Betsey, I had a similar problem with the Arizona Republic here in Phoenix
when my mother died. She and Dad read the paper every morning. She had
been a resident of the area for thirty-seven years but she was not a veteran
or public figure so nothing was allowed but the basic statistics -- she was
born - she married - she died - and she had survivors. What she did during
her life didn't count. They chopped my write-up to shreds.
Needless to say, I wasn't about to go down without a fight. After six
letters to the editor, none of which were published, something changed. A
formal announcement appeared on the front page of the paper stating that the
old strict obituary policy was being replaced with a new more liberal one.
Today, our obituaries are more colorful and warm than they had been in many
years. It wasn't soon enough for Mom's but I like to think that the change
was for her. I really feel good today when I read some of the touching
stories penned by families and friends.
I'm glad I spoke out. The old axiom, "One person can make a difference." is
really true.
Ray Justus
Chandler, Arizona