On Thursday, I received word that my friend and former colleague Dave Teeuwen died after a heroic battle with cancer. The news was crushing. Dave is one of the biggest reasons I chose a career in radio and was a valued, trusted friend. He cannot be replaced.
I first met Dave more than 20 years ago as his intern at Radio America. Until then, I had never seriously considered a career in broadcasting. By the end of the summer, I considered little else.
At the time, Dave was senior producer for the network’s evening news program. From day one, it was obvious he was very decisive and had excellent news judgment. He could instantly size up the crux of a story and zero in on the unanswered questions.
He was also a great teacher. Dave showed me the ropes of radio production. He taught me the critical differences between writing for print and writing for radio and he insisted on getting both sides of every story.
It was obvious he didn’t just want me there for the manpower. He wanted to make sure I had a quality internship and left with skills that would make me a better journalist. Dave was also happy to challenge and encourage me to take more responsibility, from on-air reports to producing while he was on vacation.
When it was time to prepare the show or go on air, Dave was all business. He demanded excellence, from himself first and foremost, as well as those around him.
Dave left Radio America in 1999 for a stellar career at USA Today, where he was a trailblazer in many ways. USA Today published an excellent account of his work there on Friday. As a news pro, he was one undoubtedly one of the best.
But there was so much more to Dave. He loved life. And he loved to laugh. He had a quick wit that could strike at any time and you’d better be on your toes. He liked the people he worked with and that meant you were fair game for his zingers. They could definitely sting, but not for long.
That’s because Dave could take a joke too and because he was a great friend. He regularly arranged for the office to get together for dinner or drinks after work, and he always included the interns. Even after we no longer worked together, we frequently convened on the weekends or took road trips to sporting events.
But it wasn’t just fun and games. In the years before I was married, when I needed to be picked up at the airport at an odd hour, Dave was there. Same thing when I needed a ride following surgery. And when he organized those after work outings, he always made sure everyone was able to get home safely.
Dave wasn’t perfect. He cheered for the Ohio State Buckeyes for heaven’s sake. Fortunately, he talked far less about them than his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dave Teeuwen made a difference. He made the newsroom better wherever he worked, he built camaraderie among his co-workers and was a true friend through thick and thin.
I am blessed to have known him. Please keep his wife and daughter in your prayers.
