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Garrick Utley
1939 - 2014
Garrick Utley
1939 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1939
DIED
2014
Garrick Utley Obituary
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Utley began at NBC News in 1963, and for three decades handled a wide variety of assignments. Early on, he reported from Vietnam on the escalating conflict. In later years, he moderated "Meet the Press."
In between, Utley anchored "Weekend Today" and the Sunday "Nightly News," as well as two different newsmagazines in two different decades with four different titles.
"I may have been the only person at NBC News who did every type of programming as host or anchor," he told The Associated Press in 1993, adding that his versatility may have led to the network taking him for granted. "There's a risk in being the utility infielder."
That was shortly after he had left NBC to be the chief foreign correspondent for ABC News. He reported for CNN from 1997 to 2002.
In recent years, he was a senior fellow and professor of broadcasting and journalism at the State University of New York, Oswego.
In 2000, he published a memoir, "You Should Have Been Here Yesterday: A Life Story in Television News."
Standing a lanky 6-foot-6, Utley was known for his courtly and knowledgeable on-the-air manner. An opera buff, for a time he hosted PBS' "Live From the Met."
"Garrick was the first of our generation to crack the starting lineup of NBC News in the glory days of 'Huntley-Brinkley,'" said former "Nightly News" anchor Tom Brokaw, who called him a journalistic "man for all seasons" who was "always the complete gentleman."
Born in Chicago in 1939, Utley was the son of Clifton and Frayn Utley, two pioneering journalists on local TV as well as other Chicago media outlets.
He is survived by his wife, Gertje, an art historian.
___
FRAZIER MOORE, AP Television Writer
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
68 Entries
March 2, 2020
I would like to offer my sincerest respect to the family and friends of mr GARRICK UTLEY he was an excellent journalist in his profession may he rest in peace and be blessed by the true God
Garrick Conner
January 2, 2015
My parents had a great deal of respect for Mr. Utley, which is no doubt why they chose to name me after him. It's a name I had to grow into but one I shall cherish all the more in light of his passing. Prayers for the Utley family.
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Alyne Thomas
March 24, 2014
To the family of Gary Utley:
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the "Hearer of Prayer" comfort your heart and your mind during this difficult time. Psalms 65:2.
March 4, 2014
Our sincere condolences to the family. May they find the comfort and peace that God so lovingly provides.
LM
Darryl Fox
March 4, 2014
Absolutely a first class journalist. he never got in the way of the story and he always got it right. -- 30 --
February 28, 2014
Mr. Utley was an excellent reporter who always displayed honesty in his words. His talent was genuine and he was a true gentleman. He will be missed by many--JM
Mary Smith
February 28, 2014
Dear Utley family,
My heartfelt condolences are with you at this sad time. Everything about Garrick was professional as well as a caring, concerned individual. Please know that God cares and guides you during this difficult time. 1 Pe. 5:7
Bankston
February 27, 2014
Dear Utley family and friends please accept our heartfelt condolences.God said "Yes"to the question Job asked if a man dies can he live again?God promises to reunite us with our loved ones on a Paradise earth where we can live forever.
February 27, 2014
May Mr. Utley RIP and may his family find peace in their memories. He was an outstanding journalist and did everything with class. An Admirer of this gentle man
Dianne Cleveland
February 27, 2014
Back when I owned a TV, you were on it a lot. I watched PBS and you were always a delight to have in my home. I don't watch TV anymore- obviously you are missed.
Thanks for the professional journalistic presentations and the musical culture that you added to my life. RIP may you family and friend be comforted by the great career that you leave to history.
February 26, 2014
February 26, 2014
The loss of a loved one is hard. Please have comfort in God 's love. 1 Cor. 15:26
Justine Polonski
February 26, 2014
Thanks for helping me EARN my first college byline. For teaching me that people are not always easy on the interviewer, not even a seasoned veteran of the journalism community, for pushing me to my limit, and for validating my work with your praises when I introduced myself to you at the 2012 Dr. Lewis B. O'Donnell Media Summit. I will never forget staring up at you dumbfounded as you said that my article was "well-worded, accurate and concise" and that you "were glad it was me who wrote the article about you." You taught me so much in such a short time, and I felt a deep personal connection to you because of the lessons you taught me and the stories and insight you shared. RIP, Garrick.
February 26, 2014
Soon death will be no more
Chris Kelley Cimko
February 25, 2014
From one Westonian to another, rest peacefully dear Garrick and here's to a fabulous run!
fritz messere
February 25, 2014
All of us at SUNY Oswego who had the pleasure of working with Garrick will miss him greatly. It was a honor to have him teach for us.
G Rich
February 25, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family. Luke 20:38
February 24, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Ps 37:29
February 24, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Ps 37:29
Angela Odom
February 24, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the family of Garrick Utley,
The God of all comfort promises to will wipe out every tear from your eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.' And the One seated on the throne said: ‘Look! I am making all things new.' Also, he says: ‘Write, because these words are faithful and true.'”
February 24, 2014
Condolences to the family and friends. Please be comforted by God's words at Romans 8:35-39.
February 24, 2014
Mr. Utley was one of the best reporters of his generation. He was a gentle man who was outstanding at his job. May he rip---A "Fan" of Mr. Utley
February 24, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 24, 2014
Truly sorry for your loss . May God give comfort in His words.,
John 5;28
James Willner
February 23, 2014
May the eternal light shine upon him.....
February 23, 2014
In times like these ,may God give you strength to carry on.And comfort your heart during the loss of your love one.
Now-NYS Gov.Cuomo Meets Ugly George
February 23, 2014
If any word appeared to describe the stern, unsmiling Garrick Utley, it was "acerbic". But in several meetings with NYC cableTV producer Ugly George, Garrick made it very clear to me that he was simply a good newsman after the Facts. RIP
Garcia
February 22, 2014
Rest in Peace. Mr.Utley was a professional journalist through and through. He will be missed.Prayers and blessings to the family.
February 22, 2014
May God continue to strenghten the family and friends in these "times hard to deal with" (2Tim 3:1), especially without your dear beloved one, Garrick Utley.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
S. L.
Deborah
February 22, 2014
Condolences to the family. What a time it will be when our heavenly Father's promise is fulfilled when he swallows up death forever"
February 22, 2014
what a very nice and humble man Mr. Utley was - prayers to his family - Sam Favicchio
February 22, 2014
Mr. Utley was an outstanding journalist and a gentle man. May his family be surrounded by God's love and peace at this very sorrowful time.
R
February 22, 2014
My condolences to the family!
In the coming future God with his son Jesus Christ will put an end to all sickness and death.
Matthew McGuire
February 22, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
L C
February 22, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Utley Family. Obviously a man well loved by his family and friends. He accomplished so much in such a short time. God's assurance brightens our hope to see him again. Jesus said: "Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43
Bill Pemstein
February 22, 2014
What a great guy...Sorry to hear of his passing
Mariann peake
February 22, 2014
rest in peace
J. Wormley
February 22, 2014
To Mrs. Utley, I'm very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are not alone, the loving support of your family will keep your heart beating and not breaking entirely. And most importantly the God of all comfort promises to be close to the brokenhearted.
SEF
February 22, 2014
What a powerhouse of a journalist! They don't make them like Mr. Utley anymore. Prayers to him and his family on his final journey home. Thank you for making this world a better place...you were always a class act. RIP
Linda R
February 22, 2014
When Mr. Utley reported, you could believe every word he said. One of the original honest reporters and did so with a quiet reserve. Rest in Peace and thank you sir.
Nancy Woodwell-Freedman
February 22, 2014
My prayers, thoughts & condolences go to the wife, family, friends & associates of the wonderful Garrick Utley. I watched his impressive reporting all through the late 60's & 70's & I never missed him on "Meet The Press." It was during the 70's, that I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Utley at a resort on Virgin Gorda. He never failed to smile & say "good morning" or "good evening" as he walked by us on the beach or give us a nod of acknowlegement in the restaurant. A lovely gentleman and a great reporter was taken from us much too soon. May he rest in peace.
Jane Dowling
February 22, 2014
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
February 22, 2014
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. May the God of all comfort, support and sustain you during this time of sadness.
scott marshall
February 22, 2014
To the world-best newsman of the broadcasting field. You were better than John Chancellor when he was on the air. He joins Huntley and Brinkley team.
Sorry to see you go. RIP
Kevin McGroary
February 21, 2014
Enjoy fair winds and following seas on your journey, Mr. Utley.
Jim Baker
February 21, 2014
I always enjoyed his Newscast and meet the press. may God bless
Faith tobin
February 21, 2014
Dear Utley I didn't know until I saw it on my computer.my name is FaithTobin and my condolences's to the Family.he'll surely be missed very very much.luv,Faith
Mary Adams
February 21, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. Utley's friends and families. I enjoyed his broadcasts for many years. I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers. RIP
Kathy
February 21, 2014
He was an personable and engaging news commentator, one of the first that I remember listening to with my folks growing up. Condolences to his family in your loss.
February 21, 2014
My condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. John 5:28.
February 21, 2014
Condolences to the Utley family. May the
God who comforts all the mourning ones
be with you to comfort you and your
family at this sad and difficult time.
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 21, 2014
rip
February 21, 2014
Mr. Utley, you were one of the BEST newscasters ever ! RIP
February 21, 2014
Our deepest sympathy from the Carter family for your recent loss. We are so thankful to Garrick for keeping us abreast of current events for so many years. As you remember Garrick Utley--the man, the husband, the father, the friend--with boundless love and the joy you feel reminiscing of the life you shared with him, find the needed comfort in the words of John 3:16.
robert griffin
February 21, 2014
i thought he was the most knowledgeable person bringing the news. now you're God's anchor man.
G
February 21, 2014
Thanks for bringing us the news for all those years, you did just fine... Rest in Peace!
Don Cass
February 21, 2014
I always enjoyed the way hew reported the news - such a wonderful man. May he Rest in Peace. To his family - May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 21, 2014
To Family and Friends,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort from God during this most difficult time. Never forget that God cares about you.
dave wilford
February 21, 2014
Something not many know. He was the head copyboy at the Chicago Sun Times in the late fifty's. I was later the headcopy boy for a while. He came from a very talented family.
February 21, 2014
MAY YOU BE COMFORTED BY GOD IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW."HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO MOURN,SINCE THEY WILL BE COMFORTED."MATT.5:4...PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCE......
Katherine Leann Ladd
February 21, 2014
I always liked Garrick Utley - had such a commanding voice - have missed him since he retired!! Thank you Garrick for your many years of reporting our news!!
Condolences,thoughts and prayers to his family and friends!!!!
Farewell old friend!!
RHONDA L. EDWARDS
February 21, 2014
I ENJOYED WATCHING HIM REPORTING THE NEWS.REST IN PEACE.
--GOD BLESS
G J.
February 21, 2014
To the entire family. May you have peace in this time of sorrow. Rom 15:33.
Ellen Lambert
February 21, 2014
He was my go-to news guy when I was in elementary school. Always loved Mr. Utley! May you RIP.
Harry Simpson
February 21, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
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