I will tell you that Paul Newman would have been the perfect actor to portray retiring Democrat and Chronicle courts reporter Gary Craig in a feature film.
What do you think of when you think of the characters Paul Newman played? I think of quick-witted, independent and caring souls who could be tough but nearly always fair. And whether it was Butch Cassidy, when Newman was young and full of vim and vigor, or attorney Frank Galvin in “The Verdict,” when Newman was grayer and wiser, you couldn’t help but give a Newman character your full attention. Because, well, they got things done, always. And it was nothing less than fascinating to see how the story would play out.
And any movie that might star a Paul Newman in a depiction of Gary’s life would be a lot more compelling than most movies that do get made. His gumption, his curiosity, his doggedness and his never-say-die approach to getting important stories led Gary down illuminating pathways meeting unforgettable characters. For God’s sake, his reporting got Betty Tyson freed from prison nearly 30 years ago, highlighting flaws in the 1970s case that had led to Tyson’s murder conviction. He wrote about the mob and about the 1990s Brinks robbery and about the Attica prison riots and about the sins of Catholic priests who had abused children. It takes a certain type to pursue so many high-impact and complex stories. Gary is that type.
A movie about Gary would have a soundtrack filled with jazz music, one of his great loves beyond his family and his journalism. Covering the Rochester International Jazz Fest was a true joy for Gary, and for D&C readers. Indeed, please attend the 6 p.m. Friday, June 20, Prime Time Brass concert in the Rochester Regional Health Big Tent, where a few moments will be taken to thank Gary for all his contributions to greater Rochester.
Finally, any movie worth its salt is going to evoke some emotion. Watching Gary in his final months at the D&C share his reporting wisdom with his rapt colleagues has been a true inspiration. He will be missed beyond words, yet his legacy lives on in every journalist who had the opportunity to speak with him, to learn from him and to emulate him.
Thank you, Gary, for everything. See you at the jazz fest.
Mike Kilian is executive editor. Reach him at mkilian@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Gary Craig, an unmatched reporter, exits stage left after decades of impact in community
Reporting by Michael Kilian, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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