Donald Slinkard

After I wrote something last year, I found the the letter Don wrote to me on Feb. 21, 1981, when I was a student at Columbia Journalism. In those days we all wrote to 100 newspapers trying to get jobs. Don's response said, "Dear Mr. Reed: Your background is impressive and I wish we could hold out some hope for future employment. Unfortunately, I don't see any openings on the horizon in May or anytime soon after that. Even so, I'd be happy to chat with you if your California trip brings you...

In tribute to Don from his sister-in-law (Ted) Betsy. Condolences to the entire Slinkard extended family. Don was a marvelous person that was my privilege to know.

That´s a great obituary. Thanks for sharing your story Slink! What a wonderful life!

Don Slinkard was and will remain my favorite newspaper editor ever. His weekly "Brickbats & Bouquets" delivered beloved (by me) praise and deserved (a few times by me) criticism of our writing in news stories. It may have featured the best-written "pieces" in the paper each week. I couldn't wait for every issue of B&B. The paper became less with the end of B&B and certainly with the retirement of Don Slinkard. Slinkard, as most of us called him, was always affable, approachable, friendly yet...

Don was a volunteer for Tree Fresno, and we planted many trees together. He was a joy to be with, and we've communicated often since I moved to Oregon. His yearly letter and frequent emails were delightful. I was honored to know him, and I send my condolences to his family.

Such a delight to read your father´s words, David. A wordsmith to the end! He sounds like he was really something´. Such a gift to have him so long. My condolences to you and your family.

Don was an extraordinary journalist, and a very fine human being.

In 50 years as a reporter I had just one mentor: it was Don. I went to the Fresno Bee in 1982 because he wrote an interesting letter when I applied. We were friends. When my dad died in New Jersey, Don drove me to the airport. He knew how to lead a newsroom through decency and understanding. When I wrote my first book in 2014, Don wrote the first review on Amazon. Not sure what more to write beyond these few memories about a lifelong friend who stayed in touch all these years.