Sharing warm memories of Datebook editor, critic
The sudden death of Datebook editor and TV critic David Wiegand has left the Bay Area arts community shocked and saddened. The Chronicle staff has compiled thoughts and memories from many in the community who knew him well.
“He was a man of great curiosity, with a vibrant passion for the whole arc of culture in our city and region. He was one of the few people able to really connect all of the art forms to the rhythms of the city. He was an ardent advocate for culture, always eager to uplift and celebrate the arts. He was a champion, a friend, an inspirer, and we deeply grieve his passing.”
“He really cared about the arts, their place in people’s lives — the ability to bring joy and comfort and entertainment and fun, which is what the show is supposed to be. We went pretty deep sometimes, but people were supposed to go out and enjoy themselves.”
“He just was a tireless advocate, a champion and somebody who saw the whole system; he loved Campo Santo Theatre Company as much as he loved the opera.
“He was steadfast. We need that. It’s a very fragile ecosystem. He will be so sorely missed. I just think that we must celebrate him.”
“His writing was great. He was insightful and really knew how to pick the TV shows — and with one exception, a show called ‘The Deuce’ — he was the best. Absent that show, my whole TV-watching schedule was based on him. He was a fun guy and laughed a lot. God, I’m just stunned.” — Ronn Owens, longtime KGO talk show host
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“There was one Friday (on ‘The Do List’) in which he discussed three of the most arcane music events ever, ranging from some indie pop group to Tuvan throat singing, discussing each with such enthusiasm. I wondered how it was possible to get his enthusiasm up for such wildly disparate material every single week! But he did. David was an enthusiast and a cultural omnivore: high art, low art, no matter what genre, all of it interested him. His passion for the Bay Area cultural scene was immense, and we will miss him enormously.” — Carey Perloff, artistic director of San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater
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“Like everyone else in the city’s arts community, we are mourning the sudden loss of David. I personally enjoyed seeing him around town at many arts events over the years, and he always seemed to have his finger on the pulse of the local arts scene. Most importantly, he was a true champion and friend to the arts community of San Francisco and we will miss him.” — Glenn McCoy, executive director of the San Francisco Ballet
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“I would write and ask if he could help get a great artist some coverage. — ‘Sure I’ll check it out…’
“‘David, we are performing soon. Could you let people know?’ — ‘Sure. You were the first dance I saw when I came to SF; forever imprinted ...’
“His generosity was massive but mainly in service of the arts.” — Margaret Jenkins, director and founder of Margaret Jenkins Dance Company “He just had such a knowledge and an openness for all the possibilities of things, and he was incredibly supportive personally and professionally to me. I just felt that we were all working together.”
— Carole Shorenstein Hays, theater producer
“Not only was David a fantastic editor and writer, but he was also a staunch champion and supporter of the arts. One could see him out virtually every night of the week taking advantage of San Francisco’s rich cultural scene.
“Under David’s tenacious leadership, coverage of the arts not only survived but thrived at The Chronicle, at (a) time when most papers were drastically cutting back on arts coverage. … We will miss his voice and his unparalleled knowledge of our local arts ecology.” — Excerpt from statement released by San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell, Cultural Affairs Director Tom DeCaigny and Arts Grant Director Kary Schulman “It wasn’t just a job for him. It was his existence. He knew the history and he knew the people who were a part of these institutions. … His colleagues remember him as someone who worked twice as hard as anyone and who cared deeply about his work, but who also made sure those who worked for him made time for their families. He loved living in and being a part of San Francisco. As one of his colleagues said, ‘San Francisco was as much a part of his nerve center as his actual nerve center.’ ” — Excerpt from comments made by state Sen. Scott Wiener upon adjourning the chamber in memory of Wiegand