Remembering Ken Beachler

 

When I think of Ken Beachler, I come up with a single image.

Upon entering Wharton Center on Michigan State University’s campus to attend a concert, Ken was at the door to the Cobb Great Hall. He was always impeccably dressed, had a wide gracious smile and welcomed one-and-all into “his” house.  Because he felt the Wharton Center was, indeed, his house.

He knew most by name and greeted each person as if he or she was the most important person he had seen that day.

Beachler spent his entire life supporting, nurturing, performing, and selling the arts. At age 87, he died recently in his home. Ken was one of the greatest shapers of cultural life in the greater Lansing area.

His influence on local arts covered a broad spectrum. He first made his deep velvety voice known while serving as the classical music host of WKAR FM – MSU’s classical radio station; then became the impresario (of sorts) of the Lecture-Concert series; developed MSU’s Wharton Center; ran the venue for ten years and later acted in and directed plays and operas throughout Michigan.

In addition, Beachler always had time to sit with young actors and directors and advise them on their careers and regaled them with entertaining stories of his life in the arts.

All in all, Ken was a powerful force for the arts throughout the local area.

Though he is mostly known for his passion for arts and culture, he is also remembered for his obsessive need for detail and organization.  I remember visiting him in his home where he showed me his extensive CD collection.  On each disc was a sticky note documenting all the dates he had listened to that CD.

A friend of his told him that he was running off to Meijer’s to do some shopping.  Beachler corrected him; “You mean you are running off to Meijer, not Meijer’s.”

Even in church, Ken could be seen making notes on the program as to what could have been improved in the service. I also received calls from him on corrections (facts, grammar, spelling) in articles that I had written.  He was always right.

Although Ken was always friendly and gracious with everyone, he sometimes surprised folks with his temper.  When he directed a show, Ken was totally organized for each and every rehearsal.  The quality of the product was extremely important to him. 

During rehearsals, actors would occasionally be shocked at Ken’s sharp manner.  They apparently did not know how important the arts were to Beachler.  Community theater for some is a fun and social activity.  For Ken, it was serious - yet another opportunity to produce great art to the world.

Beachler was one of the few people I knew who served both in the Army and the Navy.  In the Army, he performed shows throughout Europe and in the Navy he was in public relations. He stayed with the Navy in the reserves and reached the rank of Captain.  He had a great respect for the traditions of the military and always found an event where he was be able to sport his dress military uniforms.

Of all that he accomplished in his full and rich life, his crowning glory was the creation of Wharton Center for Performing Arts.  He knew that a university the size of MSU needed a more suitable concert hall than the depression-era MSU Auditorium.

He traveled throughout the nation to see designs of performing arts enters, raised money and built a strong relationship with Clifton Wharton, then president of MSU and his wife Delores. During that period at MSU, it was rare to raise money for anything other than athletics.  Beachler staked out a new path.  Now Wharton Center is the cultural jewel of Lansing.

Ken is remembered warmly by Nina Silbergleit who worked at Wharton Center from when she was an undergraduate to her retirement 39 years later. She remembers how Ken instilled in his usher staff that all patrons attending events should be greeted warmly, with a smile, arms relaxed by their sides and a proper salutation like “good evening” or “good afternoon”.

Later in his life, Beachler’s love for the arts and for Wharton Center did not wane.  He came back, unknown to most, to volunteer as an usher, giving out programs to concert goers. He just wanted to be there, in the arts world.

Silbergleit says, “I very much remember being his ‘boss’ and giving him the same directions he had given to me 39 years ago.  In this case those directions are as valid today as they were then.”

In the last few years, Ken Beachler became frail, but still loved attending concerts and plays.  He had many unplanned visits to the emergency room.  During one of those times, when things seemed dire, he told a friend “It’s okay. I have lived the life I have wanted to. I don’t fear death.”

I received a call from a long-time arts-friend of mine on the day of his passing. “We’ve lost a good friend today”, he said.  He was right, but he could have said “The arts community of Lansing has lost a good friend today.”

Public Celebration of Life visitations and services will be held at The Peoples Church, 200 West Grand River Ave, East Lansing. Visitations on Friday, June 23, 5:30 - 7:30 pm and Saturday, June 24, 10 - 11 am. The Celebration of Life service at The Peoples Church will be held June 24 at 11 am with a luncheon following at the University Club of Michigan State University. A private ceremony for Ken’s family will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, where his remains will be interred. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Kenneth C. Beachler Arts Management Internship Fund, Wharton Center, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824.