Letters to the Editor

News, Oct. 14: “Memories of Dick McCord”

History Too

In addition to his "legacy of hard-hitting investigative journalism," Richard McCord was a champion of historic preservation in his adopted hometown.

Richard served on the board of the Old Santa Fe Association (OSFA) some 15 years—four of those as treasurer of the 94-year-old nonprofit dedicated to preserving the best of Old Santa Fe. In addition to recruiting new members to the organization and cause he took to heart, Richard also contributed valuable essays to OSFA publications. He reported on the history—one of his passions—of historic preservation movements and statutes around the country, and, notably, he wrote about what Santa Fe would look like today if not for OSFA and the preservation battles it won, starting with 1926, with its founding.

Beyond all that, Richard was good company, with a wicked sense of humor, and bonhomie towards all. We are so grateful to have known you, Richard, and thankful for all you did to ensure that the Santa Fe you loved will retain its "unique charm and distinction…born of age, tradition and environment, which are Santa Fe's most priceless assets."

Randall Bell, President
Old Santa Fe Association

Santa Fe News

Deeply shocking to read that Dick McCord passed away. We were newspapering and personal friends for nearly five decades and we planned to visit again soon.

Dick and Laurie bought The Santa Fe News from Rudy Rodriguez in1974. They renamed it the Santa Fe Reporter and then updated the format.

I know this story quite directly. I was editor of The Santa Fe News prior to its purchase. My "Santa Fe Flavors" community column appeared in the Reporter's early days. (Those "flavors" were the lives and livelihoods of a number of City Different people.) Rudy remains active in our business community.

Thank you, Rudy and Dick, for giving Santa Feans news each and every week for years, and your service energies continue.

Richard Polese
Santa Fe