Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Remembering a committed letter writer

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Jan. 14, 1999 | 10:34 a.m.

Several years ago, newspaper editors routinely assigned the task of writing obituaries to the newest recruit in the newsroom.

I was no exception when I took on my first job at the old Reno Evening Gazette. My duties included being society editor and occasional obit writer. I never did get the connection, but there must have been some reason for juxtaposing afternoon teas with death notices.

My interest in obits must have started way back then. Now that I am a senior citizen, obituaries become must reading. This all leads up to an obit I discovered in Sunday's newspaper. It was for Hartley Ashe.

I never knew the gentleman, but through the years he has impressed me as a friendly and wise fellow who has been a major contributor to the Sun's editorial pages through his letters to the editor.

Hartley Ashe was outspoken in his views and never hesitated to dress down a columnist for writing something that displeased him. He was just as quick to write a short note praising work he appreciated. In some cases, he got involved with other longtime letter writers whose views were in opposition.

Many of the men and women who are regular contributors to our letters section almost become members of the Sun family. Hartley Ashe was one of those and we, as well as our readers, will miss his pungent comments.

Letters to the editor do perform a service above just being an outlet for writers to vent their feelings.

Recently, the Sun printed a poignant letter from a man whose wife had a stroke, and he couldn't get help anywhere.

Charlotte Leas, program coordinator of Stroke of Luck Support Group, immediately wrote to the Sun, explaining the program, which provides education, support and community activity opportunities for stroke survivors and their families. She included future meeting dates and instructions for membership. The Group is supported by Nevada Easter Seal Society and VistaCare Hospice of Nevada.

What do our young people expect from their world?

When a thousand high school students gathered at the Convention Center recently to discuss all facets of their present and future, they selected seven students to represent them and relay their thoughts and opinions to the adult community.

Listen to what these future leaders have to say at 7 p.m. Sunday on Channel 4. The program will be repeated at 6 and 9 p.m. on Feb. 7.

Almost everyone collects something, but Dan Newburn's collection is a little unusual.

Newburn, an ordained minister who has married hundreds of couples, has compiled a book containing the names of all the famous people who have been married in Las Vegas.

Your first reaction as you pore over the names of the rich and famous who chose to wed in fabulous Las Vegas is: "I didn't know that."

It's a fun collection, sure to inspire conversation and memories of the famous movie, sports and entertainment stars who pledged their troth in our town.

Sincere get-well wishes to a gentle giant -- Paul Endy -- who is recuperating at Sunrise Hospital.