments. The two, in partnership with their wives Cheri Sorenson and Hazel Tutor founded a regional professional theatre and Tacoma institution, Tacoma Actors Guild that produced theatre of such a high quality that actors, directors and theatre professionals from across the country coveted to be included and publications from the region and beyond took notice and responded with support and recognition. Through Rick, we all felt the sadness and bereavement of losing a close and dear friend.
Then, brilliant artist, actor, director and former PLU student Kevin McKeon shared a beautiful video he created that clearly portrayed the impressive legacy of Dr. Bill Becvar.
Again, Rick came to the podium and toasted his friend and colleague Dr. William J. Becvar and everyone recited the words that were spoken at every one of Bills legendary Oscar Party Beckie Awards, Wherever, Whenever However and Forever.
For me, I can't imagine a world without Bill Becvar. Fortunately Bill's spirit is very large, brilliant and present. He inspired and guided many disciples and he was passionate about nurturing his friendships. He is gone but forever present.

Memorial service for Bill at the old St Leo's School, former home of Tacoma Actors Guild. 1-18-16

My wife, Susan, and I have been Bill's next door neighbor since we moved to Decorah over three years ago. Bill and I had an instant friendship. Though I never acted in a play, I loved the theater - especially musicals - and Bill knew - or directed! - everything I had ever seen. In film and theater he seemed to know everything about everything - in great detail. Who won the Oscar for best picture in 1946? What are the lyrics to "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess? He knew! It was amazing!

When Bill broke a hip - and then the other - and his health began going downhill, I began visiting more frequently - "just checking in." Over the last two years, I have had coffee with him (almost) every morning that I have been home - but I didn't go over until after 7:30AM - after the first half hour of the Today Show. (According to Bill, all the most important news is covered in the first half hour of the Today Show.) As I walked in every morning (eventually, never knocking) he always said, "Come in, come in!" and when I left a half hour or hour later and wished him a good day, he would always say, "Thanks! See you latter, kiddo!"

We talked about everything under the sun - but most recently (both of us "liberal Democrats"), we talked a lot about politics. Even though he was essentially a "shut-in" for these last few years, he was engaged with the world. While I was with him, he got phone calls from friends from all over the country - and he kept in touch with everyone. I was so impressed that he wrote one or two - or more - (hand-written!) letters every day. He was one of the most intelligent,compassionate and complex persons I have ever known. In three years, I think I only "scratched the surface" of who this man was.

It was hard to watch his health decline - and even harder to find him on the morning of September 4th. I am so grateful for a brief, but deep, friendship with a truly amazing man.

Thank you so much, Bill. We'll see you later kiddo!

Bill is the first cousin of my dad Vincent Becvar and we had been corresponding like pen pals. He regaled me with rich family history and I filled him in about my generation and the next. Both of us have really enjoyed our connection. I lived in Decorah with my mom and brother in 1968-69 so that we could be near my grandparents in Calmer while my dad was in Vietnam. While teenagers living in Maryland, we visited my grandparents every summer and I have fond memories of those times. The last time I visited Iowa was about 20 years ago when my son was an infant. I have been planning on going to Iowa next summer to meet Bill in person as well as another cousin. Little did I know I'd be visiting another grave instead and I'm heartbroken. Bill had such an interesting life and I feel blessed to have gotten to know him and more about our family.

I met Bill in in 1965 as I entered my freshman year in college. He became not only a teacher and mentor but a friend that totally changed coarse of my life...for the better. The world will miss his grand sense humor, broad grin, passion for life, fierce love of theater and film. I will particularly remember the unique Becvar mischievous "wink" while being amused. You sir, made a positive 'difference' in my life and so many others. you broke the mold. Thank you.

Bill was the brother I never had. He was one of my three close lifetime friends. Two are now gone and my heart is sad. We met as Black Hills Playhouse Company members in 62' and 63'. We have remained friends over all these years. I will miss his voice and the updates on The Young and the Restless. The curtain falls on a Super Star. Bless you, my dear friend.

Diane Hansen Hansen Kylander

Such a privilege to have know Bill, not only did i love being around him, but my children loved his zest for life. I have so many of his cards saved, especially the note after Kelly's wedding ,, i treasure his words in that card. You shall be so missed Bill, you have good company now, Bev, Don, Kel,Leroy, will all be there to welcome you. Peace,, Karla Koenig

Bill Becvar was my mentor and friend. He gave me the skills and foundation to build a life professionally and personally. I was blessed to have his friendship for thirty-nine years. Dr. Becvar inspired many, and remained a loyal support long after his students flew the nest. He was an insightful director, film buff extraordinaire, and had the most delicious sense of humor. I love you Bill. You will always help us find the light.

Bill took a chance on me and hired me to teach in the Theatre Department at PLU. It was my first job straight out of graduate school. He could not have been more wonderful! He was so kind and supportive. He was a terrific colleague and mentor. I am honored to have known him and taught with him.

Bill was a great neighbor. We shared many laughs and good time the past 8 years we lived next door to each other. We shared some holiday meals, played UNO, had dinner at the club, talked about the classic movies and had a shared interest in the theatre (I was a theatre minor in college.)
Bill was very kind and generous to my kids. I remember one year at prom, Bill asked my son to come over and show him his tux. Then Bill gave him $40 to pay for the prom dinner. He did many things like this through the years for all 3 of my kids.
I will miss receiving messages on my phone, "Billy here......." and Bill's beautifully written letters and notes.
He was quite a unique and interesting man that I am glad to have gotten to know.
Blessings to you on your next journey Bill.

To the family of Bill,
We will miss him, and forever think of his kind words. It was a pleasure to have worked for him.

Bill Becvar will be remembered as an engaging, Passionate, supportive friend to many in the Decorah community. He will be missed.

Bill was an amazing spirit! Though not a student, he taught me some of the most valuable lessons of how to live a meaningful and joyful life. He also made a memorable gin and tonic. I will both miss and cherish the smile he warmly gave to everyone, that twinkle in his eye, and his witticisms and unique insight on this absurd and wonderful stage and theater of life. Thank you so much Bill, I miss and love you. Bravo!

Say hi to William for me! Love you.

Bill Becvar taight us all to keep going and keep pursuing. I was a tech and ultimately a director (though at the end of my PLU stay in the 70s and after college), not much of an actor in those days, though I've learned since due to Becvar's influence. Bill would talk with you one-on-one and share his own dreams and goals and frustrations, and this demonstrated personal determination and individual concern we all could learn from.

The Board of Directors of the Porter House Museum mourn the death of our friend and patron, Bill Becvar. Always supportive of our mission and interested in preserving history, Bill will be missed.

I was a young designer and teacher when I worked at PLU with Bill Becvar in the early 90s. Bill treated me as an equal collaborator from the beginning with a generosity toward my inexperience that is frankly breathtaking to me. I loved the 3 years I worked with him, proudly display the Beccy award I received from him, and kept in touch over the past 20 years. I feel his loss deeply, and am privileged to have known this wonderful, one of a kind friend, mentor, and collaborator.

Bill Becvar was the most influential professor and friend during my years at PLU in the Theatre department. He was able to pull the best roles of my life out of me as a Director. He was THE MOST supportive, interesting, and light hearted, yet passionate professor. I am so terribly sad I have not talked to him in a few years, but his hand written Christmas cards I adore and have kept. I love you, Bill. I pray you can talk to Elizabeth Taylor up in heaven.

Bill was a friend of mine from the time he came to Tacoma. We grew closer when he directed my daughter, Whitney Keyes, in The Music Man and The Sound of Music. He commissioned by son Josh to paint his portrait, i.e. all of Bill's favorite images. He was very kind to me and Whit and Josh during a difficult time. I lived with Billy Joe for a time. We traveled together and laughed together. I loved Decorah and his friends, especially Loma and Fritz. One interim we traveled to California and Arizona, stopping at every tourist site. The photo was taken at the Hearst Castle. Here are a few things that will be missed: your long beautiful (magnifier needed!) letters, long calls, wonderful voice, brilliant mind, outlook on life. I loved you very much and will miss you every day of life, Billy Joe.

What a legacy Bill leaves, seeing how many people's lives were and continue to be touched by him. For 4 years at PLU I was in his magical circle, learning from him, a master of technique and patience. ALL these years later, decades, his influence on how and what I do continue.

Bill was absolutely the most creative of all the directors I worked with over the years. He was a great inspiration and I learned more from him that I can possibly list. Bill was also a fine teacher and absolutely one of the nicest people ever. I am very thankful I knew him.

Monday, September 7, 2015
Bill has been a dear friend for most of my life. We acted in plays together at UNI and found a connection that has sustained us through telephone, long epic letters, visits, sharing plays and movies and books, music, poetry, and the stories of our lives and relationships. Talked to him every week. He had a private joy and love of life...and treasured his friends, his students, and often said, "The world is more than we know."
Longing to pick up the phone and hear his voice! Thank you sharing your creative life with us, Bill!

Bill has been a part of my life for over 50 years and I can't imagine life without his unique and valued friendship. The newsy handwritten letters, the Oscar parties of old, his warm and ready laugh - he touched so many and will be deeply missed.
- Priscilla Hake Lauris

Our Dear Bill; how we will miss him. I met Bill at the Black Hills Playhouse in 1965 and we never lost touch; even living three houses away from each other in Tacoma, WA. A dear friend, very well respected colleague, great listener, and always doing those long, hand written notes. Rest in Peace, dear friend.

Bill was such a thoughtful and kind person and a wonderful director. I had a great conversation with him a few years ago that I will always treasure. May you continue to shine your light on us from above!

I have wonderful memories of your professional and academic work. Thank you for letting me part of that worls. You were a fantastic teacher and mentor and friend. You helped provide much needed direction in my life. Thanks for teaching me to be open to learning and discovery and expect more out of myself and life. I would never have explored an artist life without your initial encouragement and direction.

I will miss my dear friend so very much.

Bill was a great teacher mentor and friend. He had an accomplished career and life and he will be missed by many

We have wonderful memories of one of the most treasured friendships of our lives. How we will miss creating more memories with Billy Joe.

Bill was a great teacher mentor and friend. The word that comes to mind that describes Bill is accomplished. He will be missed by many!

It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Bill. He taught me a great deal and always made for a wonderful behind-the-directing-table companion. All love and light to you, Bill.

News of Bill's illness and death has saddened me deeply. I met him in 1969 when we both entered the PhD program in Theatre at the University of Kansas. He was a wonderful colleague and an accomplished professional. It was a privilege to have known him. Bill's light will shine on in the memories of his many friends and students from his long distinguished career. Prayers ascending for you, dear Bill!