Former Washington Post ombudsman Deborah Howell remembered for journalistic spirit, leadership
By APSunday, January 3, 2010
Howell remembered as ‘force for good journalism’
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Former Washington Post ombudsman Deborah Howell is being remembered as a journalist to the core and an inspiring mentor to others in the industry.
The 68-year-old Howell had also been a top editor at the St. Paul Pioneer Press and at the Minneapolis Star. She died Friday after being struck by a car in New Zealand, where she was vacationing with her husband.
John Camp, a reporter during Howell’s tenure at the Pioneer Press, called her the best newspaper editor he ever worked with. Howell led the Pioneer Press to two Pulitzer Prizes in the 1980s.
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Howell’s stepson, said she was a “powerful force for good journalism.” Another stepson, Star Tribune columnist Nick Coleman, said Howell was a mentor and confidant to many.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
