Beyl had just been celebrated at a big party for his birthday and the publication of his third book, 'Stops Along the Royal Road: Adventures from a Lifetime in Travel' (Grizzly Peak Press). According to sfgate.com, the cause of death was an apparent heart attack.
'He died in the glow of a glorious book launch and birthday celebration. He surely felt the town’s love for him that night,' John Briscoe, an attorney and old friend told sfgate.com.
Beyl worked closely with cruise line leader Larry Pimentel, first at Seabourn and Cunard, then helping launch SeaDream Yacht Club in 2001 and, most recently, as a consultant for Azamara.
'Ernie was an old world "positive" publicist who had a remarkable ability to create news,' said Pimentel, president and CEO, Azamara. He was 'bright, driven and very results-oriented ... a believer in straight talk and transparency, in one-on-one high touch engagement with the press.
'Ernie was a trusted adviser ... I adored this one-man PR titan,' Pimentel said.
'Ernie was a real pro whose experiences spanned generations and a variety of clients,' according to Tim Gallagher, who was Carnival Cruise Line's longtime public relations VP. 'Though quite affable, he didn’t put up with any “prima donna” attitudes and those that dealt with him knew and respected that. He was also a great friend and teacher.'
In recent years, Beyl had returned to writing, his first career, and published a trio of books. One captured characters in his beloved San Francisco, the second was about the good life in the City by the Bay and the most recent recounted adventures from a lifetime in travel.
Beyl had an exciting public relations career before his cruise work. He was a press agent for movie stars, and represented Cathay Pacific Airways in Hong Kong and top Asian hotels. For years he promoted the Monterey Jazz Festival.
He was a jazz connoisseur who hung out with jazz icons, a world traveler, raconteur and bon vivant who also relished the simple pleasures of neighborhood bars and diners.
After serving in the Marines and graduating from Stanford University, Beyl started as a copy boy at the San Francisco Chronicle and soon became a reporter. He later worked for Colliers magazine before going on to become a Hollywood press agent.
Beyl is survived by his wife Joan, a son, a daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial is pending.
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