Obit

Chris Legeros, 62

AWARD-WINNING US broadcast journalist Chris Legeros died Friday, October 9. He was 62.

Legeros was a reporter and anchor for KIRO TV until 2014. His career began in KCMT-TV in Minnesota where he stayed until 1977. He then anchored for KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Colleagues mourned the loss of Legeros. In KIRO 7’s obituary, General Manager Jay O’Conner said “As you would expect from a man of his caliber he gave all of us his greatest gift at the end: He modeled for us the ability to keep a great attitude and a big smile even in the face of unthinkable adversity. Chris was clearly a man with great faith, courage and humility. He truly possessed the heart of a servant.” (“Beloved KIRO 7 reporter Chris Legeros dies,” KiroTV.com, Oct. 12, 2015)

Paul Plumis, a close family friend recalls Legeros in an obituary in The Seattle Times: “He was just one of the most sincere, genuine, unassuming and straightforward, but also a fun-loving jokester.” (“KIRO-TV reporter Chris Legeros, 62, dies of cancer,” The Seattle Times, Oct. 10, 2015)

His career spanning 39 years saw him win three Emmy awards as well as honors from the Best of the West, the Society of Professional Journalists, The Associated Press, United Press International, and the Washington Education Association. He was also inducted into the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Silver Circle.

He is survived by his wife, daughters, sister, brother, a niece and a nephew.

Jean Sharley Taylor, 91

Veteran journalist Jean Sharley Taylor died Saturday, October 10. She was 91.

Taylor was associate editor of the Los Angeles Times where she helped supervise coverage and hundreds of journalists. She also helped establish sections like the daily Calendar and the Book Review. The Times won three Pulitzer Prizes for arts coverage during her overseeing the arts and entertainment sections. She retired in 1989.

Taylor started as a fashion writer for the Detroit Free Press in 1950. She then covered political conventions. In 1967, she joined the Arizona Republic as women’s editor before eventually becoming associate editor. It was in 1971 when she joined the Los Angeles Times.

In the Times’ obituary for Taylor, colleague Narda Zacchino remembers her as “an amazing role model for women.” Zacchino adds, “She was the epitome of grace and diplomacy.” (“Jean Sharley Taylor dies at 91; groundbreaking L.A. Times journalist,” Los Angeles Times, Oct. 13, 2015)

She is survived by her son, step daughters and step grand-children.