1982: Dear Don Cheadle and Stacey Cheadle, Hoping to thank my first and best boss

Dear Don and Stacey Cheadle,

This is a bit embarrassing, but a heartfelt attempt to share a message of gratitude with your family. I had my first “professional” summer job in the Customer Service Department of the Colorado National Bank of Denver in the early 1980’s.  I had a terrific boss who I remember as Beverly Cheadle.  My parents, Don and Mary Hoagland, who were Denver residents for decades, made the connection later in my life that she was possibly a relative of your family.  

One day that summer, I came to Beverly with an idea, a small idea, but one my 19 year-old self was passionate about.  Remarkably she agreed.  Saying “yes” meant extra work for my much older and experienced co-workers.  Beverly would help me synthesize and craft my findings into a presentation which she trusted me to present senior bank staff. The bottom line is she was a stellar boss. I really regret that I never took the time to thank Beverly for  who shaping my future as a boss, co-worker and mentor.  When I learned of your mother Bettye Cheadle’s passing, I first conceived of the idea of “never missing a chance to say thank you” and the draft of this letter remained in journals for years.

Don, Denver is so proud of the amazing career you have had and Stacey, thank you for your dedication to my grade school alma mater Graland Country Day.  If my Beverly has nothing to do with your family, thanks for listening.  If by chance she actually is a relative, please pass along my thanks and admiration.  If I did in fact miss my chance, thank you all for the inspiration to never miss that chance again.

Gratefully,

Ann Simonds

Aka Ann Hoagland

aka Annie Hoagland