Posted by Bud on November 09, 2009 at 11:36:10:
Nov 8, 2009 8:29 pm US/Central
Versatile Reporter Burleigh Hines Dies At 77
Channel 2 Personality Was Known For Human-Interest Stories
Reporting
Jim Williams
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Burleigh Hines, a reporter at Channel 2 for more than 25 years, passed away Sunday morning at age 77.
After a career in newspapers and radio, he came to WBBM-TV as editorial director in the mid-1970s, then moved to the newsroom. The versatile Hines could cover every kind of story, from City Hall to crime on the streets, politics and education to animal stories.
But his great love was traveling the side streets, prowling for the stories of everyday people doing remarkable things -- and places often overlooked.
And even though people on the street knew who he was, he never took himself too seriously. Hines had a wonderful way of putting people at ease.
"He was one of the true gentlemen who worked in the business," said Deb Segal, an editor at CBS 2 who worked with Hines from 1980 until his retirement. "This is a guy who believed in peoples' humanity and in telling really compelling human-interest stories."
In 2002, Hines was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his work. But his finest achievement was just being the guy who would look for the best in people and make you laugh, no matter what.
Burleigh retired in 2001 and had been living in California.
He's survived by his wife, Denise; six children; many grandchildren; and many, many friends who will miss him very, very much.