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William H. Scanlan, 73

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — William H. Scanlan, 73, of North Hoosac Road died of congestive heart failure at his home on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. A longtime newspaperman, he had worked at The Berkshire Eagle for 17 years before retiring in 1997. Born in El Paso, Texas, on Aug. 3, 1941, son of James and Dorothy Austin Scanlan, he grew up in Lynn and graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1966. He served in the Army from 1958 to 1962. Mr. Scanlan worked on newspapers in Alaska, Louisiana, New England and Germany. During his nearly 50-year career, he improved the writing of reporters and crafted eye-catching headlines while working on newspaper copydesks around the world. He worked for the Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, The Stars and Stripes in Darmstadt, Germany, The Worcester Telegram, and the Daily Town Talk in Alexandria, La., before settling in his beloved Berkshires. One memorable headline he wrote at the News-Miner had to do with backup of the sewer system in the small Bering Sea village of Unalakleet. His headline: "Things ain't so sweet "In Unalakleet." He was a man of relatively few words and his sense of humor was as dry as tinder. Often, when talking with a reporter about careless writing or sloppy reporting, he would offer a brief summation, then raise an admonitory finger while slowly shaking his head and grinning, and with a gruffness in his voice would say: "Now let that be a lesson to you." Scanlan's skills also included the laying out of the newspaper. He could make up a page with incredible speed and accuracy. He was admired by both editorial and production employees. He had a fierce commitment to journalistic integrity and independence. If he believed there was interference from the business side or a lack of concern for a quality product, he would quit on short notice. He was a voracious reader who rejected most new technology. Mr. Scanlan spent hours at the Williamstown library. He liked to hang out at Tunnel City Coffee and the old Purple Pub in Williamstown. In recent years, he frequented the Man of Kent Tavern in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. During the racing season, his version of a perfect day was to take in the races at Saratoga with friends and cap it off with a stop at that popular English pub. He leaves his former wife, Kay Scanlan, of Vermont. He was predeceased by his brother, James "Dick" Scanlan. FUNERAL NOTICE — A graveside service with military honors for Mr. Scanlan will be held on Monday, May 4, at 11 a.m. in the Veteran's Section of Eastlawn Cemetery in Williamstown. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, is in charge of arrangements.
Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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Many memories of Bill stopping in the Purple Pub after he got out of work at the Eagle. I spent several years bartending there and we all looked forward to seeing him ..
from: Pete Oleskiewiczon: 05-04-2015

Very sorry that I am unable to attend the service Bill was a great guy. I remember many great discussions with him at the old Purple Pub. One of most intelligent well read individuals I have known. RIP.
from: Don Pecoron: 04-29-2015

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