The death of Worthy “Dick” Bright this past Thursday signals the end of an era at the Marysville Journal-Tribune.
Dick, who was 89, joins a group of special people who devoted their entire working careers, each spanning several decades, to the J-T. That list includes Don Streng, Forrest “Shade” Watkins, Gene Harbold, Patty Johnson and Marie Strauss. They are all deceased, but none are forgotten.
Dick worked at the newspaper for nearly 40 years operating a press in the commercial printing department. The quality of his work was excellent, and there was no question about his work ethic and loyalty.
But Dick was more than an employee of the Journal-Tribune. Prior to joining the newspaper staff, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. For many years he served as an auxiliary member of the Marysville Police Department and a special deputy with the Union County Sheriff’s Department. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of the Heart of Ohio Fish and Game Club.
He and his wife, Ann, also went all out each Christmas season in decorating the outside of their home on Collins Avenue right next to the old Marysville High School football field (now Lewis Park). According to urban legend, he and his neighbor across the street, Shade Watkins, had a friendly competition to see who could put up the best decoration. Each December, the neighborhood and community enjoyed this rivalry that seemed to grow in size every year.
Although we have highlighted here the “old guard” of employees, the Journal-Tribune continues to be blessed with a wonderful staff that any business would be proud of. So this tribute is meant for those no longer with us as well as those currently part of the newspaper team.