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RIP Star Tribune's Larry Oakes

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by Small Town Guy, Jan 5, 2013.

  1. Small Town Guy

    Small Town Guy Well-Known Member

    Larry Oakes wasn't a sports guy, but he was one of the best writers in Minnesota. He committed suicide Friday at the age of 52. His family said he had been battling depression for a few years.

    I didn't know him but have many friends who did and they said he was as nice of a guy as you'd ever meet, not to mention extremely talented. Sounds like a devastating blow to the newsroom.

    Here's the Strib's obituary:
    http://www.startribune.com/local/185752822.html?refer=y

    For years he had been the paper's Duluth correspondent until they shut that bureau down. But he continued to do outstanding work, was reading his stuff just last week.

    Some of his best pieces:
    Investigation into the Minnesota sex offender program.
    http://www.startribune.com/projects/19529344.html

    Piece from a series on the lost youth of Leech Lake reservation.
    http://www.startribune.com/local/11578761.html?refer=y

    And one of his last stories, a reflection about deer hunting with his family, and the brain hemorrhage that nearly killed him in 2011.

    http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=183609051

    This was David Brauer's story on Oakes when the Duluth bureau closed.
    http://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2009/02/end-era-star-tribune-closes-duluth-bureau

    A lot of colleagues leaving messages on his Facebook.
    https://www.facebook.com/larry.oakes1
     
  2. Joe Williams

    Joe Williams Well-Known Member

    Horrible news.
     
  3. Colton

    Colton Active Member

    So sad to hear this! I just ran his column on hunting through the years, his brain issue, etc.

    RIP.
     
  4. Rosie

    Rosie Active Member

    I didn't know Larry personally, but I was very familiar with his work.
    This is so sad. :(
    Condolences and prayers to his friends and family.
     
  5. Rosie

    Rosie Active Member

  6. Zeke12

    Zeke12 Guest

    A great journalist and a great guy. Really sad.
     
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