Cheers, Manfred

Manfred Pagel was no barfly and may not have been everyone’s first choice of drinking companion. When he visited Washington half a century ago his perceived reputation as champion of the econ file at the expense of general news had preceded him.

I took him up to the National Press Club a few floors above the bureau and bought him a drink.

Decades later, when we met at meetings of The Reuter Society or the Coriander Investment Club of former colleagues to which we both belonged, he always made a point of entioning how much he had enjoyed our chat over a few pints at the long bar just two blocks from the White House.

I can also attest to Manfred's kindness, which has been mentioned elsewhere in this space. He was always kind to my family and interested in what my children were doing. RIP Manfred. ■