Remembering Norm Clarke

 

 

Very sad to hear of Norm Clarke’s death. For many years, Norm was a “must-read” daily columnist — first with the Associated Press, then the Rocky Mountain News, and for the last three decades in the LVRJ when it was once a diverse newspaper with an independent voice. He knew everybody in town and often was the first to break big local news. When the phone rang and you saw “Norm Clarke” was calling, that was a mandatory pick up.

I spoke with (and sourced) several stories for Norm when he was in his prime as one of Las Vegas’ most influential voices. He impressed me as a meticulous reporter. Never content to just whip out an easy column that could have been penned by a celebrity’s publicist, nor repeat fuzzy rumors, he often went to *extraordinary* lengths to verify the things he wrote about. He was sometimes labeled as a “gossip columnist.” However, he always seemed to get the story right, and often before anyone else. I also loved the fact Norm never allowed himself to be used by industries (entertainment and casinos) built on illusion. On a more deeply personal level, Norm was a very kind man. It’s rare to both like and respect someone in journalism so highly.

Not only is Norm’s death tough for everyone who followed him, read him, and knew him—-his passing comes as yet another sad chapter in the steady decline of “community voices.” Local newspapers once reflected our collective consciousness. They used to be called gumshoe journalists.” The Jimmy Breslin’s, the Pete Hamill’s, the Mike Royko’s….and today Norm Clarke are no longer with us. Social media can’t hold a candle to them.

Las Vegas has lost one of its brightest neon beams of light and truth and joy.

Thank you, Norm for all you did. You will be missed, dear friend.