You can learn more about Larry Peterson’s views on monkeyfish in editor Lou Brancaccio’s Press Talk column that ran March 27, 2004.
Former Columbian Metro Editor Larry Peterson has died in Tybee Island, Ga., according to the Savannah Morning News, where he worked for 15 years as a columnist and editor.
Peterson, who was 71, died at home Thursday, about six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Peterson led the metro news team, which includes the bulk of The Columbian’s reporters and news assistants, from April 1999 until January 2001. Though his time at The Columbian was brief, it was eventful. On July 10, 1999, The Columbian published its first Saturday edition, and almost a year later, on July 3, 2000, the newspaper converted from weekday afternoon publication to mornings.
As metro editor, he played an integral part in both of those moves, planning news coverage and features, and hiring additional staff.
Always known as an entertaining talker, he coined several new words in an industry that was already full of colorful jargon. Though the roots of Peterson’s words are unclear, Columbian staffers still talk of “monkeyfish” stories when they refer to feature stories about community events. Never a friend of technology, Peterson, a Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star winner, used his Army experience to invent many new words to express the deep disgust he felt whenever software failed him.
He insisted on high standards, and emphasized stories that held public officials accountable. While at The Columbian, his staff members won a half-dozen awards in the Society of Professional Journalists’ regional excellence in journalism contest. In those days, the contest pitted midsized newspapers such as The Columbian against the largest papers in five Western states, including The Seattle Times and The Oregonian.
After leaving The Columbian for Savannah, Peterson penned three novels, including his first, “City Editor,” which contains several characters drawn from staff members he knew here.
Born and raised in Southern California, Peterson was a lifelong surfer, and during his tenure here was known to spend his days off catching waves along the Oregon Coast.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Lanie Lippincott Peterson, and a daughter, Lindsay.
Memorial arrangements are pending.
You can learn more about Larry Peterson's views on monkeyfish in editor Lou Brancaccio's Press Talk column that ran March 27, 2004.
Morning Briefing Newsletter
Get a rundown of the latest local and regional news every Mon-Fri morning.
