Clare McDermott

I was saddened to read of Clare’s passing. He became Sports Editor of Reuters the year I joined the company, and 1980 was a memorable year for both of us because of the Olympics – just different Olympics. Before the tumult of the Summer Games, there was Lake Placid. I was the only (Reuters) American at those Winter Games and Clare, in all his wisdom, decided I was the one to cover the ice hockey - yes, always ice hockey in Reuters vernacular, not to be confused with real (field) hockey. I’m sure the old Canuck was jealous of me when the event turned out to be one of the greatest sports stories of the century - when the young, truly amateur (the Olympics were supposed to be for amateurs in those days) beat the mighty Soviet (Red Army) team in an amazing upset and went on to win the Gold medal. One of the greatest experiences of my 38-year career with Reuters. Thanks, Clare! Rest in peace. ■