Gwen Ifill - Beloved Figure

I knew her slightly.

I had the privilege of sitting across the table at the Newshour  from her quite a lot in the year or so that I was employed by them before being "hurled into the public" as Ron White described being thrown out of a NYC bar. 

Ifill was lovely.  One night, off camera, I absent mindedly admired the dragonfly brooch she wore.

"Santa Claus" she said.

"Santa Claus has good taste," I replied.

She contemplated me.

"Either way.  Your servant, ma'am,"  I said before the red light came on.

A great lady.  pl 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwen_Ifill

Comments

[kao_hsien_chih]

I've always liked Ifill and was wondering why she was absent from the elections coverage. I guess I know why. Never realized she was so gravely ill.

Rest in Peace.

[Keith Harbaugh]

"the forces that placed Judy Woodruff there"

Feel like expanding a bit on what those might be :-) ?

[turcopolier]

keith harbaugh

No. you get the idea. pl

[DickT]

Gwen with her red backdrop was my favorite news show. I'm going to miss her.

[The Beaver]

I was wondering also where she was last Tuesday. Looks like she has been sick for quite a while but did manage to put a good face when she was on the set.
RIP.

[SAC Brat]

I liked a few years ago when Ms. Ifill moderated a presidential debate, I believe Gore versus Bush. At the end of the debate I thought Ms. Ifill was who should have been elected. She definitely was as thoughtful as she could be in a broadcast format.

Your appearance across from her led me here, trying to figure out what you were thinking and seeing.

[john]

Gwen Ifill was special, and she stood out from her peers. I trusted her in her reporting, something that was always in depth and more honest than most.

[Swamp Yankee]

I was very saddened to see this news. I always appreciated Ifill's dignity and professionalism. Glad to hear she was as decent in person as she seemed on television and the radio. Requiescat in Pace.

[MRW]

This recounting of yours hit me. You are a thoughtful classy guy.

[fasteddiez]

The wife and I were pretty stunned and saddened by the news. Tonight's PBS news was a tribute to her. A great lady and a great reporter she was.

[LeaNder]

Wonderful vignette, Pat. Thanks.

May she rest in peace.

[Edward Amame]

Her passing was a sad surprise. The tribute on the show last night was very good, reflecting just how good at her job she was.

[Nancy K]

She was the best. She will be missed.

[Laura]

We news junkies have lost a great friend. Classy lady and top-flight journalist.