As many in Alaska’s small media and political circles know, journalist Bob Tkacz was found dead in his office in Juneau on Tuesday morning. Foul play is not suspected. Tkacz was a staple in the Capitol building. He had been covering the Legislature for 33 years, most recently for his own newsletter called Laws of the SEA. He was always generous with his time and knowledge to Juneau newbies and he always asked some of the toughest questions at press conferences. Public media KTOO has a full account here. Below are some reactions:
We’ve just learned of the death of longtime Southeast Alaska journalist Bob Tkacz. He was a kick-ass reporter who never, ever shied away from asking the hard questions. Bob worked for the Petersburg Pilot newspaper and KTOO radio and published Laws of the Sea, about commercial fishing and the seafood industry. He also freelanced for numerous other fishing publications. His work appeared in Agence France-Presse, the Alaska Journal of Commerce and High Times, among others. He grew up and attended college in Ohio. We’ll miss Bob.
Gov. Sean Parnell:
Sandy and I were sad to hear that Bob Tkacz had passed away earlier this week. As a longtime member of the Capitol press corps, his absence will be felt by many. Bob’s persistence and understanding of Alaska government and issues will be missed. We extend our condolences to Bob’s family and friends, as well as his colleagues in the press.
Sen: Hollis French:
Bob was an institution in the Capitol press corps. He brought a unique candor and distinctly direct approach to reporting. He was a friend to Alaska and his presence will be sorely missed,” said Senate Minority Leader Hollis French (D-Anchorage).
Former House Dems spox @markgnadt: Bob Tkacz was the one reporter you wanted to show up at the other guys’ press conferences.
— Becky Bohrer (@beckybohrerap) May 30, 2014
.@RepChrisTuck on Bob Tkacz’s death: “Capitol press conferences will be considerably less lively without Bob.” #akleg
— Lisa Phu (@ktoolisa) May 30, 2014
FWIW, Bob Tkacz probably wouldn’t WANT to rest in peace. I bet he’s giving G-d the third degree right now.
— Jesse Kiehl (@JesseKiehl) May 29, 2014Rep. Les Gara: Bob always cared about getting to the truth and was an absolute – and absolutely fair – bulldog about it. His loss is sad for those who cared about open, accountable government.
Rep. Les Gara:
Bob always cared about getting to the truth and was an absolute – and absolutely fair – bulldog about it. His loss is sad for those who cared about open, accountable government.
Rep. Geran Tarr:
From years as a staffer to my freshman term as a legislator, I admired Bob’s attention to detail and commitment to making sure the public knew what was happening. He will be sorely missed in the Capitol halls.
