John Witmer (1935-2008)

You probably never heard his name. Like most of us who have worked behind the scenes in broadcast news, John Witmer's name would rarely reach the public. But for 44 years, Woody (as we knew him) kept people honest at ABC Radio News.

Woody was an editor - all those years, for the same organization - and a damned good editor,too. And he was proud of being an editor - "EDITORS DON'T WRITE," he would bellow, when some newbie might ask him to contribute a paragraph or a page. Whether talking with a newscaster or producer about a lead for the next broadcast, fixing grammatical or, worse, factual errors in the copy, he had a fine eye and a good ear.

He had to be one of the least politically correct people I've ever met - "I'm an equal opportunity bigot; I try to offend everyone," he would say, after come out with a really funny and truly awful joke. And he was a great friend, fiercely loyal to his co-workers, neighbors and co-worshippers at the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims in Brooklyn.

For me, he was one of the first people I met when I came to ABC, back in the mid-60s. He was a friend and a mentor. I learned a hell of a lot about journalism by working with him - still, I think, the best way for anyone to learn the trade.

He passed away quite suddenly in January. At a memorial service at his church yesterday, he was remembered by a great many people with fondness, affection and good humor. He will be sorely missed by all of us.