Stuart Paddock Obituary

Stu, Rest in peace. We miss you. You will never be forgotten.

May you rest in eternal peace Stu. I miss you.

Thank you for the privilege. When we lived in Roselle, and Schaumburg, Illinois, I read your paper. I always thought of it as a much, much better alternative to the Chicago Tribune. I am so happy to have stumbled upon your website. As a current WI resident, and loan officer, I ran ads in your great paper. To the owners, and staff, you all deserve the success you enjoy. If I were an Illinois resident again, I definitely would have a subscription to your wonderful paper. Your Motto is great!!!!

Keep it in the family forever!!!

Jeanette from Brookfield, WI

we are sorry for or lost are prayors are with you and keep strong for each other in the time of need take care of or mother she needs you all to be strong for her.

love you all david garcia and family

A pillar of the community, a kinder gentler man I will never know.

Just a note...



Oh I know you don't know me, but I grew up in Arlington Heights. No - I didn't know your dad, but what a lovely tribute. I still look you up (online) - it's my only link to obituaries, what's going on....in my ol' home town.



Still think you have the best paper ever. Extremely user friendly - others should mold their products around it.



My Mom passed in 1990 - born in 1912. She is buried in Ridgewood Cemetery with her parents. I know how you feel. It's tough to lose a parent. It's just never quite the same.



You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless...



Lia (Hee) Mayer

Class of Arlington 64

My sympathy to the Paddock family. Stu introduced himself to me while working along side we workers at the Herald. After he offered help in my fledgeling years in the Adv. Art Dept.

He was very helpful & supportive along with every one of the Paddocks.

Real people to not only work for, but. They all worked with you & appreciated your contributing efforts, at the Herald. Peace Stu...



Tony Sulla

As a former employee, my heart goes out to the Paddock family, as well as the Daily Herald family.

Stu was a true inspiration to anyone who has a dream!

Our deepest thoughts go out to the entire Paddock family.It was an honor to have known Mr.Stu and to have worked for his company.



Humberto(Herb)Gramajo

Reina G Gramajo.

Elk Grove Village IL.

USMarine. CPL Mark A. Gramajo.

Camp Lejeune NC.

USMarine, CPL Mike A. Gramajo.

camp Twentynine palms CA.

Like many others sending condolences, I view the Daily Herald as Stu's legacy, the only one he wanted, I am sure. Like others, I worked for the Herald, starting as the only parttimer under Dan Baumann when he was Arlington Heights News Editor, became the Education Editor after Helene Bristol died, and rejoiced to work there in the great days when we beat the pants off the Day...every week...and then every day! It certainly helped that we were the old, trusted news folks in town. Dan is now retiring after many years at the helm and the Herald's future is in Doug Ray's hands. I am confident he will hold the helm steady.

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE PADDOCK FAMILY.HE WAS A GREAT MAN,A LOSS TO

US ALL.

I was hired by the Daily Herald after Stu bought Day Publications. This made my wife happy because she always preferred the Daily Herald to the Day Newspapers. After working 2 years at the paper, I left to join USSPI. Stu not only supported this move but also supported USSPI as a major stockholder and served as a director. When I became President of USSPI, Stu was always there for me as a trusted advisor and friend. In fact, I came to think of him as a second father.

An example that quite often comes to mind and that exemplifies Stu's character is this. A Paddock employee applied for a job at USSPI and before I would consider hiring him, I wanted to clear it first with various people at the Daily Herald. When I did so Stu's comment was that he would never stand in the way of an employee bettering themselves but rather wish them good luck in their new endeavor.Typical Stu!

While I was most fortunate to have been closely associated with Stu, the bigger reality is that our entire community is better off because of him. Not just because of Stu as an individual but also because of the newspaper and the organization he built. The Daily Herald and the Paddock Company have given so much back to the community that words of commendation are inadequate.

In closing, I wish Ann, Stuart III, the rest of the Paddock family members, and the family of employees at the Daily Herald my deepest condolences. And you Stu, I want you to know that you will always be on the hard drive of my memory and that you occuppy a special place in my heart. I love you! Bob

I'll call him "Stu" because that's how he introduced himself to me 12 years ago. The mark of a man is not who he knows...but, who he helps. In knowing Stu, I knew the meaning of genuine niceness...a trait too often lost in the business world, and too often ignored by people of his stature.



Stu, I will miss your big heart, which was as warm as the fireplace at the Daily Herald Conference Center on Muskie Point.

Ann:

Our prayers are with you and the family in this time of loss. A great man has been given a new task. He will be greatly missed. God Bless

My condolences to the Paddock family. Stu was truly one of the nicest human beings I've ever met. During my nine years at the Daily Herald he always had kind words to say to me and always seemed to take forever to walk through newsroom saying hello to everyone he could. He was a rare person.

My deepest condolences. I live in Massachusetts now but while living in Illinois for 7 years, the Daily Herald was very important to me. I now read it on-line to keep in touch with my friends back in Chicago even though I have lived in Mass. the last two years.

Please accept our condolences on the loss of a really wonderful man. At most places, getting a phone call from the man in charge is foreboding; at the Herald, it was a pleasure. He treated our family with respect and courtesy, whether it be asking how work on the Neighbor desk was going to asking how our family was doing.

Once when my mother was in a recovery room at Northwest Community Hospital after undergoing an outpatient procedure, I had told her I had to get back to work before press start and then would come back to bring her home. A voice behind a curtain in an adjacent room said, "Don't worry, you won't get in trouble." I looked over and saw Stu, on a bed, with this big smile on his face saying "Hi Rick, is that your mom over there? How does she like the newspaper?"

A really class guy, and a lot of fun, too. We'll miss him a lot.

My sincere condolences to the Paddock family. Stu was such a kind and thoughtful gentleman. I was honored when he would call when I was a business columnist just to say he liked a story or to pass on a story idea. I'll always remember his genuine smile and his down-to-earth style. He will be missed and remembered fondly. My prayers are with you all.

My condolances to a great family.

How the years have flown. I was a reporter for the Herald from 1977 to 1987, during the years when the paper launched its Sunday edition (I was one of the six lucky people to be appointed to the "Sunday staff"). It doesn't seem that long ago, but to look at Stu's picture on these pages is to see the years flash before my eyes. Stu was a life force around the newsroom. His smile could warm an igloo, and he always had a kind word or a compliment. If everyone had an employer like him, there would be no unhappy employees. Rest in peace, Stu. If you could read the tributes in this guest book, you would know that you left the world a better place. We can all learn a lesson from you.

My sincere condolences to the Paddock family. Stu Paddock was the embodiment of the family atmosphere of the newspaper, with his good cheer, interest in each employee and devotion to newspaper quality and independence. My mother, Gloria Carrel, worked here for many years too and always said the Herald was like a family. I heartily agree. Stu's spirit will live on in all who were privileged to know him.

The Board and Staff of Shelter, Inc. wish to express its sincere sympathy on the passing of Stuart R. Paddock, Jr. We remain most grateful for the tremendous support that Shelter and the children in our care have received throughout the years from the Paddock Family and from The Daily Herald.

Stu touched my life for 32 years. I was hired at the Daily Herald after Paddock Publications purchased Day Publications, my former employer in 1970. Stu's welcome to the company was genuinely warm for an outsider who just days earlier was working hard to make the decision go the other way. During 26 years in Sports, he enjoyed talking about horseracing at Arlington Park where he owned and ran a couple of thoroughbreds. He called on Sunday mornings to marvel at how we were able to put out such a comprehensive sports section with later scores and stories than our competition. Or to point out that we had the wrong channel for the Cubs game that day. He amazed me by his efforts to learn ALL his employees' names and got upset when he couldn't recall and had to ask for help. Stu attended my father's funeral and my daughter's wedding, neither of which would have been as memorable without him.

Stu III and family -- When a parent dies, it alters the soul.

May fond memories and the character of the man your father was comfort you all and bring you peace...

My his spirit live on in the Herald.

Praying for you all,

Robin Smith Kollman

DH ('85-'91 and forever in my heart)

I joined The (not yet daily) Herald the day after graduating from college in 1975. It could have been a pretty intimidating experience, but it was anything but that because of the family atmosphere that permeated the place. I always credited Stu Paddock with creating and nurturing that atmosphere. Back then, we would see him on nearly a daily basis. He would walk through the newsroom greeting everyone by name, and flashing that smile that so many others have mentioned in this Guest Book. That smile, and that special twinkle. I will always remember them.

Those of us who worked at The Herald during that period went through some tough times,but we weathered them together. As a family. Yes, we went through some "N-days". None of us liked those temporary pay cuts, but most of us realized and still appreciate the fact that it was a more compassionate way of helping the Herald through some tough times, without layoffs. Many newspapers were laying off scores of employees last year when the latest recession hit; when I tell friends how the Paddocks handled the situation at The Daily Herald, they are very impressed with that more-compassionate approach.

I "left the nest" in Arlington Heights 16 years ago, but I will always think fondly of the place that Stu built, and the family values he instilled in the workplace.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Paddock family.

Stu's smile said it all... He encouraged and cared deeply about employees as they helped him shape the Daily Herald's excellence. I am blessed to have known Stu, Margie and Bob as true mentors and compassionate leaders. They have touched me professionally and personally in my many years at the paper, and we all flourish as a result of their high expectations and unwavering support. I share my love and condolences with the entire Paddock family as we remember Stu and his remarkable success story.

Stu was a very warm and caring person.

He will be greatly missed.

Sincere condolences to the Paddock

family.I have many fond memories of

my 43 years of employment.

Roy

Stu always had a smile whenever you would encounter him in the hallways, and he always let you know he cared about you and valued your work at the paper. But he went beyond that, too. I always will remember him coming to our softball games to cheer us on, and when he couldn't make it to the games, he made sure we gave him updates. He was a generous man and a strong leader for the Daily Herald. God bless you, Stu.

there are no words appropriate to do justice to the legacy of Mr. Paddock ...always a

"gentle "-man his knowledge of the industry that he lead for decades will be chronicled for generations..

on a personal note--.the Shaker Family will miss him very much..his love of family..dedication to his employees..and his stature in the industry made working for the Daily Herald always a pleasure and never a chore...

..our thoughts and prayers are with his family...staff and all those lives he touched..including ours..

While I did not know Stu very well it has been a pleasure to work at a place he worked so hard to make great. I send my deepest condolences to all of his family and friends

Though I did not know Mr. Paddock personally, my father has shared many stories of working with him at the Daily Herald, and I am certain he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Paddock family at this time.

To a wonderful and gentle man who always had a smile for everyone, everyday. The Daily Herald, and all your family there, will greatly miss you. Peace be with you.

Stu Paddock didn't just own a "family-run" newspaper; he saw to it that his newspaper was run as if it were a family. I first met him, as I suppose many Herald staffers did, at one of the monthly luncheons for new employees, in which he'd get to know you, ask about your family, and welcome you to his. From that time on he was always a jolly, smiling, encouraging, parental presence at the paper.

He will be greatly missed by all of us.

Stu was a man/boss and mentor who truly practiced what he preached, with passion and verve and he inspired all of us who worked at his company to want to live that way too. For me personally her created a world of opportunities personally and professionally in the 10 years I worked there. We got to tell stories, and I met a group of friends many of whom are still there every day 20 years later even though we're not still in the newsroom. But, what impacted me most, is that he was a man ahead of his time. When I was in my young 20's and had my first daughter - 18 years ago - he was instrumental in creating an environment where I could still do what I loved and combine it with being a new mom. That was WAY ahead of the times. My daughter Caitlin practically grew up in the newsroom and that became her family and mine in many ways. At two she was walking around with a notepad interviewing everyone at Herald picnics. I owe a lot to Stu for creating that opportunity for me and extend my deepest condolences to his family.

The following is a note I shared with the DuPage staff of the Daily Herald. It's my fondest personal recollection that embodies Stu's warmth for people in general and his love for the people who worked for him:



Stu, as you no doubt have learned, was always interested in moving forward, making the paper bigger and better. So, it was no secret that, even though we were in a recession, he wanted to forge ahead with our Naperville expansion in 1990.



And, as you might expect for an expansion of this magnitude, we really pulled out the stops: hired a bunch of people, threw all our resources into those early editions, sampled the hell out of the community and followed up with all sorts of telemarketing. For a while, the Naperville-Lisle edition had the second-highest circulation of all editions in the Daily Herald fold.



A few months after the launch, Stu was at the Mayo clinic in Minnesota, I think having a troublesome knee worked on. About that time, we were planning an office holiday party. I have no idea how he got wind of it, but Stu found out about the party, and called from the Mayo to tell me what a great job we were doing with the Naperville edition (he was having it mailed to him). He said I should go out and buy some champagne for the staff party; he’d pay for it out of his own pocket.



“And, Jim,” he said, “Don’t buy the cheap stuff.”

Though I did not know him well, I remember his smiles as he "tooled" around the corridors. My condolences to the Paddock's.

My heart goes out to the Paddock family, as well as the family at the Daily Herald.

Much to my wife's dismay, I read 2-3 newspapers per day. My love of the news stems directly from my first job - delivering the Bensenville Register. A Paddock Publication.



The name Paddock meant nothing to me as a paperboy. In retrospect, I owe your family a debt of gratitude for creating a newshound.



Ronald M. Kas, Esq.

66 North Parkside

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

It was an honor and privilege to work for Stu. His employees are truly a family. I admired his vision and courage. His great smile was there whenever we met. His legacy is the quality of the Daily

Herald. I'll miss him.

My hart goes out to the family and friends of Stuart, I am a advid fan

of the Daily Hearld.



Paula Flisnik

Stu,

The wind was always at your back! Thanks for letting us be a part of your Daily Herald family. We cherish our fond memories. With a twinkle in your eye we visualize you telling St. Peter "we have to expand!". Slainte, Jim & Nancy Walsh.

Mr. Paddock stood for what is good about working for a newspaper. The sparkle in his eyes when he said hello and asked how you were is what I will remember most. My condolences to his family on the passing of a wonderful man.

I read with great sadness of the death of Stu Paddock and I heatily agree with the statement that 'even the lowlist employee called him Stu'. I worked, as a teenager' in the mailroom of the new press building and Stu made it a point to somehow remember my name and those of all my co-workers in his haunting of the presses he loved so much. He was a great man who will be missed for the for many things, not least of all the kindness he had for everyone he ever met.

Rob Lederleitner was a good friend of Mr. Paddock and he passed away last month @age 45 so I guess they are together now. Arlington Rental and R.Lederleitner ltd. will miss a great man.

I did not personally know Mr. Paddock. But was told he was a wonderful man. My mother works there at The Daily Herald and she said "he was a kind old soul." So i give my deepest sympathy's and condolences to those in morn.

As other publishers saw newspapers in decline, Stu looked to a future where his paper would grow and reflect his own positive outlook. He was a role model who created a business model.

My condolences to the Paddock family.

I had the opportunity to work with Stu on the Board of Directors of USSPI. He was a great man and I learned a lot from him. He will be missed.

In 1982 Stu started out as my employer..

He then became my employer and a friend..

He then became my friend and an employer..

I shall miss him alot..

Mr. Paddock's genuine smile,kind words and honest interest made every employee feel like they were part of the Paddock "family".

Gloria Kittelson

Tearsheet Coordinator

I'll miss Mr. Paddock's boyish smile and contagious enthusiasm. I'm a real fan of independent newspapers and looked upon Mr. Paddock with great fondness. I agree with all those who have said, "We've lost a "great man."

Although I never formally met Mr. Paddock he deserves the thanks of many newsmen and newswomen.

In an age of corporate journalism he realized that to make money you must invest in your product.

People want something for their 50 cents. Mr. Paddock knew people want to read about their neighbors and invested his profits back into the product.

At a time when "experts" say people don't want to read a newspaper, Mr. Paddock proved them wrong and sent out a clear signal that quality sells and people do want to read.

I really liked Stu, and was very happy to work for him. His newspaper family will miss him dearly.

Stu was a "gentleman". A class act.

My years of working under his leadership is something I will always cherish.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

The hardest moment in any person's life is to lose a parent. Condolences and best wishes to the Paddock Family. His wisdom and his infectious smile will never be forgotten.

I hope it is consoling to Ann and the Paddock family to know how much we will all miss Stu. He made this such a great place to work as well as an important and successful newspaper. Through my experience working for other publications I realize that the Herald is a very well-run paper. All of us who love journalism owe Stu a huge debt. His talents were in journalism, business and in being a great human being.

Stu was a fine and warm gentleman who would take a moment for all. The newspaper industry will surely miss his insight but more importantly all of us will miss him dearly.

Stu will be greatly missed, but what an incredible legacy he leaves!



Stu truly valued effort, excellence and his employees. But above all, he treasured people like few others I've ever met.



Some people talk about caring--Stu lived it with a heart as impressive as his smile and his laugh. He stood tall in the world of journalism and in life.



May the family find comfort in knowing how much Stu was loved, appreciated, and respected.

This is to extend my condolences to the Paddock family. I'm Tony Sulla, with my 10 yr. Paddock watch on. 1986 to 1996. Adv. Art dept. remember my days with the Herald & all the Paddocks. Margie Flanders, Bob Paddock, & Stuart Paddock, jr., with Bob, jrs., wife & Stu III. All good hard workers & gracious enough to respect all their employees with a special Paddock touch.



I spent 30 yrs. With WGN, 8 yrs. with the TRIB. And learned & earned in my life time. My Herald years were as good as it gets. Sorry to see so many newspapers gone. But "long live the Herald," continue to do your jobs folks.



I never cease to marvel at the diversity of your local participation in the news we subscribers can use. I know the whole Herald Family of Employees will agree with my feelings at this time. "Maintain Your Strength" farewell salutation, from my Italian heritage roots. Especially to Bob Paddock jr., Family & all Paddock survivors.



"Keep up the good work" Tony M. Sulla

Although I didn't know him well, I always felt Mr. Paddock was one of the best parts of this company. He was friendly to everyone--and I mean everyone, which is so unusual in this modern corporate age. He was a gracious personality and lit up a room because he made everyone around him feel appreciated. He made an impression on me and I'm grateful to have worked for him.

A wonderful man who will surely be missed on earth, yet all of heaven rejoices as he reunites with his brother and sister, this time for eternity. God Bless his family.

What a sense of sadness I felt when I read of Stu's passing. As a former writer at The Daily Herald, Stu always greeted us young, green reporters with such warmth and respect. Since leaving the Daily Herald in 1993, I have not worked for any publication that placed such importance on good writing, and taught me so much on a daily basis. That emphasis can no doubt be traced to Stu's leadership. Stu's passing is indeed the end of an era in this time of bottom-line journalism.

Indeed it was a privilege to work for Stu and the entire Paddock family. I remember Connie, a great co-worker and friend, Stu and myself taking a trip to the racetrack during our lunchhour. In fact, I was so excited about going in Stu's car (think it was a Mercedes Benz), he even let me drive it there. What a caring and dear man! My prayers are with you.

To the Family of Stu Paddock Jr.:

I feel as if I have lost a grandpa. Stu was one of those beloved people that was able to transcend the notion that "no one likes the person in charge" The people who worked for Stu would have done anything for him, yet all he ever asked was that we do our best and do it well. He will be greatly missed, he was truly beloved because of his kindness and his great big heart.

I was one of the Arlington Herald reporters during the great days when we battled the "Day." (I also had the chance to be the first editor of the Wheeling Herald.) We received a Suburban Press Association award for coverage of the Chicago riots in 1968 and Stu was there with us at the banquet, cheering us along. Not only that, he took us out afterwards. You knew he was proud of your work, so you tried even harder. I know Dave Hoyt would be eager to say something and would say it better than I can but Dave died some years ago. All I can do is say it for both of us---you were a pro, Stu.

Mary T. Dresser (1966-1969 reporter and editor)

Our condolences to Stu's family and all who had the honor of knowing him. His smile will forever be etched in our memories. He never hesitated to say something positive or to thank someone for their work. If we can follow that example in everything we do, his spirit will be with us for many years to come. God bless him.

Stu was a great publisher and, thanks in good part to him, Paddock Publications was a great place to work. Among many other contributions, he helped make it possible for us to provide next-day coverage of the 1968 presidential election, an unheard-of feat for a community newspaper of that era.

I was very, very sad to hear of Mr. Paddock's passing. He has been an integral part of the Baumann family since the year of my birth in 1964. I will always remember him as a gentle giant, and will always be thankful for the many gifts he bestowed upon my family over the years.

My deepest and most sincere condolsences to Anne, the rest of his family, friends and colleages.

Its obvious Mr Paddock defined what the Daily Herald is today. I will always be thankful to have the opportunity to take part in a career I love as a part of this newspaper.

15 years ago I met the sweetest Man-

Mr Paddock - I started in Customer service on the Weekends and never fail - Stu would show up with Sweets

from cakebox for the weekend ladies.

He always wore his signature Blue running suit. I was touched by the

owner of a company stopping by to thank us for working on the weekends. That was August of 1986 and I have stayed with Paddock Publications due to the family atmosphere that Marge, Bob & Stu fostered. My condolences to the immediate and business family. We are all feeling this loss.

It was a privilege knowing Stu. Working for him was a unique experience. He was a true “people person,” bringing out the best in others. He treated every employee and every job with respect and a sense of importants.



Of all of his wonderful traits, his laugh was most endearing. I will always remember his laugh.

Stu was as good a boss as one could hope for. He possessed a vision, limitless enthusiasm and -- most endearingly -- a humble attitude that made it a pleasure not only to work for him, but simply to say hello to when he passed through the newsroom.

It's such a horrible thing to hear. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May god bless you all.

My condolences to the Paddock family. As a former Daily Herald employee, I have only fond memories of Stu Paddock Jr. His sense of humor and sunny disposition were always evident during his newsroom stops. His staff genuinely loved him. He truly will be missed.

Among the endless qualities Stu possessed, caring for his employees would have to be near the top end of the list. This quality coupled with his vision and devotion to the newspaper were ingredients that contributed to the unparalleled success of the Daily Herald. Stu's leadership and compassion will be remembered by many and missed by all.



Our deepest condolences to Ann and the Paddock family,



Jim & Dianne Galetano

I had the good fortune of starting my journalism career at the Daily Herald in 1981 and will always remember my days at the newspaper as some of the happiest and most challenging of my career. Stu was a kind and benevolent owner, and I will never forget how he always managed to remember my name. My sympathies to the entire Paddock "family."

We(Werrbach and Burton Families) would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the Paddock family. I remember the first time I meet him when I was 10 or so years old he gave me a big hug and gave me this big smile i would like to say i'm sorry tot he Paddock Family for their loss.



Love,

Werrbach and Burton Families

I have worked at the Lisle office of the Daily Herald since 1991, and will always remember that even when he obviously wasn't always feeling his best, he would come down to visit for a company function, such as a Christmas party, and always say hello whether you were a top editor or one of the contract sales phoners. My condolences to the Paddock family,for whom it has been my pleasure to work for the past 10 years.

My condolences go to the Paddock family. The Daily Herald holds a special place in my heart because it was my first journalism job after college. I have remained here eight years now and I thank the Paddock family for making my first job experience a special one.

I never had any trouble getting a smile from Stu when I photographed him, it just lit up across his face, and it was real too. I will really miss it.

Stu Paddock left a lasting, powerfully positive, warm and loving impression on so many people, including me.

What a wonderful legacy.

My condolences to the Paddock family.

God bless, Stu.

As friends of the Koch and Rosengren families as well as columnist for the Herald, we express our thoughts to the family. Stu's life has been an inspiration to the community and a tribute to his high character.

My fondest memory of Mr. Paddock was his smile. He was always gracious when I would run into him at the office. He made the Daily Herald a wonderful place to work

Condolences to the Paddock family, and thanks for my first journalism job.

My deepest sympathy to the entire Paddock Family. He will be remembered, always. I will never forget his smile....it was contagious! GOD BLESS

My wife Traci and I send our heartfelt condolences to the Paddock family who have lost a caring member and a hard worker. While I only met him once, the first time I was hired with a group of new employees, Stuart R. Paddock Jr. radiated a smile and a joyous demeanor that made my transition to a new company much easier. I only wish I was able to know him as well as others have, stemming from all the wonderful things I have heard about him. Thanks for easing the nervousness and tension of a new reporter by welcoming him to the company Stu! God be with the Paddock family in this time of loss.

My condolences to the family. Stu genuinely created the family atmosphere at the Herald. He had a keen sense and understanding of the general public, wanting everyone to see the product.

Simply one of the nicest men I have ever met. I am proud to have worked for his company.

My condolences to the Paddock family and the employees at The Daily Herald. Stu Paddock made everyone smile. He will be deeply missed.

I came to the Daily Herald straight out of college, took 12 years off to freelance and raise two kids and returned in 1992. That year at a staff party Stu shook my hand, leaned over and whispered, "You're the one who came back to us." I was surprised that he remembered me after all those years, and that he welcomed me almost as a family member who had been away. Even when the Daily Herald grew to hundreds of employees, Stu made an effort to know each one and treat each as a member of the family. Even in these last years he came to the office as often as his health permitted and seeing him always gave me a warm feeling. He was a father figure to many of us.

Upon my arrival for work at the Daily Herald in 1969, Stu Paddock was one of the first to greet me at the front door with a warm handshake. It didn't take me long to see he was a true leader who focused on the employees, inspiring them to create the best newspaper in Illinois. He will be deeply missed by the Herald. My condolences to the family.

After a 30+ year business relationship with Paddock Publications, one of my major memories is the courtesy always shown by Stu Paddock. His sense of "family" runs through the entire Daily Herald organization. My dealings with this fine newspaper is primarily about relationships, about fair play, about treating each other with respect. All Stu Paddock kinds of things. The newspaper industry has lost a gentle giant. Thank you, Stu, for all you've done!

As a former employee of Paddock Publications, I will always remember Mr. Paddock as such a cheerful, caring man. He will be missed.

My condolences to the family.

I'll always remember Stu coming to the all-area sports banquets with a wide smile that only got bigger as the night went on. It's truly a privelege to work for a company that was guided for so long by a man like Stu. My condolences to his family.

Betty and I were deeply saddened to learn of Stu's passing. He left a legacy and footprints that will be hard to fill.



During the time I was an Alderman and then Mayor of Rolling Meadows I could always count on fair treatment from the local newspaper, thanks to Stu and his leadership and staff. He was a Giant in his industry and will be missed.



OUr condolences to all family members.



William D. Ahrens

Winter Garden, Florida

Stu embodied what is best about a family-owned newspaper - he cared about the product but more importantly, he cared deeply about the people. It's the atmosphere Stu fostered that makes working here so special. Stu will be missed a great deal but we all are so fortunate to have known him and worked for him. My condolences to his family.