Today an amazing era for nonprofit coverage ends. It is our former city editor, who has shone the light on so many nonprofits since 1985. Yes, Dallas Morning News columnist Robert “Bob” Miller is supposedly retiring. That’s really a joke. He’s simply staying home side, until his adorable, “giddy” bride of 51 years Shirley wearies of him sitting on the couch.
Monday night The Dallas Morning News held a farewell party for Bob. Actually it was a celebration of 91-year-old Bob. Before philanthropy was cool, he crafted a column that put the spotlight on nonprofits. According to SMU’s Gerald Turner, the university has benefited from a million dollars of “OMG” awareness from Bob’s column.
It provided an outlet to let readers know of the business community’s support of nonprofits that was valued and well read. His knowledge of Dallas’ history and the people involved was invaluable.
Tomorrow a person will be named who will carry on the DMN Business Section’s tip-of-the-hat to philanthropy. That person will not replace Bob. No one ever could. They will simply be filling in until Shirley kicks Bob out of the house and he returns to his messy desk.
Bob, thank you for setting a standard and example for the rest of us to learn from and try to measure up to. We will never surpass you, but we’ll have quite a ride trying to, and the nonprofits will love our shabby attempts.
See you later, Bob.