The newspaper shooting’s five victims
Rob Hiaasen Editor and columnist, 59
Rob Hiaasen once wrote a description of his ideal job: “I would like to be paid for the occasional amusing remark or for simply showing up promptly to work and bringing in cookies from time to time. Alas, there’s no market for those outstanding qualities.”
But he was wrong. His wryly observant writing style and his generous mentoring of young journalists assured him of roles in several newsrooms, from the Baltimore Sun to, most recently, the Capital as an editor and columnist.
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and brother of novelist and columnist Carl Hiaasen, he was drawn to quirky stories and had a unique way of telling them, with wry asides and internal and imagined dialogues.
But he had a serious side too, once writing an award-winning column about realizing only as an adult that the Florida beach at which he spent many a happy childhood day had been segregated.
“He was both a tenderhearted features writer and a jaded journalist,” said former Sun columnist Susan Reimer. “He absolutely saw it all, and with a very clear eye.”
Wendi Winters Staff writer, 65
Wendi Winters spent a dozen years writing her way into the Capital newsroom. After a career in fashion and public relations in New York City, the mother of four moved to Maryland 20 years ago and began stringing for the paper, joining the staff full time as a reporter in 2013.
Beyond the newsroom, she identified herself as a “proud Navy mom,” a church youth advisor, a Red Cross volunteer and a Girl Scout leader who could “make a mean s’more.” She said in an online profile that she learned to report from her previous professional experience and from her role as a mother, “instead of four years at a j-school.”
“She really loved storytelling,” said Kathryn Flynn, a longtime editor at the Capital.
In her last tweet to her 1,073 followers on Sunday, Winters promoted a Capital video about a community mural project. “Spreading beauty one artwork at a time today ...” she wrote.
“That would be Wendi,” Flynn said.
John McNamara Staff writer and editor, 56
Sportswriter and editor John McNamara, who went by “Mac,” was remembered by his colleagues for his flexibility, concise writing and one-liners about sports or politics.
Jeff Barker, a Baltimore Sun reporter, said McNamara also was appropriately skeptical of the coaches and other authority figures he covered.
“That was the journalist in him,” Barker said. “But he was a loyal friend with an infectious laugh, and he was a willing mentor for young journalists.”
McNamara enjoyed playing sports as much as he enjoyed writing about them, said former Capital sports editor Gerry Jackson. He was one of a group who played basketball on Thursdays. “He had this sneaky left-handed shot,” Jackson said.
Rebecca Smith Sales assistant, 34
Rebecca Smith was a recent hire at Capital Gazette Communications as a sales assistant but had already proved herself a valuable asset.
Smith described herself on her Facebook page as an “Endo Warrior” — a survivor of a painful disorder called endometriosis — and a “Dog Mom. Softball Fiance. Bonus Mom to the best kid ever.”
Smith was engaged, and her friend Kelli Peleska said Smith was close with her fiance’s daughter from a previous relationship.
The girl “totally idolized Becca,” she said. “They had such an amazing relationship. Can’t even imagine her pain when she hears of this.”
Gerald Fischman Editorial writer and editor, 61
The first time Gerald Fischman applied for a job at the Capital, the editor passed him over. Fischman’s personality was so quiet and withdrawn that it hid the brilliant mind, wry wit and “wicked pen” that his colleagues would later treasure.
For more than 25 years, Fischman was the conscience and voice of the newspaper, writing scathing, insightful and always exacting editorials about the community.
His quirky, low-key demeanor belied a biting sense of humor that charmed his colleagues. He’d huddle at his desk behind piles of books in a buttoned-down V-neck cardigan that he wore regardless of the season. Reporters, seeing Fischman’s name scrawled on the security log for a midnight to 5 a.m. shift, marveled at the hours he’d keep for no obvious deadline reason.
A conversation with Fischman could turn in unexpected directions as he drew on a peculiarly curated knowledge of the world.
“He had an encyclopedia knowledge of everything from the philosophy to who knows what,” said Brian Henley, a retired editor.