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Derick Daniels Obituary
February 8, 2005
BY CECIL ANGEL
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Derick Daniels, a former executive editor of the Free Press who oversaw its Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the 1967 riot in Detroit, died of lung cancer Saturday at his home in Miami.
He was 76.
While he was Free Press editor, Mr. Daniels introduced changes that included Detroit Magazine and Action Line. Those additions helped close a circulation gap between the Free Press and the Detroit News.
"His watchword was 'evolution' and not 'revolution' because changing the paper overnight drives readers away," said Mort Persky, his longtime friend and colleague.
Later, Mr. Daniels became president and chief operating officer of Playboy Enterprises Inc. He became known as much for his flamboyant wardrobe -- which included a gold lame jumpsuit -- his five wives and his love of playing blackjack, as he was for his publishing expertise.
Born in Washington, D.C., Mr. Daniels attended the University of North Carolina and was a reporter at the St. Petersburg Times and the Atlanta Constitution, and an editor at the Miami Herald.
He spoke softly with a drawl. When he first began work at the Free Press, many staffers didn't like him because he wasn't hired from within.
Behind his back, he was referred to as "Magnolia," said Neal Shine, a former Free Press publisher who was a reporter when Daniels was hired first as city desk editor.
"He turned out to be one hell of a newspaper editor," Shine said.
Mr. Daniels' management style often won people over to his way of thinking.
"Derick almost never gave an order," Persky said. "His suggestions showed you the way. He gave people confidence they could do things they didn't think they could do."
His success at the Free Press led to his appointment in 1973 to Knight Newspaper corporate vice president of news. Between 1976 and 1982, he was Playboy's president.
In 1983, he founded One Woman magazine, which folded, and in 1992, he founded Ocean Drive magazine, which led to spinoff publications, Ocean Drive Espanol and Vegas.
Mr. Daniels is survived by his wife, Lee; sons Leigh and Scott, and stepsons Joseph Wasserstrom and Kirk Wasserstrom.
A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church of Miami, 609 Bricknewll Ave., in Florida.
The family requests that in lieu of any flowers, donations be made to the Adopt-A-Pet Center, 111900 SW 232nd St., Miami, Fla., 33170.
29 Entries
December 4, 2016
My Darling,
Tomorrow is your birthday. You would have been 88 years young. On the day you left us a very beautiful and proud Cardinal appeared at our round window in Miami and stayed there for many days. I like to think that it was you. Periodically over the years he has appeared to me many times when I needed a boost or a memory. Today he appeared in the tree outside my window and is still there. His coat is brilliant red. He is magnificent and flamboyant, as you are. I'm going to make some "real" tapioca pudding and fry some green tomatoes. Later I will have a Stoli and soda and toast all the wonder you brought into my life. I love you, Baby. See you soon.
Lee Daniels
G Craig
December 13, 2015
D Lee you have been a port in the storm to everyone you meet. May God continue to Bless you and your love ones
Ted Herrle
April 29, 2013
Derick Daniels came into our lives at a time we needed guidance and didn't waste any time helping every way he could. He was a man of many outstanding accomplishments and yet so humble. We miss him. Ted and Sharon Herrle
Susan Paul
April 24, 2013
Derrick I miss you still. You were a one of a kind type of person. Superman is more like it. One of the world's most interesting people.
How you can show support
Lee Daniels
January 21, 2013
It has been almost eight years since you and I held hands and started our life conversation just as we knew we would. I sang to you...and you smiled. I totally love you always...and forever.
Ramona Abuin-Opperman
November 22, 2011
I just now found your obit. So for me, it is a fresh grief. You were a unique man and I have wonderful memories...the trip to the east coat in a an RV, a vacation in California and the best graduation gift ever "spend it on men and booze, though I know you won't"!!! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Cleo's daughter
DIRK WASSERSTROM
July 22, 2011
DIRK AND TRACEY WASSERSTOM
Josh Mobley
April 17, 2011
Derrick was a true friend.
Thomas and Lois Wark
January 26, 2011
It's nearly five years now since he died but he still lives big as ever in our hearts. The best thing that ever happened to me was the telephone call 50 years ago, and the honeyed North Carolina drawl telling me he thought I'd "fit in well" at his Detroit Free Press. What an era! Neal Shine said Derick would take a battered pick-up truck every now and then and "go trawling" in the South for "Hillbilly talent." Actually, Derick was a magnet for talent from anywhere -- and his Freep recruits, from wherever, inevitably grew in skill and influence under his magic spell. We cherish our time in his charmed circle, and will never forget his generosity. It went far beyond mere money. Even when we were far apart, he seemed to know when we were down, and a call from him restored the old "I'm capable of things I never knew I could do" uplift. That gift, that ability to make people believe in themselves because he told them to believe, was like the well that grows deeper the more often it's dipped into. Its giving was his greatest act of generosity and he indulged in it to his last breath. We still have the last, hand-written note from him. It invited us to drop by for a meal at a Santa Fe restaurant in which he was part owner -- and, of course, "tell them to send me the bill." As an editor, he thrived on making others better than they knew they could be. As a person, nothing made him happier than making his friends happy.
James Head
January 8, 2011
Like Mort Persky, there are so few of us left now who worked with and watched you; you saw so many possibles in everything, most especially the news.
Jim Head
Mort Persky
January 6, 2011
Nearly six years of no Derick and I'm counting, my friend ... It was the number 75, you said, that spooked you, and there was just one year left.
Ms. Moxie and Ms. ZsuZsu Daniels
April 1, 2005
It's almost two months now since you have gone and we still can't believe that we are not sitting with you side by side. We can't believe that you are not stroking our heads as we lie by your feet at your chair. Our wonderufl yard is not much fun anymore without you to throw the ball and play catch. Your scent is still with us so we know you are around here somewhere. We just want you to know that no two dogs in this world ever loved one man as we love you. Wait for us to come and play with you and you can give us loving comfort again.
Indigo Belmont Rothschild
March 3, 2005
I have loved Derick all of my adult life. He has loved,fascinated, and protected me forever. We always happened by chance to meet each other as we traveled the world, and we always greeted just like we were meeting in Union Square Park instead of some little out-of-the-way inn in Instanbul. He was the exciting knight who rode up on his white horse for a drink once in a while. And we were never surprised when we met; it was just the way fate played us. Ands now he is up there playing fatemaker himself. So the next time I sit at the blackjack table and draw a 21, I'll know that Derick is doing it, and that he's really grumbling because I didn't bet enough money. My heart goes out to his lovely wife who must be experiencing the greatest pain at this time. He loved her like no other-ever. I will mourn him with her and with the rest of the world,
Kym Valdastri-Hurley
March 2, 2005
It never occured to me that you would not be around at some point. For me, you were more a father figure. As a child I listened intently to amazing stories... expressive hands, long pauses, completely engaged. My gift for high school graduation, champagne, of course! (even though I was too young to drink it!) "Save it for a very special occassion" you said. One of the few adults in my life that supported my dreams of being an artist. Then you were there at my wedding... you flitted in and out of my life for as long as I can remember, always appearing when I least expected it. You will never be forgotten. Thank you Derick.
Patti Valdastri
March 1, 2005
Almost 30 years of laughing, secrets,tears, always thinking there was so much more time,but time ran out and I didn't expect it. I will never forget you my very best friend. Love Patti
Margot Chapman
February 25, 2005
I miss knowing you are out there in the world.
Margot
BRYAN COLLYER
February 17, 2005
Derick Daniels is a man who symbolizes freedom of spirit & mind. Although I had only met with him a few times, I grew to know him through his wife Lee...Oh how she loves him! He has made an everlasting impression on those who had the opportunity to meet him. Look up to the star in the sky with his name on it and smile...I know I will.
Old Love
February 17, 2005
The lights on Broadway are dimmer, the Empire State building is shorter, the restuarants are not so fun anymore. I no longer have a solid rock to lean on in my heart. The entire world is in grief for Derick.
Elizabeth Gunther
February 15, 2005
Derick Daniels amazed me with his generosity and kindness - and I will never forget him. I only wish we had more time . . .
Karin Wasserstrom
February 15, 2005
One of my favorite memories of Derick was last February when we went to a fancy restaurant in Ormond Beach. You could tell that this restaurant didn't usually serve 4 year old guests but this was the restaurant that Grandma and Grandpa Daniels had selected. Ordering off the menu, the waiter agreed to make chicken fingers and fries from our 4 year old son, Nicholas. When the food came, Nicholas actually hugged the waiter. Everyone around "ahhed" and I looked over and saw tears in Derick's eyes. He said that Nicholas had just made his night. Simple but sweet.
Naomi B Friedman
February 14, 2005
Derick is one of those few people who comes into our lives and makes an immediate and lasting impression. For me, Derick will always have a smile on his lips and a devilish glint in his eyes. He is one man who lived life on his own terms, and lived it well. He will be sorely missed.
Samuel Blum
February 13, 2005
Derick had grace, style and charm to make everyone feel special and important. He was one of the rare people one meets in this world who brings you up to his level so you can enjoy the view!
We already miss you
love
Sam
Herb Geissler
February 12, 2005
Derick was a most remarkable and wonderful man. A perfect husband and friend to Lee. My great regret is not knowing Derick longer.
Mort Persky
February 12, 2005
Good night, my magical friend!
lee brian schrager
February 12, 2005
There will never again be anyone, quite Like Dereck Daniels.
What an Honor to have known this special man.
Lbs
Oreste Matellini
February 12, 2005
If there's anyone that will be having a jolly good time wherever we go after death, that is Derick.
Sweetest and kindest man....and always looking too good in everything, including full Versace leather outfits....and always with Lee by his side and with a big smile....Remember like it was yesterday that an 8 person dinner became a surprise wedding right then and there....Right before dessert! Miss you Derick and so everyone that knew you....
Love and peace,
Oreste.
Ted & Sharon Herrle
February 12, 2005
Derick was a loving, caring and great example of a strong man and husband to Lee.
He was her life and rock.
We will all miss Derick and keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
Lee Daniels
February 11, 2005
My husband spent much of his time the last few months reading the many emails and cards from reporters, editors, executives and friends from all over the world of journalism and media. He never forgot one person he had worked with and the stories are many that were shared by the friends who attended his memorial service. If anyone who knew him would like to receive a copy of the March Tribute issue of Ocean Drive and Vegas magazines, please email your address and phone number to me so I can be sure you get your copy. The staff at the magazine is compiling stories about his life to be printed in this issue and if you had a really good one or one that touched your heart, please feel free to email it to me. Thanks to you all for your kind words and caring.
Sincerely,
Lee Daniels
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