1 February, 2021: Passing of "Bee" Haydu
A friend texted me last night that Bernice "Bee" Falk Haydu had passed away last Saturday, at age 100. For those who don't know, she was a pilot, a business leader, and World War Two WASP, among many other things. She was also very funny, which I discovered when she relayed a story to me one evening, at an "after party" during a Women in Aviation International convention in Orlando.
During our brief conversation, she asked if I was familiar with the US Marine recruiting booths at various outdoor events, and I answered that I was. She then went on to say that while attending one particular event, she went by one of their stands, which of course had the requisite chin-up bar...supposedly to test/challenge potential applicants.
A particularly attractive young sergeant approached her, asking if she'd like to "give it a go?" Of course, she declined, but said "Show me what you can do young man!" He, in turn, jumped up and began knocking out repetitions, right at her face level. Without missing a beat, she also said "He had a really nice a## too!"
I swear, I just about fell out of my chair laughing, to her great delight. The world will be a smaller place without such women! Blue Skies, Bee...Blue Skies!