I guess you could say I was the Herald-Examiner's last copy boy. Although I wasn't there long before the paper closed, Dave Barton was one of those people who made a lasting impression on me. I think it was his story of rising from overnight janitor to copy boy to copy editor that inspired me to make newspapering a career instead of a job. Dave had a great sense of humor and wrote some of the funniest headlines that never saw print. "Baker goes Bonkers" was a favorite as well as "Baker to Psycho Ward." I don't think I spoke to him once after the paper closed, but I often thought about him. I know those who knew him better than I will really miss him. He was a one-of-a-kind.

Frank, if you get this message email me at ercarlson8@dslextreme.com
I am trying to get in touch with you. It has been a long time.....too long.

Thanks.

Erik

i had the privilege of working beside dave barton for a few years at the herald examiner in the late 1980s and often working on a1 headlines with him...

more than most papers and certainly more than any paper at which i have worked (with the possible exception of the chicago sun-times), the herald treated headlines as a separate editorial tool that could stand on their own merit for content, originality and often irreverance...

the headlines, as much as the copy, made the herald fun to read...they were especially fun if you're the type of person who anticipates hearing a crash when tires squeal on the street outside your house...

each day at the bottom of page a1 was a story called the "hey martha," usually an off-beat item that begged for a showcase herald headline...

this story, way more often than not, was dave barton's domain...it was a perfect vehicle for barton's particular knack for finding just the right line at the right time...always economical in delivery with no wasted space...

the guy was so prolific and consistent, there are a litany of great heads to relate...but two stand out after almost 20 years...

one was for a story about the rev. oral roberts telling his followers in a sermon that god would take him away if they didn't pony up about 6 mil in donations to his church...

barton's headline: "your money or my life"

the other was for a story about dodger slugger steve garvey's wife filing for divorce...

barton's head: "plenty of hits but no mrs."

the guy was a freaking headline genius...best i ever saw, bar none...

he also was as fine a person as i've known in newspapering...kind-hearted, humble, friendly, unassuming, trustworthy, virtually without ego (in other words, a rarity in journalism) -- the kind of person i want my son to grow up to be...on top of that, he was a cincinnati reds fan...

what's that they say about the good dying young?

As Dave's oldest daughter, "Spoonhead" (which was ultimately replaced by "Punkin"), I have taken such comfort in knowing what an impact my dad and his work has had on so many people. Last weekend, a colleague was supposed to be getting married. We were shocked to learn that her father had suddenly passed away the morning of her wedding day. The week has been hard because it brings me back to such a devistating time that feels both like it was yesterday and a million years ago.

So imagine my surprise when my sister just called to tell me that she'd stumbled upon this site. What an amazing opportunity to read and revel in the fond memories everyone has shared. The timing could not have been better, and I thank everyone who took time to reflect and post for being a part of my dad's journey. As his children continue on ours, we will treasure your kind words as stepping stones and bask in the warmth of such wonderful memories...
Stevi