Jay Ellis Thorwaldson

I worked with Jay from 1970 through 1982 at the Palo Alto Times, which morphed into the Peninsula Times-Tribune. He was a terrific reporter, who had Palo Alto city government absolutely wired. I remember that Bob Burgess, the city editor, would occasionally say that the paper needed a front page local story that day. Jay would phone around to his contacts for comment on some hot local issue, and invariably come up with a lead story. When the Chicago Tribune bought Peninsula Newspapers, Dave Burgin was hired as the new editor. Burgin was turbulent and controversial. In a display of real fortitude, Jay wrote a letter to the publisher detailing his concerns. In response, Jay was made the newspaper ombudsman, charged with critiquing coverage and responding to complaints. Outside work, Jay organized excursions to Midpeninsula open space under the aegis of the "Downhill Hiking Club." I also remember at least one backpack trip into the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness, which quickly became instead a convivial beer-fueled gathering around the barbecue at Jay's family cabin on the shores of Shaver Lake. I was fortunate enough to keep in occasional contact with Jay after we both left the paper. I was privileged to know him. I'll miss him and I wish his family all the best.