William R. Gruver

William R. Gruver, Journalist and Educator, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on March 10, 2008 at age 82. He was William R. Gruver II, noted Phoenix broadcast journalist-commentator at KFYI Radio and Metro Systems Broadcasting as well as a lecturer in communications at Arizona State University, Rio Solado College and many Community Centers around the Valley, a tireless, soft-spoken man whose talent, hard work and capacity for loyal friendship won him the first-name confidence of many of the nation's most powerful political, business and academic leaders. Mr. Gruver died after a brief illness. Only family members and close friends, who knew the full sweep of his long life, knew also that he was Billy Gruver, child movie actor, and later, Lt William Gruver, US Navy language translator. A graduate of Columbia University, he plunged into a lifelong career of research and writing. He is the author of a respected history of the nation's Democratic Party. By the 1960's, he had pursued his craft in the East, then moved West to California where he joined the State Democratic Committee staff to become an advisor and confidante to the late Gov. Edmund G. (Pat) Brown. Still later, he was a key staff member for Robert F Kennedy in the senator's brief and tragic presidential campaign of 1968. Returning to journalism, Mr. Gruver drew upon his friendships with Pierre Salinger, press secretary to President John F. Kennedy and became a political "advance man" for three U.S. Presidential Candidates including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Robert F. (Bobby) Kennedy. During the latter campaign he was standing nearby when Bobby Kennedy was shot by Sirhan Sirhan.
Mr. Gruver's accomplishments include: Political news editor for Jack Anderson, the widely syndicated newspaper columnist, Talk Show host for an ABC station in NYC as well as NJ Cable TV Network, White House National political conventions, Political news editor for CBS News in NY and Washington DC covering Congress, Editor for Beverly Hill Times and at the esteemed New York public relations firm, Carl Byoir & Associates, Inc., his clients included the American Revolution BiCentennial Commission (ARBA) appointed by President Richard M. Nixon to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the United States in 1976. For the BiCentennial Commission he directed a national campaign including the production of a weekly newspaper column, bylined by John Warner, which was carried by more than 900 U.S. newspapers, and a weekly 5-minute radio show, also featuring Senator Warner, which was broadcast by 300 U.S. radio stations. His intense interest in the workings of politics and government and his energetic style would not embrace the distractions of formal retirement. He continued reporting, writing and broadcasting nationally into today's turbulent electoral season. Bill Gruver was born June 18, 1925 to Anna Gruver, one of the famed "Ziegfeld Girls," who headlined the Ziegfeld Follies, one of the most successful and long-running "spectaculars" on New York City's 20th Century Broadway. His father Henry was successful business man in New York City. His mother encouraged Bill's early education at the Professional Children's School in New York City. Success there led to dramatic parts in movies that brought the young actor enduring Hollywood friendships, among the warmest with celebrated singer and film actress, Jeannette MacDonald, and her husband, the actor Gene Raymond. While living in New Jersey in 1981 Bill met his future wife Barbara while interviewing her for a story he was writing regarding her winning Mother of the Year as a result of a nomination submitted by her daughter. It was love at first sight; they were married 2 years later. Mr. Gruver is survived by his wife of 25 years, Barbara Anne; 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday March 22, 2008 at 10:00 am at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary in Phoenix, AZ.