William Beckwith Obituary

William (Bill) Lee Beckwith
Aiken, SC - On Valentine's Day 2014 William Lee Beckwith of Aiken, SC went Home. He passed in Canby, OR. Bill was born on May 16, 1926, the son of Bernard and Rose (Taylor) Beckwith.
Bill had a distinguished career in the printing business. After graduating from Dartmouth College's Amos Tuck School of Business under the Naval Officer Training Program during WWII, Bill began a long career at RR Donnelly in Chicago. Ambitious, he had initially turned down their offer to be a management trainee after looking at an organizational chart and computing the distance from the bottom to the top. He received a better offer and was on his way. His stops included New York where he acquired the prestigious Dun & Bradstreet and Moody's Investor Services accounts. When he was dispatched to open a sales office in Washington he won the accounts of US News and World Report and TV Guide. Bill spearheaded the establishment of Donnelly's web offset magazine printing at its Glasgow, KY plant. Bill rose to VP of Sales before leaving in 1975 to join Triangle Publications of Philadelphia where he worked for publisher and former Ambassador to Britain Walter Annenburg. At this time he also owned and operated Chesterfield Farm an Equestrian Center and Horse Farm.
Bill moved to Intelligencer Printing in Lancaster PA in 1981 and became President and CEO. Under Bill's leadership Intelligencer experienced a needed change of image and direction. Bill cut a very high rate of turnover to virtually zero and steered the company to new highs in sales and profitability.
Bill's achievements received the highest industry recognition when he was elected to the Printing Hall of fame in 1994. Bill was known by his clients and colleagues as a man of the highest integrity.
Bill and Kathy travelled many times to St Marten and St. Bart's where they enjoyed the beautiful beaches and wonderful friendships.
After retiring and during a drive through the south, Bill and Kathy "discovered" Aiken. This was the place they wanted to live out their years. Bill and Kathy were members of the Woodside Plantation Golf Club. Bill loved the history and traditions of the Palmetto Golf Club where he was also a member and would proudly take visitors to share the experience. Bill and Kathy held warm thoughts and memories of their many friends in Aiken.
Bill was married Maryann "Kathy" (Brooks) Beckwith. He lost his beloved wife in September of 2013.
Bill was loyal and generous to his family and friends. He never turned down anyone in need.
Bill is survived by his brother Bernard T Beckwith and his sister-In-Law Shirley of Marco Island, FL. He is also survived by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, many cousins and close friends.
A Memorial Service is planned at a future date in St. Bart's.