Bob Kearns - great allrounder

I was deeply sorry to hear the news of Bob's untimely passing - a commanding figure in the Washington news room of the 1970s. Eminently knowledgeable across all of the beats, from Transport to Treasury, the Hill to the White House; crystal clear in the myriad undoings of Watergate and whiplash-fast in getting the first break away as we monitored live presidential news conferences. But he was much more than that - a dear friend, a wonderfully amusing and erudite companion and foremost in the great group of colleagues who so warmly welcomed UK-based interlopers into the bureau and their homes. Sincerest condolences to Pattie and the family, with great fondness from the Gregson clan. ■