I was shocked and saddened to learn that Bruce Dold has died. For many years, I admired his work, and I was thrilled to meet him in person. It was at a reception following his appearance on a panel discussion that I worked up my nerve to introduce myself. While I no longer remember the content of my (probably half-baked) idea for improvement of the Tribune, I will never forget his genuine interest. He really listened! I was so impressed that I even complimented him on it. He graciously responded, something to the effect of getting good ideas from the readers, encouraged me to be in touch and handed me his business card. I still have it on my desk.
While that short encounter happened years ago, it had a big impact on me. I learned that Dold was not only a gifted journalist, but also someone who cared deeply about the Tribune and each of its readers. If he made that much of an impression on me in a five-minute encounter, I can only imagine what he meant to his family and friends.
My sincere condolences to them all.
— Sheryl Slone Tarkoff, Chicago
A passion we shared
I barely knew Dold, yet I grieve his untimely passing greatly. I, along with other loyal subscribers, accepted an invitation to a gathering of the Tribune Editorial Board at Tribune Tower, circa 2004. Besides Dold, columnist and editorial board member Steve Chapman was in attendance, and columnist and editorial board member Clarence Page sat in from Washington via the phone. After a long and vigorous discussion of current events — the invasion of Iraq was the hot topic — the meeting was adjourned.
As I was making my way to the door, Dold asked if I had a minute. We went to his office and kicked it around for another half an hour. I was completely lacking in clout and influence, but he sensed that we shared a common passion — newspapers. I will never forget that glorious half hour trading barbs and witticisms in Dold’s wood-paneled office. Rest in peace.
— John Knoerle, Shorewood, Wisconsin
What a privilege it was
I met Dold and talked with him during a Lake Michigan evening cruise with a group of communications professionals some years ago. Our conversation centered around the Chicago baseball scene, golf and jazz, all of which were of great interest to Dold and me. I was a journalist myself and had known his wife, Eileen, from working at Crain Communications’ Business Insurance magazine in the early 1980s.
Dold’s rise from reporter at the old Suburban Trib, competitor to my old newspaper the suburban Daily Herald, to the flagship paper was impressive. Even more so was his ascendency to the editorial page staff, his Pulitzer Prize and his rise to Tribune editor and publisher. It left me realizing I had been in the presence of budding journalistic greatness that night on that cruise.
I read the editorial (“R. Bruce Dold, editorial page maestro, believer in tradition and in upending same,” Dec. 5) about Dold’s career and influence, along with the wonderful legacy he left at the Tribune and the news profession at large. I can only say this. The little that I did know him — and being even remotely associated with his professional circle during my two years as a part-time correspondent for the Tribune’s northwest suburban bureau — was not just a nice thing. It was a privilege.
Thank you to him for all he did for newspaper journalism.
— John Maes, Austin, Texas
A clash in standards
As a longtime reader of the Tribune, I very much appreciated Robert Channick’s obituary for Dold (“Bruce Dold, former Chicago Tribune editor passes away at age 70,” Dec. 5). Channick rightly celebrated Dold’s passion for journalism and his high standards for the Tribune’s editorial page.
I saw the exact opposite in action in opinion pieces by Willie Wilson (“It’s time to make Chicago transit safe,” Dec. 4) and Paul Vallas (“What can be done to restore faith in Chicago’s justice system?” Dec. 4), whose only relevant accomplishments are multiple losing runs for mayor of Chicago. Their two essays restate the utterly obvious: The CTA should be safe! Cops and Chicagoans need to restore trust by thinking about the whole situation, not just crime and punishment! Ya think? The entire commentary page was pablum.
I wonder what Dold would think. On second thought, I know what he would think, but I bet he would be too civilized to use such language.
— Bill Savage, Chicago
City’s Mexican culture
My life has been heavily influenced by American culture, my town, my peers and my schools. They shaped my identity as a whole. But I knew deep down that I was missing an important aspect that I never paid much mind — and that was my Mexican heritage.
I experienced the disconnection firsthand watching my sisters communicate in perfect Spanish while I struggled with even forming a simple greeting. It was not until I came across Ballet Folklorico de Chicago in 2019 at age 10 that I was able to truly understand the meaning behind being Mexican American. From my first performance at a small local festival to performing for almost every Chicago sports team, it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. And it would not have been possible without Chicago.
On Sept. 29, 2024, I danced for the Chicago Bears, and it was one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. The crowd, cameras and the crew made me realize how much our company and I had grown since our first performances.
I’m truly grateful for what Chicago not only has done for my company but also for my culture. I believe we’ve shown residents, especially Mexican Americans, that our culture is an important part of the city. I hope Chicago continues to allow us to make history and to let us proudly show our culture to the city.
Thank you, Chicago.
— Bella Martinez, Hinsdale Central High School, Hinsdale
Make effort for cards
I very much enjoyed the editorial praising handwritten Christmas cards (“In praise of the handwritten Christmas card,” Nov. 30). My wife and I send these cards to relatives and friends near and far because we enjoy knowing our relatives and friends, seeing them and doing things with them. For those who live far away, we want to keep a connection with them, hoping at some point we will see them again. We want to know what’s new in their lives, good experiences they have had and accomplishments, maybe a fond memory of something we experienced together. That is all part of our connection.
My wife and I send out more than 50 cards every year. Each card has a personal message. Some contain only a few sentences, others much, much more. So why do so many people just sign their name as if it is an obligation to send a card? Write a few sentences personal to me and my wife. We receive too many cards with only the name at the bottom.
One couple are now sending cards with their name printed at the bottom. I hope they don’t strain their hand writing out our address on the envelope. If you can’t do better than that, maybe you should save the stamp.
— Richard Dreger, Batavia
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
