An institution has passed:
R. W. Apple Jr., who in more than 40 years as a correspondent and editor at The New York Times wrote about war and revolution, politics and government, food and drink, and the revenge of living well from more than 100 countries, died early this morning in Washington. He was 71.
The cause was complications of thoracic cancer.
With his Dickensian byline, Churchillian brio and Falstaffian appetites, Mr. Apple, who was known as Johnny, was a singular presence at The Times almost from the moment he joined the metropolitan staff in 1963. He remained a colorful figure as new generations of journalists around him grew more pallid, and his encyclopedic knowledge, grace of expression — and above all his expense account — were the envy of his competitors, imitators and peers.
He led an interesting life.
DougJ
Thanks for posting this John. I’ve always enjoyed his articles. He brought a touch of real America to the Times that will be sorely missed. I’ve always thought of him as a bit like Calvin Trillin. For me, that’s very high praise.
Anyway, he’ll be missed.
ersatz
His articles could be so *silly* sometimes but he was so clearly enthusiastic that it was hard not to get caught up in what he was talking about. Looks like he had fun doing what he did.