Clayton Kirkpatrick

Clayton Kirkpatrick (January 8, 1915 – June 19, 2004) was an American journalist who was the editor of the Chicago Tribune newspaper from 1969 until 1979. He is credited with modernizing the Tribune, shifting its news coverage and editorial page away from reflexive partisanship and—in a famous editorial—calling for the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974.

Early life and education

Kirkpatrick was born on January 8, 1915, and grew up in Waterman, Illinois. He was the son of an operator of a machine shop and garage. Kirkpatrick graduated in 1937 from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.

Career

After itinerant jobs around the country, Kirkpatrick joined Chicago's City News Bureau in late January 1938.

That the editorial came from the Tribune—a paper that long had been synonymous with Republican politics—made it especially influential both in the U.S. and overseas.

Later life

In 1979, Kirkpatrick was promoted to become president and CEO of the Tribune Company. He retired on June 1, 1981.

After retiring, Kirkpatrick, an enthusiastic golfer, served on the board of the Cantigny Trust and urged his fellow board members to approve plans for the Cantigny Golf Club, a 27-hole golf course on the grounds of the estate of former Tribune publisher Robert R. McCormick.

Personal

Kirkpatrick was married to Thelma Kirkpatrick for 55 years until her death in 1998. He had four children and lived in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Kirkpatrick died of congestive heart failure at his home on June 19, 2004.