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Former Times sports editor dies

Van McKenzie built prominent sections and staffs throughout the country.

By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published January 27, 2007

Van F. McKenzie, former St. Petersburg Times executive sports editor whose contributions to sports journalism for more than four decades made him one of the most important names in the business, died Friday (Jan. 26, 2007) at his home in Lake Mary after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 61.

Mr. McKenzie was the driving creative force behind the Times sports department's ascent into national prominence in the mid 1970s.

An Ohioan by birth and a Floridian by choice, he was associate managing editor for sports at the Orlando Sentinel at the time of his death.

Mr. McKenzie came to St. Petersburg in 1973 and by 1977, the Times sports section was voted best in the country by the Associated Press Sports Editors, which came as a shock to the larger metro papers in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

While the writing was first-rate, it was the use of illustrations, caricatures and graphics that caught everyone's eye. Some say he invented the "charticle," a story in chart form, which has become the rage some three decades later.

Mr. McKenzie began his journalism career at the Ocala Star-Banner when he was 17, then moved to the Sentinel and Cocoa (now Florida) Today before joining the Times. He went on to the New York Daily News, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The National Sports Daily and eventually back to the Sentinel.

After the Times, Buddy Martin, who helped Mr. McKenzie get his start in newspapers in Ocala, invited him to New York to try a grand experiment - an afternoon tabloid built around its sports strength - at the New York Daily News.

Mr. McKenzie's impact helped shape the sports journalism business. More than 30 people who worked with him later went on to be sports editors in places such as Los Angeles; Chicago; Atlanta; Newark, N.J.; St. Louis; and San Jose, Calif. He assembled some of the greatest stables of writers during the last 30 years. He even sent 10 of his writers to Sports Illustrated.

"Van had the best story instinct of any sports editor I've ever known," said Dave Kindred, an author, columnist and past Red Smith Award winner (the highest honor in sports journalism), who worked with McKenzie in Atlanta and at The National.

"Whether it's columns, features, news, graphics, design - you name it, he knew the good stuff when he saw it," Kindred said. "Better, he knew how to get his people to do it. First, because he was a great judge of talent and character, he hired the right people. Then he gave them all the support and freedom they needed, and in return they gave him their best work and a promise to do it again tomorrow."

Eventually, Mr. McKenzie ended up in Orlando. Upon learning he had cancer in the fall of 2003, Mr. McKenzie continued to work at the Sentinel while undergoing initial radiation and chemotherapy. He followed the treatment with two surgeries and more chemotherapy.

"Van faced his illness with courage and grace," said Sentinel editor Charlotte Hall. "He comforted his family and friends and taught us all an invaluable lesson about cherishing those we love."

But he could never separate himself from the sports section. Even when he was no longer able to come into the office, he called in critiques, ideas and instructions all with the goal of making the section better.

"We've lost a towering editor and a dear friend," Hall said. "Van had vision, creativity and a passion for life. He was a fireball of energy and ideas, and behind his sometimes gruff exterior lay a soft and selfless heart. Van's greatest legacy as an editor was the talent he discovered and nurtured. People wanted to work for him because he brought out their best."

Survivors include wife Sandy of Lake Mary, sons Van Jr. of Orlando and Von of St. Augustine; mother Mary of Ocala; brother Jay of Ocala; and five grandchildren.

A private family service is being held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Van F. McKenzie Endowed Scholarship Fund c/o CFCC Foundation, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474. This scholarship will be used exclusively to help a promising sports writer/editor. Gifts are tax deductible and will be eligible for state match on a one-for-one basis. For further information call (352) 873-5808.

Orlando Sentinel writer John Cherwa, Times staff and wires contributed to this report.

[Last modified January 27, 2007, 01:29:43]