Since this is a local death, I thought I'd give it a separate thread.
Veteran Altoona area newsman Roy Goshorn passed away on Thursday after an illness, at age 78.
Roy had an extensive career in news, working for newspapers, TV and radio news. He worked for ABC Radio News for several years, and actually was a part of the Washington press corps that rode aboard Air Force One when President Richard Nixon normalized relations with the People's Republic of China in the early 1970s. Roy said he got to stand about 6 feet away from Chinese chairman Mao Tse Tung.
Eventually, when his parents' health started to wane, Roy returned to the area (he was a Bellwood native) and worked in local radio. I got to work alongside him for 4-5 years during my early stint at WFBG-AM, and later worked with him again when WRTA and Q94 merged under the same roof.
Roy was one of the last of the old-school local radio news reporters, who actually went out into the field to gather stories, grill politicians and VIPs, and dig to get the facts and unique angles on news stories. I often anchored the console when Roy was phoning in reports from the field; I especially remember one time when he was covering a local house fire, and the frantic tone of his voice when the structure caved in just a few feet away and he had to jump back.
In recent years, I was honored to be able to bring Roy into my news writing classes at Penn State Altoona to speak with students about the news business. He always fascinated the students with his enthusiasm and stories, and he was always happy to answer their career questions.
Although I didn't get into the news side of the radio business myself, I consider Roy an influence on my career. He eagerly shared his insight and wisdom, and I also admired his enthusiasm for life. Even when he stepped away from radio full-time, he still stayed involved and kept his foot in the door. (He actually coordinated the radio room in Washington. D.C. during President Obama's inauguration in 2009, and was present when Senator Ted Kennedy suffered his seizure.)
Roy was also a live music fan. He liked Felix & the Hurricanes and the U.S. Sound Theatre, and frequently attended the Blair County Arts Festival and the Friendly City Polkafest in Johnstown.
I have a lot of pleasant memories of Roy, and am thankful for the time and experiences I enjoyed with him. He will be missed.
Roy Goshorn R.I.P.
Here is the Altoona Mirror's story about Roy and his passing: http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/conte ... ml?nav=742.