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Rex Wilson Obituary
Wilson died Wednesday at his home in the Mexican town of Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara, of complications from a stroke and lung cancer. His wife, Olga, was at his side.
He and Olga moved from Port Angeles to Zapopan following Wilson's retirement on Aug. 1, 2015. He had directed the PDN's news and sports reporters, photographers, desk editors and layout staff since December 1998.
Working closely with then-editor and publisher John Brewer, Wilson oversaw the nuts and bolts of the PDN's coverage of local events - and during his tenure these ranged from hospital fundraisers to the Makah whale hunt; City Council and School Board meetings to the arrest in Port Angeles of al-Qaeda terrorist Ahmed Ressam; local court coverage to the slayings of Clallam County Sheriff's Deputy Wally Davis and U.S. Forest Service officer Kristine Fairbanks and a mountain goat killing a hiker in Olympic National Park; county fairs and tractor pulls to Tse-whit-zen, "'Twilight' Fever" and the removal of the Elwha River dams.
"Rex Wilson and local news. The two thoughts are inseparable," said Brewer, who retired in October 2015.
"Rex loved local community news. He thrived on it.
"And thanks to his workaholic drive, interest in North Olympic Peninsula history and a remarkable memory that was backed up by three-foot piles of clippings and documents on his desk, PDN readers were kept informed on a whole range of local news because Rex was running the newsroom."
Said Leah Leach, who succeeded Wilson as executive editor: "Rex left an indelible mark on the Peninsula Daily News. He and John developed the newspaper into the leading voice on the North Olympic Peninsula."
As word circulated of Wilson's death, PDN staffers past and present took to social media.
"Rex had the strength of optimism and humor that few have," PDN reporter Paul Gottlieb posted on Facebook. "And he was a damn good journalist."
Photojournalist Keith Thorpe worked with Wilson during Wilson's entire tenure at the Peninsula Daily News.
"He was a true old-school newspaper man with ink in his blood and wax under his fingernails," Thorpe said. "He could be funny as hell in one moment and laser-focused the next. He was very good at both.
"First and foremost, he stood up for his people. He was always there when we needed him, and at the same time, he drew out the best in those who worked around him."
Readers of the PDN and friends also reached out with support and condolences. Among the postings on Rex's Facebook page was this one:
"I met Rex Wilson when I was teaching a journalism class at Lincoln High School in Port Angeles," said Susan MacDonald.
"We set it up so he would come in and do several sessions about what it was like to work at a newspaper, what it meant to be a reporter.
"The kids loved him. Afterwards, he kept in touch, and we would meet up for a late lunch once or twice a year. I sure appreciated his wit and humor, his kindness and passion."
The day he retired in 2015, Wilson wrote his final memo to the PDN news staff:
"Regardless of the platform, whether print, TV, radio or the Internet, we still need and will always need journalism - you know, the inverted-pyramid stuff that tells the story succinctly and accurately with ethics, passion, objectivity and concern for the truth.
"Continue to give a damn about the news, OK? I certainly will.
"Hasta luego, mis amigos, amigas y compadres. I love you all."
In addition to being a journalist, Wilson played the standup bass. He recorded with singer-songwriter Cindy Lee Berryhill and toured nationally as a member of her band.
He stopped playing his bass during his years working at the PDN - he simply couldn't spare the time, he said - but resumed it recently as a member of a band in Guadalajara.
The band had its first professional performance a few weeks before Wilson - who never had been a smoker - learned he had lung cancer. He had just completed a chemotherapy series when he suffered the stroke Jan. 23.
Wilson came to the PDN on Dec. 8, 1998, from the Eureka (Calif.) Times Standard where he had been in charge of its newsroom as managing editor.
Before Eureka, he worked as a copy editor and page designer at the Orange County (Calif.) Register. Wilson was part of a Register team that earned Pulitzer Prizes in 1985 and 1989.
Wilson served as editor of twice-weekly and daily community newspapers in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas before joining the Register.
He started his journalism career in 1965 on his hometown twice-weekly newspaper in El Monte, Calif., where he held the jobs of news reporter, photographer and sports editor.
Next was a reporting job on the Whittier (Calif.) Daily News where Wilson worked until joining the Navy in 1971. He was a Navy journalist in San Diego and in Egypt.
A graduate of California State University at Fullerton, Wilson did graduate work in mass communications at San Diego State University.
Wilson and his Guatemala-born wife operated two lingerie fitting and design businesses in the Guadalajara area. He also is survived by a stepson, Carlos Monroy of Guatemala City, Guatemala, and Zapopan.
A celebration of life is planned in Guatemala. Memorial donations can be made to the 2019 Peninsula Home Fund in his name. A link to donate is at www.olycap.org/peninsula-home-fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rex Wilson
Sponsored by John Brewer.
Rex Wilson's busy PDN office in 2015. (Photo thanks to Stacey Dillon)
John Brewer
May 9, 2019
TWO POSTS (both on Feb. 7, 2019) about Rex Wilson from former co-workers at the Peninsula Daily News:
MARCIE MILLER: Very sad to report that my friend and former PDN editor, Rex Wilson, lost his battle with lung cancer yesterday. He died at his home in Guadalajara, attended by his loving wife, Olga. I'm glad I got to spend time with him in the city last summer. As always he was a font of information. Rex was not always easy to work for, but outside the stressful newsroom environment, he was a real character. He will be missed. Vaya con Dios, amigo.
CHRISTINE CASILLAS: The world lost a true newsman, journalist and editor yesterday. To me, he was a brilliant editor, a master of history and a music lover with a sense of humor, untouched.
He was my lunch buddy at Grannys Cafe in Port Angeles and a huge supporter of mine both professionally and personally. I just wish we could have made it to Mexico to visit him. I shall miss him terribly. And Ill make sure hes proud of me, too, down here.
The last time I saw him was a couple of years ago, right before he retired from the Peninsula Daily News, and he said to me: Youre late. Get back on the copy desk!
Rest easy, my friend.
Rex in 1965
John Brewer
May 5, 2019
A NOTE WRITTEN SATURDAY NIGHT (Aug. 1, 2015), his last day in the job) by (now retired, after 17 great years) PDN Executive Editor Rex Wilson (and well miss him!) to his colleagues, friends and associates:
Its surreal to say that Im retired from the newspaper business as of tonight after schlepping out so many stories and so many pages for all these years (yep, that photo shows the kid in April 1965 as a cub reporter in the newsroom of the El Monte (Calif.) Herald; note the ashtray on the desk no, it wasnt mine).
To all the wonderful colleagues and friends present and past, words cannot express my gratitude and my honor in working with you and for our readers.
And to John and the rest of the Peninsula Daily News folks, thanks for a Thursday night sendoff that Ill never forget.
Before the next adventure in Guadalajara [Mexico] as a lingerie baron with Olga and God knows what else (please come and visit; not only is it one of the safest and most fascinating cities in North America, but visiting will automatically earn you a free thong from Murua Intimates), my final musing is this:
Regardless of the platform, whether print, TV, radio or the Internet, we still need and will always need journalism you know, the inverted-pyramid stuff that tells the story succinctly and accurately with ethics, passion, objectivity and concern for the truth.
Continue to give a damn about the news, OK? I certainly will.
Hasta luego, mis amigos, amigas y compadres. I love you all.
REX (now officially a recovering journalist)
P.S.: My email is [email protected]. Visit Murua Intimates for the address.
-30-
Rex Wilson's office, 2015
John Brewer
April 8, 2019
Rex Ion Wilson
BORN: May 3, 1948, in Inglewood, Calif. (raised in El Monte, Calif.)
DIED: Feb. 6, 2019, at Paseo Virreyes, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico (Zapopan is a suburb of Guadalajara)
WIFE: Maria O. "Olga" Wilson (maiden name Murua; born in Guatemala), married in Port Angeles, Wash., Jan. 15, 2002.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR, Peninsula Daily News: December 1998 - August 2015
GRADUATED: California State University, Fullerton, 1971 (BA, Communications)
MILITARY SERVICE: Joined U.S. Navy in 1971. He worked as a Navy journalist in San Diego and in Egypt.
Rex Wlson at the PDN in August 2015
John Brewer
April 7, 2019
Bill Lindstrom posted this on Facebook about Rex on Feb. 8, 2019:
Some of you may remember Rex Wilson, who was executive editor of the Peninsula Daily News in Port Angeles for 17 years until retiring in 2015. He and his wife Olga moved to Guadalajara, Mexico. Sadly, Rex passed away Monday from lung cancer, diagnosed six months ago.
When I interviewed Rex in 2015 (one day after his retirement), I took these pictures of him. I'll share because they show his spirit. Rex is featured prominently in my book, "Strait Press: A History of News Media on the North Olympic Peninsula."
Lindstrom's posting prompted these follow-up responses on Facebook:
From Lora Malakoff -- I met Rex once and had a chat on the loading dock at the PDN, best compliment I've ever gotten? He asked me what newspaper I was editor at prior to starting the Seniors Sunset Times.... and he had the kindness to look surprised when I told him I was a hack from the advertising department! He was enjoyable to converse with and I am so sorry for his passing so soon. My thoughts are with his wife, family & friends at this difficult time.
Diane Urbani DelaPaz [former features editor at the PDN] -- Rex was so full of life and full of the devil. It's very hard to accept that he's gone from this world. If there's a heaven for newspaper editors, he'll be making them all laugh their heads off.
Erin Brady Kirkland [former freelance writer at the PDN] -- Oh, this makes me sad. He was such a great guy.
Rex Wilson, with friend
John Brewer
April 1, 2019
Posted by Christine Casillas on Facebook, Feb. 7, 2019:
The world lost a true newsman, journalist and editor yesterday. To me, he was a brilliant editor, a master of history and a music lover with a sense of humor, untouched.
He was my lunch buddy at Grannys Cafe in Port Angeles and a huge supporter of mine both professionally and personally. I just wish we could have made it to Mexico to visit him. I shall miss him terribly. And Ill make sure hes proud of me, too, down here.
The last time I saw him was a couple years ago, right before he retired from the Peninsula Daily News, and he said to me: Youre late. Get back on the copy desk!
Rest easy, my friend.
Rex Wilson and Bruce Dillon
John Brewer
March 30, 2019
From Debby S. Dillon, posted on Facebook on Feb. 8, 2019:
Yesterday, I learned we lost our dear family friend, Rex Wilson.
I am extremely sad . . . I thought hed make it . . . He was fighting an old nemesis of many of us, cancer . . . such an evil disease.
Another dear part of my childhood gone. Its shocking how fragile, tenuous our lives are on this planet . . . and how quickly time flies by...
Rex was, and always will be a Godfather to me. I used to call him that, even when my mom would try and correct me (since Rex wasnt at my baptism). He was a dear, dear figure in our family, my Dad, Bruce Dillon, was best friends with Rex. They shared a love of puns and the press. I will always treasure his contribution to the wackiness in my soul.
There are pivotal people in your life, he was one for me. Between Lucille Ball, my father, mother, Robin Williams and Rex, I learned the fine art of comedy, quick wit and timing. He had a quick wit and I remember hanging on his every word both as a child and recently, when we discussed politics and immigrants . . . he helped me see life differently, with new eyes. I am happy I was able to let him know how special he was to me and my sister. He let me know as well he enjoyed being there throughout our lives and watching my sister and I grow up..he treasured, he said being called, Uncle or God Father. . . and, I know he knew my Dad loved him.
I am comforted with the certainty the two of them are out there forever- together now, to trade barbs, puns and all the other goofy things great friends do together . . . HUG MY DAD FOR ME!
RIP Dear GodFather Wilson . . . hugs . . . . my heart has lost another part . . .
I will work hard though to replace my grief with laughter as I remember you and Dad laughing and playfully jabbing at each other. . .
Fare Thee Well on your next journey . . .
Dad and Rex Wilson, Best Friends
Aimee Hasle, left, Rex Wilson and Stacey Dillon in Rex's office at Peninsula Daily News -- July 2015.
John Brewer
March 27, 2019
Posted by Stacey Dillon on Facebook on Feb. 8, 2019:
I learned this week that my dad's best friend, Rex Wilson, passed away on Monday -- just 6 months after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Yet another reminder that life is much too short.
The last time I saw Rex was in July 2015, when we visited him at his office in Port Angeles on our way to Victoria [B.C.] . . . only a few days before his retirement as executive editor of the Peninsula Daily News, after a long and successful career in print journalism.
Although he had regretted being unable to attend my Dad's funeral in May that year, he sent along the letter below to share his memories.
It was a priceless glimpse into the "work" side of my dad that was not fully apparent to me when I was a kid.
I'm so sorry that Rex will not get to enjoy the long retirement with his beloved wife, Olga, which he so deserved after years of long hours and hard work, but he clearly lived a full life filled with friends and family who loved him dearly.
RIP, Rex, and thanks for the memories.
Here's what Rex told me in his letter about my Dad, Bruce Dillon:
"It's hard to believe more than four decades later that Bruce and I met in May 1971, when I was just out of Navy boot camp and editing a San Diego Navy newspaper that was printed where Bruce was editor of the Coast Dispatch in Encinitas.
"We often joked later how odd it was for Bruce, with longish hair at the time, to hang out with a guy with a boot camp haircut. Didn't matter. We had a lifelong personal and professional relationship that every person should have.
"We attended state newspaper conventions together, helped to keep the San Diego Press Club in business, drove a bunch of journalism students from San Diego to the Grand Canyon for a weekend journalism conference (10-hour drive each way -- hey, nobody said we were smart!) and shared press box seats at Chargers games.
"We bought adjoining condominiums in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, lived through our respective divorces and hirings and firings and other crises together, shared a devotion to disseminating the news and, especially, community journalism, and had many, many other life experiences that only a deep friendship could somehow fashion into good times.
"We seemed to follow each other's footsteps: He was Coast Dispatch editor; I later became Coast Dispatch editor. The C-D won several state general excellence awards under both of our tenures. Same thing at the Vista Press, our first forays into editing dailies. You think that's weird?: I've been executive editor of the daily newspaper in Port Angeles, Wash., for more than 16 years. Bruce was born in Port Angeles, Wash.
"He was president of the San Diego Professional Chapter of Sigma Delta Chi, now known as the Society of Professional Journalists, and I was a few years later. He and I served on local and state Bench-Bar-Media panels to promote freedom of information, so vital in American society as we all especially know now. Over the years, we both lost our hair.
"It wasn't all newspapering: A fond memory is going to the Muhammad Ali/Ken Norton boxing match at the San Diego Sports Arena in which Norton broke Ali's jaw, the fight still went the distance and Norton upset Ali in a decision.
"We sat in the nosebleed section that afternoon but it didn't matter. We had already oiled up at a saloon across the street from the Sports Arena and discovered that morning a new game that was miraculously played on a TV screen. A TV screen you controlled with two knobs. Remember Pong?
"Even after Bruce left Southern California behind for a new and good life for him in Illinois, I fondly recall how he and Betsy and the family introducing me -- the SoCal kid -- to the Midwest. Tornado warning sirens. Lightning bugs. Interstate toll booths. Great food!
"And the pun: us being journalists, cynicism and satire were two of our mainstays, and the abuse of the language -- the pun -- came in close behind. We were never competitive except with the pun. The longer the evening went, the worse the puns would become. Real groaners.
"Here's an example: Let's say the word is milk. One would make a clean breast of the situation. Another would milk it for all it's worth. Somebody would butter it up. Bruce would always come up with the zinger: Nothing can get past your eyes (Pasteurize -- get it?). OK, we'll bottle up the topic of puns.
"And there were the tongue-in-cheek personal insults delivered in the same way that a 'roast' would happen on TV. Of myriad personal putdowns, the one that Bruce kept bringing up -- even 40 years later -- was when he was president of Sigma Delta Chi, the journalism group, in the 1970s.
"As president, Bruce would host membership meetings at which there would be a guest speaker. Because of the lousy work hours journalists have, SDX found that Sunday brunches were the best times to hold these membership meetings, at which anywhere from 100 to 250 people would attend at a nice hotel or restaurant banquet room.
"I think it was his first such meeting as president, at Tom Ham's Lighthouse Restaurant on San Diego's Harbor Island, where he obviously was most uncomfortable at the podium ... even with such routine duties as welcoming the audience and introducing the guest speaker.
"Not too many months before this gathering, President Nixon had gone on TV to tell the nation that the U.S. was stopping the bombing of North Vietnam as a gesture toward the Paris Peace Talks.
"Following the Sigma Delta Chi meeting, Bruce -- still obviously nervous from having to do the public speaking -- asked me how I thought he did.
"My wisecrack: 'I thought they stopped the bombing.'
"With sudden relief from his pent-up nervousness, Bruce absolutely lost it in laughter. And loved it -- even decades later.
"Bombs away, Bruce. I miss you, my dear friend."
And, now, we'll miss you too, Rex.
Rex Wilson joined the Navy in 1971. He worked as a Navy journalist in San Diego and in Egypt.<br />
John Brewer
March 26, 2019
REX WILSON had a gifts for gab; he was an enthusiastic storyteller and made friends everywhere he went. He will be deeply missed by his family friends and all who knew him.
POSTED on Facebook on Feb. 8, 2019, by Russell Stoll:
RIP Rex Wilson - Lifelong Journalist, musician, funny, positive force for the lives you touched.
You kept your last story,the cancer, hidden. I thank you for the professionalism and example you lived by, and the good times we shared on the little San Diego paper so long ago... As always, when searching for the truth of a story, I'll think of you, Shipmate.
RESPONSE from John Brewer to this FB posting:Rex joined the Navy in 1971. He worked as a Navy journalist in San Diego and in Egypt.
REPLY from Russell Stoll: Believe I was responsible for his posting. I was the editor of the NTC newspaper and one thing I did was ask new recruits to fill out a form and tell if they had any interesting stories or backgrounds. There was a guy who claimed he saw Sasquatch (after the story ran we had several San Diego area personnel -- officer and enlisted -- from Washington state that claimed the same, so we had a mini-Sasquatch meeting and a follow up story); agreat-grandsonof Samuel Morse (who continued on to radioman school and FLUNKED the Morse code).
And Rex, who already had a degree and some professional journalism experience). By comparison, I only had Navy training. When we reconnected not long ago, he told me about his Egypt experience!
John Brewer
March 24, 2019
Posted by Annie Sargent on Facebook (Feb. 9, 2019):
To Olga and the family and friends of Rex Wilson, my heart is heavy hearing the sad news of his passing on Monday.
What a wonderful experience it was for me to be able to work with him at the Peninsula Daily News!
I know I only enjoyed a few years while others have known him so much longer, but I wanted to share this wonderful memory I have of him.
On the day that I interviewed with him for the position as News Clerk, I was supposed to be in and out of his office in half an hour, or so he told me.
Nearly an hour and a half later, as he was showing me the door, I said to him, "I can't remember the last time I enjoyed an interview more. I want you to know that I really want this job."
He laughed in that big way he had and said, "You have it. Now we just have to attend to the details."
And so I joined the PDN for a little while and grew to appreciate Rex Wilson for the unique and special man he was, the way he did "attend to the details."
May all the memories shared bring some comfort to all who knew Rex at this time.
Rex Wilson on his standup bass in 1987.
John Brewer
March 19, 2019
Posted by Alan Bershaw on Facebook (Feb. 8, 2019):
Sad to hear about the passing of "Waygone" Rex Wilson, who among many other things was such a critical element of Cindy Lee Berryhilll's first album and touring band.
Here's a little clip --- https://www.facebook.com/alan.bershaw/videos/2033821903354306/ --
of Cindy, Rex and Irene Liberatore in action - 32 years ago - back when MTV still was occasionally on the cutting edge. It was this 1987 performance of "Damn, I Wish I Was A Man" that first brought CLB to my attention.
RIP, Rex.
Rex Wilson and Barbara Trageser in 2005.<br />(Photo courtesy of Barbara Trageser)
John Brewer
March 15, 2019
Posted by Barbara Cousins Trageser (former PDN copy editor and page designer) on Facebook (Feb. 8, 2019):
Two days ago, I was driving to work and thinking about how I really needed to drop Rex a line.
I figured I'd get to it one morning this week. But when I popped on to FB yesterday morning, the sad news of his death was the first post I saw.
I looked everywhere for this pic [above] and finally found it this morning. I'm sure he had just said something that these days might get him sent to HR!
He was a tough boss, but for me a good boss -- because of him, I learned to stand up for myself. He was hilarious and kind.
He was one of the best, most dedicated journalists I've had the pleasure of working with. He demanded much of his employees, but never more than he was already giving of himself.
He -- and John and Henry -- taught me so much, and gave me so many opportunities to learn, grow and lead. I am forever grateful.
But more than that, his work family was so important to him and I am so glad to have been a part of it. He was among my older kids' group of "work uncles," doting on them when they came to the office.
Even before they were born he was a proud uncle to them, a surrogate big brother to me as my family was so far away.
To watch him jump out of his chair in both surprise and wonder when he'd see my pregnant belly jolting from Elizabeth's kicking was hysterical -- and among my fondest memories.
He will always hold the title for best baby shower gifter ever -- of course I would need a removable, adjustable shower head for hosing off babies and toddlers!
And when my first marriage was in shambles, he was there, offering a shoulder to lean on and advice when asked.
I will never forget his kindness and care, his wicked sense of humor. Thanks, Rex, for being such an important, positive person in my life. You are already missed.
Dan May and Rex Wilson (photo by Allison McGee)
John Brewer
March 14, 2019
Posted by Allison McGee (former PDN copy editor and page designer) on Facebook (Feb. 8, 2019):
When I first met my executive editor, Rex Wilson, he was definitely an acquired taste, mainly because Memphians just cant (and dont) talk that much.
But like his beloved tequila, he became a hoot when you got to know him.
Saturdays with Rex in a practically empty newsroom were always a blast, with us sometimes competing over who had the punniest headline or nitpicking over an AP style point (which you always knew hed change his mind on later).
No matter how long a shift he worked, hed never come to work without a smile and some amazing joie de vivre.
Im heartbroken my colleagues and I didnt get the chance to take him and Olga up on their invitation to visit, and it just goes to show you shouldnt wait to reconnect with friends.
Heres to the last time we were all together and to a wonderful friend. Cheers, buddy.
Rex the tequila man at summer softball game between the staffs of Peninsula Daily News and KONP radio, circa 2002. If a PDN staffer got a hit, Rex would give him or her a sip.<br />
John Brewer
March 11, 2019
From Peninsula Daily News photographer Keith Thorpe, on Facebook (Feb. 8):
Gosh, what can I say about Rex Wilson, my former boss, colleague and friend? He will be sorely missed.
He was a true old-school newspaperman with ink in his blood and wax under his fingernails. He could be goofy as hell in one moment and laser-focused the next. He was very good at both.
And first and foremost, he stood up for his people. He was always there when we needed him while he drew out the best in those who worked around him.
And he knew his tequila . . .! (Thorpe took the accompanying photo of Rex the tequila man.)
FOLLOWUP COMMENTS on FB:
Allison McGee:
Very nicely put, Keith. Love the photo.
Jeff Chew:
Jeff Chew He once told me about that game and the tequila he was cautiously metering out to certain office alchies. He said they were following him around like thirsty puppies smacking their lips. He was great at telling hilarious stories. Sometimes more than once, but thats OK.
Vivian Hansen:
Vivian Hansen I remember sliding into 3rd base at our annual baseball game against KONP. I thought I injured my shoulder until Rex gave me a shot of tequila.
Thank you Keith for a great memory❤
David A Weikel:
Thanks for sharing, Keith. That was such a fun event! Memory of a lifetime, Great photo!
Keith Thorpe:
Keith Thorpe Had been sitting on that photo for a loooooong time. Glad I was able to find it again.
This photo from 2017 of Rex and Carlos accompanied Carlos' March 06, 2019, Facebook post.
John Brewer
March 9, 2019
REX WILSON --- May 3, 1948 --- Feb. 6, 2019
Rex's stepson Carlos Monroy shared this on Facebook on March 6, 2019:
Today marks one month since you left us, it still doesn't get any easier but our memories together remain forever. Thanks for everything, Pops, thank you for being you and being such a good person in this world. Life is too short not to love, so love as hard as you can, take care of each other and make the time to tell someone you love them or just to say thank you. I will love you forever, Dad.
Rex and Cindy
John Brewer
February 25, 2019
IM SHARING WHAT singer-songwriter Cindy Lee Berryhill said about Rex Wilson on Facebook (the accompanying photos shows Rex and Cindy Lee in action at a concert circa 1989):
I lost one of my favorite people on the earth today, "Waygone" Rex Wilson, my friend, early mentor, bass player, adult-person/voice of reason in the tour-van, and more.
I'm really broken up about this. He passed away last night at his home in Guadalajara Mexico with his wife Olga by his side. He'd found out he had lung cancer 6 months ago, ( non-smoker).
I can pretty assuredly say that my first record Who's Gonna Save The World, wouldn't have happened, or at least, been as cool as it was, without Rex. He sang harmony (was a big fan of jug band harmony and the Moody Blues) on She Had Everything and most of the songs on the record.
He played his funky-ass upright Kay bass, who he named Bertha, on that record. Rex and I and drummer Irene Liberatore, lived in a Malibu condo that had been converted into a recording studio, for a week and a half, sleeping on couches and floors, while we recorded that first Rhino record.
Rex always had the spirit of spontaneity about him and a quick and astute wit that could knock you on your ass or make you laugh.
I learned a lot about the newspaper business from him, 'cause after all was said and done he was really an editor in a newsroom. When we got home from our first tour, dragging in after nearly 2 months on the road he almost got fired from his job at the Orange County Register.
After that he let me down easy, I was moving to New York anyway, but he had to save his job, he told me there would be no more big touring for him anymore.
He made the right choice but I know it must have been hard to hear those songs on Naked Movie Star without his bass and voice. It was a different album without Rex, much more serious for sure.
Rex became the editor for other newspapers, the last one in Port Angeles, WA and I'd get a call "Hey Cin when are you gonna tour up this way, I want you to come stay with us.
It was after I had a baby and pretty hard to do any traveling.
Then about 6 years ago he finally gave up the newsroom and retired, he and Olga moved to Guadalajara and he LOVED it down there. It was great for our friendship too because he would come visit me and Alexander every so often, take us out to dinner and slip Alex a little birthday cash.
Rex was a big supporter in cash, and words of affirmation, and emotional support, on The Adventurist. He told me "CLB it's your best yet, and I mean it". It meant a lot to me that he came up for the CD release show at the Casbah. And I had hoped that together we would see Who's Gonna Save The World come out as a reissue. Rex wanted to play on that show.
Well. Rex, you'll forever be with me on every show now, you are always a part of my heart and a part of my songs, and one of my forever-best-friends.
I love you man, whatever shape of spirit you take.
Cindy Lee and Rex
John Brewer
February 24, 2019
Another photo of Rex Wilson performing with Cindy Lee Berryhill in the late 1980s
John Brewer
February 22, 2019
Rex Wilson was a longtime member of Rotary and had been a member of the Rotary Club of Guadalajara Chapultepec and noon clubs in Port Angeles and Eureka, Calif.
Rex was instrumental in raising funds from Rotary Clubs in California and Washington that helped buy washing machines in 2002 and again in 2017 so impoverished cancer patients at a hospice in Mexico would have clean clothing and clean bedding.
"It's a great example of how a relatively small amount of international-service money from a U.S. Rotary Club goes a long way to help people in need around the world with something as simple -- and basic -- as clean laundry, Rex said in a Rotary newsletter.
Rex and his wife Olga also donated funds to provide the water-pressure system needed to help power the washers.
Rex also arranged in 2017 for the Port Angeles Rotary Club to sponsor a straight-A student from one of Guadalajara's most impoverished neighborhoods so she could continue her high school education. The donation covered books, school supplies, clothing, transportation and related expenses.
John Brewer
February 15, 2019
WHEN A MAN like Rex dies, it is as if a painting fell out of a frame, and you are left staring at an incredible bit of unoccupied space.
He was a Roman candle of a man, and to everyone he was never "Mr. Wilson" but always Rex, a man whose office door in the PDN newsroom was always open.
And I want to restate here what I said about Rex in the Peninsula Daily News story about his death:
Rex Wilson and local news. The two thoughts are inseparable.
Rex loved local community news. He thrived on it.
And thanks to his workaholic drive, interest in North Olympic Peninsula history and a remarkable memory that was backed up by three-foot piles of clippings and documents on his desk, PDN readers were kept informed on a whole range of local news because Rex was running the newsroom.
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How to support Rex's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Rex Wilson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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