William Beedles Obituary

I had met Dr. Beedles briefly on several occasions before we taught at CIMBA. During our semester in Italy, I learned that he was a very kind and thoughtful man with a wonderful sense of humor. We shared common ground because I was a member of K-State's accounting faculty and he and his wife were both K-State grads. Over that semester he became known as Uncle Bill to my daughter and her two children and my wife's helper. My wife Linda and I loved spending time with him. I believe academics are in the business to make a difference. Dr. Bill Beedles was a wonderful person, a great teacher, and an outstanding scholar who truly made the world a better place. I will miss him very much but will always be inspired by him.

Back in the fall of 1990, I was a fresh K-State graduate (and newly married!) who decided to have a change of scenery and get his MBA at the University of Kansas. I didn't know hardly anyone in Lawrence. But I met Dr. Beedles on orientation day and we immediately connected and enjoyed each other's sense of humor. He soon asked me if I would be one of his GTAs (graduate teaching assistant), which I thought was surprising as he had only known me a very short while.

During my 18 months at KU, I graded papers for Beedles, proofread his research papers (!), summarized financial reports, manually verified the mathematical accuracy of endless data (long before we used MS Excel) and even proctored a class or two when he couldn't attend (one of those times Bill "couldn't attend" was during the Monday night NCAA Championship in 1991 between Duke and KU!). He was always warm, generous and freely offered life advice that I still remember and follow to this day. I remember his wife and young kids and what a nice family he had. Bill and I connected again via email a few years ago and he was so excited to learn that I, too, had become a college instructor.

When I do the math, Bill was only in his mid-40's when I worked for him. As I prepare to turn 52 years old in a few weeks, I simply cannot believe that I am older now than he was during my time at KU. Grad school seems like yesterday, and time indeed does pass quickly. Rest in peace, Dr. Beedles! A great college professor is never really gone...your legacy will live on for generations in the students you taught and mentored.

Bill was a wonderful man, a sincere advocate for behavioral health, and a joy to be near! My sincere condolences to family and friends.

I just noticed that I am the exact same age today as Professor Beedles was at the time I had him for Finance in the Spring of 1994. I remember him well, and although I didn't fare to well in his class he did have a role in inspiring my interest in the subject and I have gone on to spend my career immersed in Finance. You will be missed Professor Beedles. Rock Chalk

I was in Bill's MBA finance class when our first child, Marie Claire, was born. I was surprised when Bill dropped by the hospital to express his good wishes. It was a very kind gesture by a busy professor. Bill served on my husband Rob's dissertation committee. In the ensuing years, Bill and I crossed paths from time to time, most recently in an Osher Institute class. One funny incident I recall was on Bill's 40th birthday, when his wife filled our classroom with black balloons. He was surprised and a little flustered, but soon recovered his professorial demeanor and started the lecture. He was a good man and I was fortunate to know him.

I was a student at the KU School of Business when I worked for Dr. Beedles. He was a personable gentleman, quick with a smile and a kind word. I enjoyed working for him and benefit to this day from the information I picked up in supporting the Executive Education Seminars he taught. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet and work with him. He was a class act.

Sincerely,
Catherine

Sending much love and prayers to you and your family.

Terry Toler, class of 66, a friend.