Appreciation

Bev Kees, Bay Area journalism leader

Posted Dec. 13, 2004
Updated Dec. 14, 2004

Beverly Kees, former president of the Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and a member of Grade the News' steering committee, died Friday after being struck by a truck while walking a friend's dog. She was 63.

Bev will be remembered by journalists and media activists in the Bay Area and beyond as a clear-minded, totally dedicated and humble leader; a patient teacher; a keeper of the flame of high ethical standards in a field that seems to have lost its way of late.

We have met few other people in life who projected her warmth, intelligence and sense of purpose. She exuded what Tom Rosenstiel and Bill Kovach, in The Elements of Journalism, identified as the most precious quality in our occupation: strength of character.

It is important that we never forget the contributions she has made in keeping the local journalism community tied together, active and increasingly vocal.

That's why we've nominated Bev Kees for a posthumous lifetime achievement honor for March's James Madison Freedom of Information Awards. We don't think we have to list her myriad qualifications for such an honor with most members of the society. That will come later. (Will anyone now shoulder the thankless task of organizing and advocating for a San Francisco Museum of News?)

We also suggest that SPJ select one of the award categories either in the Freedom of Information awards or the Excellence awards to be named for her henceforth.

This is a great loss. But those who knew her should all feel fortunate indeed to have done so. She was a genuine role model.

Sign Bev Kees' guestbook.

Visit SPJ-NorCal's online tribute.

News stories:

Beverly Kees, 63; journalist took pride in profession -- Chicago Tribune, 12/12/04

Beverly Kees, 63, taught journalism at S.F. State -- SJ Mercury News, 12/12/04

Respected journalist and author killed by big rig in San Francisco -- KCBS, 12/11/04

Beverly Kees -- Journalism professor at S.F. State -- SF Chronicle 12/11/04

Ex-Indiana editor killed in California -- Indianapolis Star, 12/10/04

Prominent journalist killed in San Francisco -- KGO, 12/10/04

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