Drury - Kent Ninomiya
Kent Ninomiya. I would like to reflect today on the passing of a colleague and friend. All of Chicago and the broadcast news community is saddened to learn of the death of John Drury. I had the privilege of working with John for 5 years at WLS. Despite being the biggest star in town he was always warm and down to earth. He led by example for 50 years exuding class and dignity. He gave me some wonderful advice on excelling in the business that I still rely on today. This from the WLS web site:November 25, 2007 - John Drury, one of Chicago's most respected and beloved journalists, has died at his home in Wheaton, Illinois, from complications due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS disease. He was 80-years-old. Before his retirement from ABC 7 Chicago in 2002, Drury anchored the top-rated 10:00 p.m. newscast for 16 years, becoming a fixture in Chicago broadcasting during an iconic career that spanned four decades here. According to ABC7 President and General Manager, Emily Barr, "John was the consummate journalist - driven, passionate about telling the truth and of course, a great communicator. Throughout his 50-year career, viewers trusted him to deliver the news with fairness and accuracy and he never let them down. He was a wonderful, caring man who conducted himself with grace, loved to laugh and always made others feel at ease. All of us who worked with him are richer for having had the opportunity to be his colleague and his friend. We miss him and wish his devoted wife Ann and his family peace."John's family released the following statement: "John passed away peacefully this evening at his home surrounded by his family. Not only did he fight ALS, he gave back to the community by raising awareness to this disease. We want to thank everyone who has supported John throughout his career and throughout his battle with ALS."Born in Peoria, Illinois, on January 4, 1927, Drury was the youngest of fours sons. He grew up during the Depression, in Aurora, Illinois and learned about great storytelling when the family gathered around the radio to listen to Edward R. Murrow. He left West Aurora High School early to enlist in the Navy during World War II. When he returned home from the war he got his first job in radio at a community college and then as a student at the University of Iowa.I will miss John but revel in the memory of what he taught me about being a newsman. Kent Ninomiya
