L. B. “Jack” Tackett, whose funeral was Tuesday, made a solid contribution to newspapering during his near-quarter-cent ury as publisher of The Daily Herald.
He had served in significant positions on other newspapers including advertising sales manager for the Portland Oregonian. but his Herald stewardship was the hallmark of his career. He retired in 1964 turning the reins over to B.E. (Bye) Jensen his successor as publisher.
LBT’s accompishments already have been chronicled by the Herald. As a former editor. in part during the Tackett years l should like to share a few memories of Jack mostly sideglances of the publisher and the man, colorful personality that he was.
Tackett laid some foundations brought the Herald a long way toward the fine newspaper it is today. One high point came in 1957 when he built a new office and plant at 190 W. 400 N.
Moving from the old downtown plant without interruption in publication took some sleight-of-hand since the Herald rotary press had to be dismantled — literally reduced to a mass of nuts, bolts and rollers.
Jack and the staff performed the feat this way: Deadlines were moved ahead. Production proceeded through the typesetting. page makeup and matrix-rolling stages. Then, for several days, the Provo Flying Service flew the matrixes (paper-mache impressions of the metal pages) to Ogden where the Standard Examiner cast the tubular plates and printed the papers, which were flown back to Provo in time for delivery.
Tackett could be tough as a boss and businessman – hut behind the hard shell was compassion and a generous heart. He especially had a “soft spot” for his children and grandchildren. Sometimes his eyes would moisten as he talked proudly of them.
He was a sharp dresser and a real gentleman when it came to manners. Bussiness manager Bailey Lindstrom recalls that he never failed to stand up in the presence of a lady before an introduction.
Jack never compromised news policies. When the Herald used to publish drunken driving cases a merchant threatened to “cancel my advertising” if the newspaper published news of his arrest. lnformed of the threat LBT ordered the item printed post haste.
He had a gift of humor. often accompanied by quick rejoinders. Once when he was out. a visitor lnquired about him at my desk. l neglected in the deadline nish to get the man’s name and later described him to the boss as “an old man about 60.”
“Old man about 60.” Jack exploded good-naturedly. “Did you know l was 60 years old last week?” Long after his retirement he telephoned me on my birthday.
“How does it seem to be an old man of 60 years?” he asked.
A great traveler himself. Jack liked to help trip-bound staffers work out their itineraries – a hobby well-remembered by lrene Mower, former advertising account executive at the Herald and great friend of the Tacketts. lndeed. he often insisted on loaning the employees his ample luggage.
Phyllis Phillips, Herald editorial page editor recalls the story of a golden wedding announcement which listed the open house date a week ahead of schedule. Informed of the goof, Jack had the lady get a hair-do at Herald expense and sent flowers, ice cream and other goodies. Thus there were two receptions instead of one.
When an employee needed a lift he’d go the second mlle to assist. One example: In 1962. I wrecked our car in a dusty storm near Burley, Idaho while our family of four was returning from the Seattle World’s Fair. My wife. Faye, and daughter Carol Jean were severely injured.
While we reluctantly were pondering an overland ambulance trip, Jack phoned the Burley hospital to suggest we come by air. He arranged with Merrill Christopherson to send two small planes. It was a quick comfortable trip and when we landed at Provo. Jack was there with his automobile.
His thoughtfulncss didn’t end there. Weeks later I was to give an address at Snow College in Ephraim and because of our accident had only our ancient No. 2 car for transportation. Driving “Old Paint” wasn’t below my dignity but Jack insisted we take his new Cadillac. I “acquiesced” after protesting just enough to be appropriately independent.
Many of Tackett’s old friends and business associates preceded him in death and he lamented the loss of each. To name a few: E.D. Firmage. Clyde Crockett, former Editor Emest Rasmuson. former circulation manager Fred Forbes and Dr. Ernest L. Wilkinson, longtime Brigham Young University president.
He admired Wilkinson (both men had an Ogden background) as a man of courage who made things happen and didn’t mind making a few enemies if the end result o building a great university was accomplished.
A fine relationship existed between LBT and, present Publisher Jensen who took the helm July 1. 1904. Jensen has presided over an exciting growth upsurge that has included constniction of the present new plant at 1555 N. 200 W. and instal ing the modern photocomposition technology and offset printing.
Jack bad reason to be proud of the continuing progress of the paper he helped to build.