Friends,

Let's capture some of why we loved Wilke so much. As one friend of his put it:

"...write up an anecdote – some story where they watched Wilke build up into righteous anger when reporting a story... or ironing out a crease in the fabric of the Journal bureau... And someone should talk about him tearing up when he described taking his kid to college…..Or when he became nearly inconsolable when the anthrax story came back and cost him two fantastic seats at the Nats-Mets game. Describe a time he filled in for people, picked up their loads for them, counseled them, slipped them incredible sources, shared bylines... that will keep him alive and you (and the rest of us) afloat."

Post comments or photos here.

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Play better

Thank you all for your kind comments. I'm sure John is smiling reading them! (What, you don't think John would have logged on Heaven's terminals and checked? Come on!)

The Wilke brothers team once five strong will have to play short with John gone, but we'll just have to play better. 'Playing better' was the guiding aspect of John's life. Among family he was always the peacemaker. Among his colleagues he seemed well respected and among the corrupt he was cursed and feared. We could all strive to be a little like him, my younger brother John.

We'll miss you bro, but we must play on. You and Harold shout from the stands! Save us a seat, okay? Cheers!

Mark Wilke

1 comment:

  1. Mark, my condolences on the passing of your brother. I knew him only by reputation but knowing you, he must have been more than just an outstanding journalist; he must have been a good man.

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