It has been about six weeks since I last talked shop with Jack Lancaster. I am so saddened to read about his passing. With tears rolling down my cheeks, I can say that Jack Lancaster is the reason I am the writer I am today. His red copy and constructive criticism as a college newspaper adviser taught me more than I ever learned in a classroom as a student or journalism workshop as a professional. His quiet guidance while I was working for peanuts at the OColly helped me develop sound news judgment. His encouragement since I have become a professional was one of the things that helped ignite the fire when the industry got me down. Jack often sent me frequent notes about things I had written, and his support and compliments meant as much to me last month as it did 10 years ago down in the basement at 106 Paul Miller Building. He shaped my career at Oklahoma State University more than he ever knew. About a year ago, he told me I was doing what I was born to do. Coming from an expert in the field, it was one of the most treasured things he ever said to me. Jack was an extremely loving man who wanted students to succeed and uphold the principles of journalism. I respected him greatly. Still do. He was a teacher, mentor, and later, a friend. RIP. Proud and immortal. I like to think hes up there shooting the bull with Bob Kurland.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Oct 2013 14:01:35 +0000
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