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DAVID BEIM Obituary

BEIM--David. Investment Banker, Professor and Philanthropist David Beim Dies at 79. David Beim died peacefully at his home in Riverdale on June 6. He was 79 years old. The cause of death was cancer. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the youngest of three children born to Raymond and Moana Beim. His grandfather Clinton Odell was the founder of Burma Shave, whose signs and roadside verse became well-known during the early years of America's romance with the automobile. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy, Stanford University and Oxford University, where he was Rhodes Scholar. He spent the first twenty-five years of his career in investment banking, including ten years on Wall Street at The First Boston Corporation and executive roles at the Export Import Bank, Dillon Read & Co. and Bankers Trust, where he built the company's Corporate Finance function. He spent the next twenty-five years as a Professor of Finance and Economics at the Columbia Business School, where he taught courses on finance, banking, emerging markets and business ethics. He was very active philanthropically in both civic and educational causes. For seventeen years, he served as the Chairman of Wave Hill, which he helped become financially sustainable by establishing its first endowment. Driven by his passion for the outdoors, he served on the board of Outward Bound, including five years as Chairman. He served as a Trustee of Phillips Exeter Academy, where he wrote an influential paper that encouraged Exeter to increase the financial aid it provides to lower-income students. He was also an active member at the Council on Foreign Relations. David's greatest joy was his family, and he is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth, his children Amy and Nick, and five grandchildren.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID BEIM

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Alan Steiner

June 24, 2024

Dave was my fraternity (SAE) brother at Stanford. He was a year ahead of me. He impressed me immediatley as being very intelligent, kind, sincere, and helpful. We had a number of conversations that helped me grow and mature, and become a better student. I send my personal regards and condolences to his family, and I want you to know I will miss Dave, and will alwarys remember him in a very positive light. Blessings to you all, Alan Steiner.

Bob DeVore

June 7, 2023

David´s energy, intellect and smile were ever present. I miss him.

Pelin Demirel

January 7, 2021

Professor Beim had a critical impact on me, inspiring me to choose financial services as the area for my future career (around year 2004). His real life stories were captivating, informative and thought provoking. Rest in peace Professor Beim.

Michelle Kedem

August 19, 2020

Hi friends and family of David Beim, I was a student of his in 2000. I am certain he would not recall me. I quote him often, though, and this morning I looked online to see if I could drop him a line to say thank you for being a good teacher, and found this page. So I guess I want anyone who follows this page to know that I learned a lot from Professor Beim, and he has made a lasting impact on me. I wish I had thought to be in touch for this reason earlier.

Rosie Stubbs

June 8, 2020

Looking thru photo albums of The Wintergreen Follies, there you are-- Mr. David --giving us funny, memorable performances. Thank You!!

July 10, 2019

Love, comfort and peace to you and your family Liz,
Susie and Warren

Nancy and Jerry Gehman

July 3, 2019

Dear Elizabeth,
Nancy and I were saddened when we heard that David died. We remember that he worked hard on the Bridge Committee at The University Club.

We loved playing bridge "against" you. It seems that we both experienced extreme "peaks and valley's", but you won the prize by winning at the Bridge Marathon.
We missed seeing you this year, but look forward to seeing you next year.
Much Love to you at this sad time.
Our prayers are with you,

Kelly Stewart

June 18, 2019

Elizabeth, Amy, Joe, George, and Will,
Your husband, father, and grandfather was larger than life. "Now he belongs to the ages."
We will think of him often and remember his bright smile and zest for life. Always remember how much he loved you. With our love and prayers, Kelly, Dan, and Robbie Stewart

June 18, 2019

Extending My Deepest Sympathy And Heartfelt Condolences. May God give you Courage, Strength, Comfort, and Peace. Psalm 31:3,24. May precious memories be treasured & bring you a measure of comfort

frank dunlevy

June 17, 2019

David was one of my First Bosses at the The First Boston Corporation in 1971 , he was a great teacher, pillar of integrity and though our backgrounds were completely different he welcomed me to the Firm and his Team. A true Gentleman and a Scholar.

Larry Ulvestad

June 17, 2019

David was a good mentor at Stanford. We, David, his son and I reconnected a year ago by email and had several interesting exchanges following almost 55 years of silence. Turns out our Washington DC experiences overlapped in substance and David forwarded to me some of his original material on one of our shared projects. It was like no time had been lost. Ill miss him.

Jack Russell

June 14, 2019

very sorry ---a brilliant and very nice decent man

Tom Butler

June 14, 2019

I've known David, and Elizabeth - they are a pair, most of my life, as friends of my parents. They brought their family close to ours. They treated me like family and gave me a home and family when I was alone in America.
David will live on in our lives as his gentle manner, wise perspective, open heart, modesty and strength of character inspired us all.
Our love and affection for David, Elizabeth Amy and Nick, and their families, continues. xo

Valer Clark

June 13, 2019

David was a man of gentle intelligence. There is a walking stick from a cottonwood tree which he once used that has been left on my window sill awaiting his return to walk with us again

Rhea Cooper

June 13, 2019

So sad to hear this. I worked with Nick at North Carolina Outwatd Bound School. Sending love Nick.

peter grossman

June 13, 2019

He lived a full life. He made a difference. His loss is sad. His example is impressive.

Bob DeVore

June 13, 2019

Tears for his Loss,
Smiles for his LIFE.
Elizabeth, you will always be a Member of the Class of '58.

Winsow Myers

June 13, 2019

David Beim was a gentle prince of a man. He was a tremendous asset to the class of 1958 at Exeter Academy, on so many levelsas friend, leader, and generous contributor to the school of his time, resources and wisdom. When I last saw him, at our 60th reunion in May, he appeared to be gallantly fighting multiple health issues, but his steady bemused smile never left his face. He will be greatly missed.

Rosie & Bob Stubbs

June 13, 2019

He will be so missedhis wonderful personality, sense of humor & love of life. He was a wonderful, warm human being. Loved by all who knew him. Rest In Peace dear David.
Sending Love & Prayers to all.

June 13, 2019

Tu his family and friends, my deepest condolences, and may our godly father in heaven bring much needed comfort and strength. Psalms 9:9

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