In his introduction to Big Russ and Me, Tim Russert makes a poignant observation about fathers: “Whatever we achieve and whoever we are, we stand on their shoulders.”
I’m sure we can all envision ways this statement rings true in our own lives. And as I looked at the issues we’ve put out the door in the past quarter-century, I was reminded of another application. This book stands on the shoulders of those who helped create, build and improve it.
Sue Powills was my first boss here. She is, simply, the best editor I’ve ever known. Sue showed me how a pro manages time, planning, assignments, priorities and people. More than that, she had an intuitive feel for what readers in this market wanted to know more about. Each issue, Sue made sure we delivered timely, relevant content.
But Sue was only part of the reason I signed on 15 years ago. The other was Chris Bale. Chris was a rare combination of brains, guts, stamina and warmth. He also had the best belly laugh I’ve ever heard. While Chris’s life was cut way too short, he leaves behind a legacy of goodwill and good friends. Of course, the man who made it all possible is Bill McKnight, our magazine’s founder. A pleasant mixture of entrepreneur and raconteur, Bill still plays the clarinet, as he has for six decades. His rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In” may still be reverberating in Alcatraz, where he once played during a convention trip.
Even in retirement, Bill exudes positive energy and warmth. He’s not the sort of person who’s going to let little things like a heart attack or back problems slow him down. When he was recently asked why he always seemed happy at the office, the response was quintessential Bill McKnight: “Because I loved what I was doing — that’s what it’s all about.”
A natural salesman, Bill was willing to invest in resources so his magazine could best serve the market.
I’m fortunate to have worked with some other fantastic editorial people in recent years. Editor Jim Berklan is more than a friend and co-worker. He’s a true colleague. Liza Berger’s name is becoming an increasingly familiar fixture on our pages. And some of my earliest co-workers — Julie Williamson, John Hall, John Andrews and John McCormack — are still contributing.
I’ve also had the good fortune over the years to work with people like John Guagliardo, Tracy Blankenheim, Erin Killian and Jenny Gilbert (now Rooney).
Longtime readers may remember names such as Jim Bowe and Anne Hegland, who helped fill issues during the 1980’s. And in the beginning were people like James D. Snyder, Patricia E. Raber, Robert Hickox and Leslie Champlin.
These are some of the people who have made the pages in this magazine a worthwhile read for more than 25 years. I thank them for their commitment — and shoulders.
John O’Connor, Vice President
McKnight’s Long-Term Care News
[email protected]
