Olive Ann Beech

is honored with a Pathway Paver from Mr. and Mrs. William Oliver, Jr.

"Slowly we go" may have been the motto of Olive Ann Mellor Beech, but there was nothing slow about her life. She had her own checking account as a seven year old, she managed household affairs at eleven years, and she became the bookkeeper/secretary at age 21 to the Travel Air Manufacturing Company in Wichita founded by Walter Beech, Clyde Cessna and Lloyd Stearman. She married Walter Beech on February 24, 1930, and together they founded Beech Aircraft Corporation in 1932; for the next 40 years she guided the affairs of the burgeoning company. Her achievements as President of Beech Aircraft and later as Chairman of the Board are well known and details are available in the Special Collections of the Ablah Library at Wichita State University.

"Slowly we go" was a phrase she learned on her first trip to Europe from her charming host. It was a German phrase that, loosely translated, meant that although the journey might be slow and difficult, the progress was always forward. A positive mental attitude was what she appreciated in people and so this simple phrase greatly appealed to her and she incorporated it in her daily life every after 1958.

A few aspects of her personality not immediately visible to the casual acquaintance were her great sense of humor and her generous spirit. She loved real things -- real flowers, real people. She loved toys and was greatly amused by simple gifts that "did something." Seldom did a simple wish or request from her friends and associates go unheeded. Miraculously after casually mentioning an interest in a book, an event, or a personal collection, her friends would find the desired object presented to them with a simple note from her hoping that they would enjoy it. She loved giving presents, whether substantial or trifling, and was always attentive to others wants. It gave her pleasure to do things and find things for others that they couldn't do for themselves. She also believed that one should never "shepherd a gift" -- once it was given, there should be no strings attached and the recipient should be free to do whatever he or she wanted. Another example of her generous spirit was that there was always "room for one more" at the dinner table. An unexpected guest was always welcomed -- and well fed!

She wasn't prone to give unasked for advice and believed strongly that one had a right to do what one wanted in life, to make one's own decisions, to follow one's own path, but also one had to be responsible for those actions and decisions. "You have to sit on your own blisters" she would often say. Acknowledging the fact that there would be mistakes made, she would say "just step over it" and get on with your life. She was positive, strong and indomitable and believed others should be too. She cared deeply about others, her employees, associates, family and friends, but showed her caring in no effusive ways. Never one for too many words, her compliments were few, her praise limited, but never lacking when well deserved. Her friends and associates treasured her prompt hand-written notes.

Although she proved countless times that she could walk with the giants of the business world, she never lost her feminine touch and her lady-like qualities, which were reflected in her dress, her demeanor, and in her office decor, where there were always fresh flowers and bowls of candy for her guests. She lived simply yet elegantly. Her favorite pleasure after a day at the office was to return home, don an elegant robe and after dinner have a good game of gin rummy with friends. She loved to play, to keep score, but especially to win! Often on those evenings, she would reminisce about the early days in aviation, about her husband, "Popper," and all the innovative things they did to keep the infant company alive. Those were treasured times for those she chose to share these memories with because they revealed glimpses to her past and her most cherished experiences. She love to hear a good joke or a good story, loved to know what was going on "in town."

She believed you could do anything you wanted to do in life as long as you were willing to pay the price, tried hard enough, and were good enough. She brooked no whining or excuses, and she brought out the best in those around her because that was what she was willing to give herself. She believed "if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing well." That was the simple creed she followed all her life and guided her into her unusual and successful career as a businesswoman, distinguished citizen, and great and loyal friend.

With a twinkle in her eye, Mrs. Beech said, "I would say I was very fortunate throughout my life that I didn't have to do anything that I didn't like. I enjoyed what I did."

Born on September 25, 1903, Mrs. Beech was almost 90 when she died on July 6, 1993. She lived a rewarding life, having made a difference through her faithful fulfillment of responsibility.

This lovely lady played her part
With grace and courage, great of heart,
The world her stage, a stellar role,
And cared for the cast with her whole soul.

August 10, 1999