REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Beth Cronk — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 02:43:28 GMT

Thank you for this page. I felt like I am grieving him alone because I knew him on such a personal level through his dog and I loved him for the way he concentrated on our times together. When you were with Eric he made you feel like there was no one worth listening to more. We talked politics, love, dogs, baseball, music, life, travel, death, the world... How could this have happened to such a warm and generous man? I heard his name on the radio stuck in tunnel traffic tonight on the way home - something I could have talked to him about next time I saw him- how it stopped the clock. He was a mensch. A clown. A sensitive and deep soul. I will miss him deeply. i will miss how he always greeted me with arms open wide, that embrace that caught you off guard as a New Yorker, the most sincere greetings and his gracious appreciation for my work.
He was too young to leave, he had so much to give. I am so sad.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Jim Fisher, Near Albany, NY — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:05:39 GMT

I’m sorry for the loss of your good friend. These days it seems, great people are hard to come by. Not the everyday people and not the people who we say are really close to us. But the people who ARE really special and hard to some by. They say “the good die young”, and in my life sadly, this has been true.

Your friend lives on in you, and in the memories with whom he touched.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Rosiland Jordan — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:09:46 GMT

Eric's passing is a loss to all of us who had the privilege of working with him -- and to those who watched "Nightly News."

He also felt the privilege was his -- as he always thanked me after finishing a review of one of my scripts.

No Eric, the privilege was all mine.

My condolences to Dawn and to all who knew and loved Eric.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Steve Jewett, Orlando, Florida — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:45:28 GMT

Albert-although I am sure it won't help(because it hasn't helped me), just know that others feel the deep despair. He is gone far too soon.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Ida Oetgen, Charlottesville, VA — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 04:03:10 GMT

A worthy tribute, Daddy.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Jan Davies, Salem, Oregon — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 07:02:24 GMT

(Sorry, I hit submit before I wrote anything). I had been thinking all day about Tom Snyder. When I heard Brian Williams' personal remarks about Eric Wishnie, I wanted to know more about him. This is the first time I've responded to a blog, but I just wanted to say thanks for sharing more about your friend. He sounds very special.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Ted Marrero — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:49:46 GMT

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Eric's death today. He was the college buddy and dear friend of one of my best friends here in Orlando, Steve Jewett (who, by the way, shared Eric's love of pop culture and bobble heads). I was always impressed at Eric's genuine, affable character. He led such an interesting life, and worked with such iconic people, and yet he always treated our small-town circle of friends like his own. He and Dawn last came down to Orlando in the early part of the year for Steve's investiture as judge, a gesture that I know meant a great deal to Steve. I remember feeling sorry that I couldn't get time to talk at length to him because of the short time he was in town. It breaks my heart to know that was the last chance I would ever get. All of us who knew him here in Orlando mourn the passing of a genuinely decent human being.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Laura DiLello, Philadelphia, PA. — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:11:12 GMT

In my short year with Nightly, I have some fond memories of Wishnie too. Albert mentioned Eric’s bobble head collection and one of his bobble heads he passed on to me. When I was leaving Nightly and heading up to try my hand in local news in Boston, Eric made me pledge that I would not betray his beloved Yankees and become part of Red Sox Nation – a part of that pact was that I had to display on my new desk in Boston a Yogi Berra bobble head that he gave to me as my goodbye gift. He was a great mentor especially to this fellow former Page who was always looking for advice on making it in the news biz. I remember many discussions in his office on what my next steps should be and he was always there to provide wonderful insight. There are many days when I miss the newsroom and all the amazing people at Nightly, today is one of them and I am sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Lisa Green, New York, NY — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:00:48 GMT

Dear Albert -- what a beautiful and vivid tribute. Of course, Eric could make an already-great day -- a birthday -- outstanding. I cherish our June 1 memories and send love and prayers to Eric's family and friends.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

David Calef, Spofford NH — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:54:43 GMT

To you, to Dawn, to the entire NBC News family, my deepest sympathy. It is clear he was a superb talent and great friend to many. I have seen his work not knowing the hands behind it. Although he may have gotten lost in despair and depression, his work, his love rises about that to make the loss ever so painful. I never knew him, but reading about this wonderful man caused me to shed tears for him and those that loved and honored him. He was way too young to be lost. I am so sorry he is gone.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Bonnie Optekman, New York — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 20:14:41 GMT

Thank you, Albert, for so beautifully capturing Eric. Knowing him made my life richer and a variety of things keep reminding me of that today. I look at the antique "Nipper" bank on my desk. Eric said he bought it when he was on a story and he gave it to me to add to my "Nipper" collection. And I think of the Roseanne Cash CD he and Dawn gave me when my Mom died because he felt it would help. And of course, my birthdays changed dramatically when my office was geographically located near you guys and I became an official part of the birthday club. He will be sorely missed and I extend my deepest sympathies to Dawn and the rest of his family.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:19:26 GMT

Dear Mr.Oetgen, This is truly lovely posting about your friend and colleague. I know I don't work for NBC, but I just wanted to offer my sincere condolences to his family and friend at NBC. I realize by reading the fine tributes you have made about him how much he meant to all of you. You all sound like such fine hardworking people and I feel as if I have learned so much because of you great reporting. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. And my special prayers go out to his wife and family. Keep strong.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Dan Erlenborn,Seattle, Washington — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 22:13:36 GMT

The Eric effect was as strong as his unique sense of humor and it’s rare that thoughts of him don’t pop up when I remember my days at NBC. He was his own bobble head early on in his career as a desk assistant in Washington, sitting opposite me, listening in on the extension and making faces, daring me to get through a coherent assignment to a producer or correspondent. He left a hole when he was brought up to New York then. And now, what a loss to all he touched. Warm thoughts to Dawn all of my former NBC family.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

ANNE MURRAY — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 23:55:20 GMT

IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH ERIC WAS TRUELY UNIQUE,BUT TRUE GOODNESS OFTEN IS.HE WAS VERY LUCKY THOUGH ,TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE GIFT OF TRUE AND TREASURED FRIENDSHIPS,AND I'M SURE HE KNEW THAT.I FEEL YOUR SADNESS.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Nina Zacuto — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:31:37 GMT

Having spent months working with Wishnie 15 years ago, I agree with Albert, Dan and others. Eric was a truly good person and back then a fun-loving guy. Even on this sad occasion I can't help but smile when I think of him. I dug out some photos of him from that time and thought I would share them on a web page [http://web.mac.com/nzacuto/iWeb/zaconline/Eric%20Wishne.html] .

Dawn my thoughts are with you, all of Eric's family, friends and my former NBC News colleagues.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Regina Herring, Mohegan Lake, NY — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:03:07 GMT

My condolences to Dawn on the passing of her beloved husband, Eric....from a fellow Plattsburgh State alumnus (Class of '81)

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

S.R. Boyar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:04:44 GMT

Thank you for your tribute. Eric was everyone's friend in the corner of Greenwich Village that was his home. We knew each other from having the same breed of dog. One morning, a couple of years, ago I ran in to him on the street during the morning dog walk. He told me that he and his wife were going away for the weekend and that he was concerned about boarding his dog,Lincoln- because of the canine virus that was going around. Spontaneously, I said that Lincoln could stay with us. Over the weekend Eric sent me several emails over his blackberry. Until then, I didn't even know his last name and certainly had no idea whatsoever that he was a senior producer for the NBC evening news. His emails- like him -were so personal, generous and funny. What a terribly sad loss. My condolences to his family, friends, Dawn and Lincoln.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Tim and Kathy Walton, Fremont, CA — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:04:52 GMT

Thank you for this, Albert. Tim and I worked with Eric not often enough, but we loved doing it; Eric's name on the crew request or the sound of his voice on the phone always made us smile. To Dawn and everyone at NBC who knew and loved him, our hearts are aching out here in California.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Nancy Goodell, Los Angele, California — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:14:51 GMT

Eric-

Here's to us and those like us... Damn few left!

I love you and will miss you always.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Ray Delphenis (Los Angeles, CA) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:22:59 GMT

He was a great guy that I am proud to call my friend.

Some of the things I loved about him: His endless efforts to perfect his "coin drop" magic trick, naming his fantasy football team "the bing crosbies" while he Steinbrennered his way to the playoffs every year (money was NO OBJECT!), the random emails about new bands he loved and the cd's he gave away, his insane passion for University of Florida football and his "dislike" of all things Bowden, his phrase "PLB" (peace, love, baseball), the inevitable trip to the souvenir stand wherever we were...

But most of all his endless generosity, his kindness, and his gentle soul. Time spent with Eric was time well spent, and you always wanted to be with him just a little bit more...

Our hearts are breaking for Dawn and Steve and all the people who Eric touched throughout his short years on earth. I for one will never forget him.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Jun Nishihara, Japan — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 06:35:54 GMT

Beautiful piece. I especially LOVED the last part of the story. Thank you, Mr. Oetgen.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Cathy Clements — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:28:56 GMT

I, too, knew Eric through Lincoln. We have Scottish terriers who are related to Barney Bush, and Eric and I used to discuss how Barney ran the White House. He had met Barney in person and marveled at our Thor's resemblance. I'm stunned to hear that he's gone and feel empty when I walk down 10th St. Please send my sympathy to Dawn, who also walks Lincoln.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Kristi Kline, Tucson, AZ — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 21:41:00 GMT

Eric was a good friend of mine, we were pages together and roomates in Washington, D.C. I am trying to reach his father, Ted--can you help me with an address? I want to send him a note. I am beyond sad. Eric was the most tender person I have known, he deserves more than what he got in the NY Post. I am sure his father is in great pain. Eric and I had been corresponding until about 3 weeks before he passed. He did not appear despondent in his emails. I am going to believe he fell. Thank you for sending me his dad's address.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Joe Fenner,Ft Myers,Fl — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:12:44 GMT

Eric and I were best friends in high school and attended UF together & lived together there for 3 years. There was a gruop of us from high school that stayed pretty tight in college.

As i sit here and reflect upon him, his humor, his love of the Yankees, and his love of music are what I remember the most. He introduced me to Springsteen's music in high school. I remember singing Candie's Room with him, cruising in his mustang in high school. I remember cutting 3 days of classes in college to camp out for Springsteen tickets to go on sale in Lakeland. We got our front row seats, and later autographs.

He had a tremendous affinity for making everything in life seem funny.

I heard of his death today from a very dear friend from those days of high school and college. I was blessed to know him and call him a friend

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Patty Gilleran — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:52:48 GMT

I knew Eric for three years in Chicago. We dated for 3 years. He was funny, sensitive, kind and so much more. Even though it has been years since we've been in contact, I thought of him often and and truly saddened by his death. I'm luckiy to have been touched by his life.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Denise Pence, NYC — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:34:44 GMT

Thank you for such a beautifully written memory of Eric's soul. His death will be a constant reminder of the many times we miss the chance at something. For me, it was the opportunity to really know him -- as all of you at NBC did. I believe you, Mr. Oetgen, are keeper of Eric's 3-page baseball letter read at his memorial (I can't find it online). Is it possible to get a copy? It captured his essence sooo well. Thank you in advance

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Mel. ATL, GA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:14:15 GMT

He was the best uncle ever, and I miss him very much!!

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Steve and Evellen — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:21:22 GMT

We miss him a bunch too Mel. He's our best friend.
He loved you tons sweetie!!
plb

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Mel. ATL, GA. — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 16:26:07 GMT

Thanks Steve and Evellen!!

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Sue Weber, Erie, PA — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:18:29 GMT

I got to know Eric through a segment he put together for our project. We talked on the phone quite a bit and that's how I learned about Lincoln. I asked our intern to email Eric yesterday and when she told me she found out he had died, I was shocked and saddened. The world has lost a great talent. What a fine, sensitive, caring man. I'm still dazed as I write this. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Sue Weber
The Picture Project
www.pictureproject.org

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Michael S. Gold, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:23:11 GMT

Being an old friend of Eric's dad and stepmom, Ted and Ethna Wishnie, I know Eric from his younger days in Clearwater, Florida. I haven't spoken to his family in 15 years as I lost touch when they moved to Atlanta, but I know how they felt towards Eric and his sister and I send my most sincere condolences to Eric's family and friends. If you knew Eric's family you would know where Eric's talent, humor and personality came from. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

Donald Neubaum, Corvallis, OR — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:21:18 GMT

I met Eric long ago (has it been almost 30 years already?). He was writing for the high school newspaper while I was a member of the yearbook staff. I recall getting to know him well over the last half of our senior year, thinking then that I had wished I had known him earlier, disappointed over the years he and I were mere acquaintances. Just about the time we began to become friends, college took us in different directions, and the frequency of our interactions decreased, and we, regretfully, lost touch. But during those precious months years ago, Eric taught me two of life's most valuable lessons. First, Eric taught me to never underestimate the power of laughter, as I have never laughed harder, laughed longer, than I did during the times I hung out with him. Second (and I am sure this lesson is the one he would be more proud of), Eric taught me to appreciate the wisdom and talent of Bob Dylan. I thank Eric, and the Record Bar where he worked, for opening my eye to these things.

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

tarja taylor — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:47:04 GMT

had no idea until now....u must know i love as always u both...i only cried dawn because i thought i had lost touch with you who i loved.... you will always have my love - such as it might be....t...kind of pissed...because i love and always loved you both...and will....my heart is broken...sending love to you......

REMEMBERING 'WISHNIE'

tarja taylor — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:56:58 GMT

dawn - am bad at computers...am so mad...so..so sad...u - better take care of your beautiful self...?....we - i(am totally selfish) need brilliant persons as you are who have graced my life with your presence....have learned so much from your goodness...i know, i am totally self-centered and selfish!!!...i need your perfect friendship!!!!!!!love always Tarja.....