Herb "Herb" Altschull
Herb "Herb" Altschull
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Herb Altschull Obituary
Obituary
Joshua Herbert (Herb) ALTSCHULL Age 85, died December 30, 2009 at Kline Galland Home in Seattle after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Baltimore, MD on January 2, 1924 to Simon Altschull and Bertha Rosenberg and is survived by his only sibling, Betty Silverman of Boca Raton, FL. Herb received his Bachelor degree in English from the University of North Carolina in 1942 and his PhD in History from the University of Washington in 1969. He was discharged from the Marine Corps in 1944 when military doctors discovered and removed a brain tumor - the first successful operation of its kind. Herb's long and distinguished career as a journalist and teacher included an assignment as AP bureau chief in Bonn, Germany in the 50s and 60s, news analyst at KING TV in Seattle (1963-1970), journalism professor at Indiana University in Bloomington (1970 -1981), writing seminar instructor at Johns Hopkins University and free lance writer for publications including Readers Digest, Christian Science Monitor and New York Times. He wrote two books, Agents of Power and From Milton to McLuhan, which are still used as textbooks in journalism classrooms. Herb won three Emmys for documentaries he helped produce at KING. His documentary about race relations in Seattle in the 1960s, Color Me Somebody, was among his proudest achievements. As was his style of interpersonal communication, Herb interviewed everyone he met and his interview subjects included world leaders, celebrities, friends and family. Herb leaves behind his beloved companion: Ila; five children: JoEllen (Linc) of Lincoln, CA, Suzee (Dave) of Traverse City, MI, Elizabeth (Francois) of Paris, France, Nicole (Jeff) of Bainbridge Island, WA and John (Yi) of Pittsburg, CA.; thirteen grandchildren: Sherry, Bonnie, Scott, Brent, Matt, Adam, Guillaume, Andre, Jenny, Victor, Regan, Kyra and Shannon; nine great grandchildren: Gavin, Quentin, Jarreau, Hunter, Eli, Georden, Candace, Alyson and Matthew; and one great-great grandchild; Sage. A memorial service will be held February 13, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 pm at University House, 4400 Stone Way Ave. N., Seattle. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made with a donation to the charity of your choice in Herb's name. Everyone who knew this extraordinary man is invited to sign the online guest book that has been set up in Herb's name at www.legacy.com.23 Entries
Outside the Culver Chapel - (4/5/1982)
January 17, 2010
Herb KING promo photo - (1/1/1960)
January 17, 2010
Herb & Ila - (12/23/2007)
January 24, 2010
Herb & Betty - (10/07/2007)
January 24, 2010
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Janice Takashima
June 16, 2014
Today I am grateful to remember Mr. Altschull (as he was to me then) and what he taught me about modern U.S. history. He was already a respected journalist at the time, but I was fortunate that he was also a TA at the UW, teaching an evening course that was a requirement for me as a history major. Never before had U.S. history been so interesting to me, particularly the time of the Korean War, which had not been distant enough in time to be considered "history" during my earlier school days. I realize now how important his influence has been on me in being present during events which too quickly become history.
Deborah Bailey
September 8, 2012
I just looked "Herb" up on-line and read of his passing. I was one of his students - at Indiana University years ago. He offered such encouragement for my writing. So much so in fact, that I didn't believe that he could believe in me as strongly as he did. It has taken me the better part of 30 years to see myself as the writer Herb saw sitting in his class so long ago. The hopes he had for me - they seemed unattainable. He thought I should intern for the New York Times - I thought that was absurd -something outside the scope of reality. He intruded into my life with dreams that I could not begin to consider. It was the 1980's and although much had changed - it was still so strange to have this "white" man (or white to me at the time) affirm my gifts as a young African American woman. It was like he was speaking to me in a language for which I had no framework for translation. I just didn't know what to make of that and so, I simply did not believe him. I am so thankful that Professor A was way ahead of his time. I didn't know that he deeply and authentically pondered issues of race and culture - we were in Southern Indiana after all! Now looking back - I can see that,given his world travels, there was much about life in Southern Indiana that he may have found less than hospitable as well.
Please know that his kindness and his authentic encouragement will have a home with me always.
Blessings to you always Professor Altschull and blessing to your family.
May 12, 2010
I am sorry to learn that Herb has moved on. I met Herb when I worked at King TV as News Librarian. He was always very nice to me and I was given the opportunity to work with Herb on a project he did for KING, "Color Me Somebody" Rest in peace.
Martha Hubbard [Gilliam]
Gail Helsel Perry Pranitis
April 8, 2010
Herb was a friend during the darkest time of my life. I still treasure books that he shared with me and have such fond memories of him as a friend and professor. Rest in peace.
Sharon Faville
March 6, 2010
Herb knew how to have fun. He enjoyed sports. He never missed a basketball or football game as long as I knew him. I remember how proud he was to receive a game ball from Bobby Knight’s team that played “The Perfect Season”. Not many people have one of those.
He and John Thomas really enjoyed our Dungeons and Dragon’s adventures. Herb, JT, and I played with several students whenever we could. We played for hours. His character’s name was, Regrubmah. (That’s hamburger spelled backwards.) His sense of humor showed through during these games. What fun.
Good bye, Herb
Jay & Shelley Silverman
February 27, 2010
Our thoughts are with Nicole and John
Robert Wanless
February 11, 2010
I am sorry to hear that Herb has passed on. I never knew him well but I have been a close friend of John his son for nearly 20 years. I have heard so many stories of this man and have seen the influence he has had upon my friend and many others. May God bless him. To John, Nicole and the rest of your family my condolences. God bless you all through this time.
February 4, 2010
I met Herb and Eva when they first came to Seattle Recently I was with a group discussing Roberta Bird's Face to Face and her interviews in the late '60's, Someone recalled Herb Altschull's documentary about race relations. This was the day after he died, but no one knew that. This shows how much influence he had, not only at the time but to be remembered fifty years later. Kay Bullitt
February 4, 2010
Herb was a very good friend of my wife Nancy's and mine during the 1960s. After he moved from Seattle and we later did the same, we regrettably lost touch with him. But I do recall fondly our many stimulating and satisfying conversations about such diverse topics as world history, current events, the theater, and baseball. I admired, and will always remember him for, his comprehensive knowledge, keen insights, and gentle sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones.
Dick Weil - Waialua, HI
Leif Jackson
February 1, 2010
I read with sadness that Herb had passed. My sympathies to the family, especially Nicole and JT. Sincerely, Leif
January 31, 2010
What a pleasure it was to work with Herb at KING-TV back in the exciting years of the 1960's. He taught me so much about judgement in journalism and was always encouraging my own writing efforts. In more recent years, after he moved back to Seattle, my husband Floyd and I enjoyed a number of good visits and dinners talking politics. Despite his stroke and other health problems, he was always mentally lively and fun to talk with. I know he was thrilled to see Barack Obama elected President. Herb was an extremely important person in my life and he has left a wonderful legacy for the future in his several insightful books. Floyd joins me in sending condolences to his family.
Barbara Sweetland Smith - Anchorage, AK
James Arnold
January 31, 2010
I was always impressed by your intelligence, Herb.
January 30, 2010
With sympathy.
Mari-Ann Kind Jackson
John Altschull
January 30, 2010
You have left behind a great, empty spot in my life. I have so many great memories. What is hardest is the lack of ongoing chats and pieces of advice I need from you now. Those needs are now met with only silence.
Bonnie
January 26, 2010
Always an intellectual, he shared & taught me much...my most memorable lesson, grilled cheese sandwiches! I will always remember our conversations and our Thanksgiving dinner we shared together recently! I love you Grandpa!
Jo Gessford
January 25, 2010
Dad, One of my fondest childhood memories is of you reading me Winnie The Pooh....over and over again! A.A. Milne wrote: “The third-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the majority. The second-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the minority. The first-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking.” Everyone who knew you knew that you had (have) a first rate mind! Love from Jo.
January 25, 2010
Remember the good things. In his youth, he was fun, and an excellent bridge player. – Diana (Paris).
Elizabeth Altschull
January 25, 2010
"Cette existance est un adieu" c'est la citation qui résume je pense ce qui fut entre nous.
Nicole
January 24, 2010
Rest in peace Dad. You will be remembered by many.
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