penalty, presidential races from 1968 to 1980, and Watergate. He always believed his most significant work was breaking the story of the Saturday Night Massacre, Richard Nixon’s dismissal of Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox and the resignation of Attorney General Elliot Richardson, which was the lead story in that Sunday’s New York Times. Doug remembers the story breaking so late that he had to call it in to the Times office by phone. In 1981, Doug left the Times and joined the staff of the Chicago Tribune as national and foreign editor. He later became that paper’s associate managing editor and then served as public editor. After his wife Anne’s death from cancer in 1989, Doug had his own bout with the disease. After successful surgery he “decided to focus attention on whatever future I was lucky enough to have.” He took an early retirement and returned to his hometown of Lincoln. He was soon recruited to write a column for the local newspaper, the Lincoln News – he also drove down to the paper’s office every Wednesday to help put the paper to bed. Doug also offered to teach journalism courses at the University of Maine. Even in his relatively short stint as a university teacher he had a major impact on numerous future journalists. In the mid-90s he became a member of the University of Maine Alumni Association board and later chair of its publications committee-positions he held until this year. Also in the mid-90s, Doug became reacquainted with an old friend from high school, Barbara Jordan Lees, and they were married in May of 1997. Together they enjoyed retirement in Lincoln, including annual summer gatherings with family, frequent visits to local restaurants, and cheering on the local high school and University of Maine teams. In 2003 Doug was honored by colleagues when he was inducted into the Maine Press Association Hall of Fame and two years later, his achievements were recognized by the University of Maine when he was presented with an honorary doctorate. With a nose for news, a natural, writing flair, and impeccable integrity, Doug Kneeland was a consummate newspaperman. As Doug’s good friend and colleague Gene Roberts noted, “He’s our profession’s equivalent of a triple threat quarterback, only better.” Doug is the beloved husband of Barbara Jordan Kneeland. He was predeceased by his first wife, Anne Libby Kneeland; and is survived by his four children, Debra Jo Wentz of Sioux City, Iowa, Libby Anne Williams and her husband, Stan, of San Jose, Calif., Bruce Douglas Kneeland and Wayne Curtis Kneeland, both of Bristol, R.I. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Christopher and Kelly Wentz, Alex Williams, and Timothy and Kathleen Kneeland; by his sister, Pamela Kneeland Greene and her husband, Kenneth, of Chatham, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be planned for the spring. Donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements with Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.

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