Obit

Lacuarta, 68

FILIPINO JOURNALIST Jerry Lacuarta died of cardiac arrest last October 6. He was 68.

Lacuarta was a public information officer of the National Cottage Industry Development Authority. He later worked as Pampanga correspondent for the Manila Bulletin and Tempo. He also served as a stringer for Agence France Presse and Jiji Press. (“Jerry writes 30“, Punto!)

He was the former president of the Pampanga Press Club and the Central Luzon Media Association.

Elmer Cato, a former journalist and a friend of Lacuarta, said in his Facebook page: “Jerry was a mentor, friend, comrade and elder brother to me. He was among the few Pampanga-based journalists I truly respected. He was among those who gave birth to the Angeles Sun. We covered many stories together. I grieve over his passing. Rest in peace Ka Jerry. You will not be forgotten.”

Greg Refraccion of News Hawk and Bataan Press Club said: “One of the doyens of community journalism, a hardworking Bulletin correspondent, Jerry is a jolly good fellow who enjoys the company of colleagues in Central Luzon. Our condolences to the family of Jerry.”

 

 

Peterson, 77

CANADIAN EDITORIAL cartoonist Roy Peterson died last September 29. He was 77.

Peterson worked as an editorial cartoonist for The Vancouver Sun for more than 40 years. (“Acclaimed editorial cartoonist Roy Peterson dies“)

Peterson was also a freelancer and drew cartoons for MacLean’s, Time, Punch, Spectator, and for many books.

As editorial cartoonist for The Sun, Peterson won seven National Newspaper Awards. He was also awarded the Order of Canada and was president of the Association of Canadian Editorial Cartoonists. (“Cartoonist Roy Peterson’s precise aim was piercing“)

He also co-authored the book series “Frog Fables and Beaver Tales” which featured characters like “Ronald Raygun” and “Brian Bullrooney” and wrote a collection of cartoons called “Drawn and Quartered” about Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s political career (“Longtime Sun cartoonist Roy Peterson dies“, The Province)

Wes Tyrell, president of the Association of Canadian Editorial Cartoonists, stated: “Without a doubt Roy was one of the most respected guys that ever picked up a pen in the country.”

Jack Lee, friend of Peterson and former Sun colleague, said Peterson was a “willing mentor to many younger cartoonists.”

“He didn’t try to teach them the art of cartooning. He mostly concentrated with them in trying to broaden their thought patterns so they would come up some something different from the ordinary facts,” said Lee. (“Acclaimed editorial cartoonist Roy Peterson dies“)

 

 

Lawrence, 101

BRITISH JOURNALIST Anthony John Lawrence died last September 24. He was 101.

Lawrence worked as a Far East correspondent for the BBC from 1956 to 1973. He reported on the Cultural Revolution in China, the independence of Malaysia and Singapore, and the Vietnam War, among others. (“Anthony Lawrence obituary“, The Guardian)

Lawrence was considered as one of the BBC’s “greatest generation” of foreign correspondents. The group included Charles Wheeler, Erik de Mauny, and John Osman. (“Lawrence of Asia“, BBC)

When Lawrence retired from the BBC, he co-founded and led the Hong Kong’s Foreign Correspondents’ Club. (The Guardian)

He also wrote books including the “Foreign Correspondent” (1972) and the “Fragrant Chinese” (1993). Lawrence was recently appointed Officer of the British Empire for his services to the Hong Kong community. (“Anthony Lawrence“, The Telegraph)

In a statement on Lawrence’s death, BBC director general Tony Hall said: “Anthony was among the most courageous and tenacious journalists, widely admired for his talent and charm. He was part of a great generation of foreign correspondents who helped build the BBC’s reputation around the world.” (“Statement regarding former BBC Correspondent Anthony Lawrence“, BBC)

 

 

DeBruin, 51

AMERICAN JOURNALIST Lynn DeBruin died of cancer last September 7. She was 51.

DeBruin was a sports writer for the Associated Press (AP) in 2010, covering college athletics and winter sports in Utah. (“Lynn Debruin, AP sports writer in Utah, dies at 51“, AP)

DeBruin also covered the World Series, six Super Bowls, and golf’s majors. For ten years, she served as National Football League beat writer in Arizona. She also worked for the Rocky Mountain News and reported on the Broncos, a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. (“Lynn DeBruin, covered Broncos for Rocky Mountain News, dies at 51“, The Denver Post)

In a statement on DeBruin’s death, Denver Post columnist Woody Paige said: “Lynn truly was an exceptional journalist, a tough competitor in the Broncos’ locker room and the press box and on the golf course; and a real friend and a gentle woman.” (The Denver Post)

Rocky Mountain News’ former editor, publisher, and president said: “Lynn was a person of courage and determination who never let her health challenges stand in her way. She was a terrific reporter and a human being with deep compassion. This is a very sad day.”

Lou Ferrara, AP’s managing editor for sports and entertainment, agreed: ”Lynn was a tenacious journalist who made us all strive to be better, especially as she fought with such courage and strength over the past several months. Our thoughts are with her family and her many friends and colleagues.” (AP)