Tony Winning, a dear friend, a great boss

Tony Winning was Reuters chief in Madrid when I got posted there as UPI bureau manager in the aftermath of the Feb. 23, 1981 coup attempt.

We became good friends, often lunching à trois with the AP bureau chief John Wheeler - - long, fun and lubricated conversations among friends and friendly competitors.

Our family and Tony’s took puppies from Wheeler’s dog. Their Carmen and our Bebbo and Iñaki brought much joy - and we all reunited in Buenos Aires when Tony became my boss. I had joined Reuters from Madrid and moved to Baires after a few years in Mexico.

More long, wonderful lunches - and a very clear steer from Tony on the news file. It was difficult for him, often squabbling with New York. As I was being considered for the role of Chief Correspondent, Germany, Tony called from an editors' meeting: "Just pipe down for a few days," he advised. I did, and it worked.

Tony and Fay, and their boys, have remained - and remain - vital and beloved parts of my life. I miss him dearly.

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