Theodore C. Olbermann, 1929-2010
My father died, in the city of his birth, New York, at 3:50 EST this afternoon.
Though the financial constraints of his youth made college infeasible, he accomplished the near-impossible, becoming an architect licensed in 40 states. Much of his work was commercial, for a series of shoe store chains and department stores. There was a time in the 1970’s when nearly all of the Baskin-Robbins outlets in the country had been built to his design, and under his direction. Through much of my youth and my early adult life, it was almost impossible to be anywhere in this country and not be a short drive to one of “his” stores.
My Dad was predeceased last year by my mother, Marie, his wife of nearly 60 years. He died peacefully after a long fight against the complications that ensued after successful colon surgery last September at the New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center. My sister Jenna and I were at his side, and I was reading him his favorite James Thurber short stories, as he left us.
I can’t say enough about Dr. Jeff Milsom and his team at the hospital, and all of those physicians and nurses and staffers in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit who looked after my Dad all this time, and kept him in their hearts. And I feel the same way about all of you who have expressed your best wishes and prayers to him, and to me, and to our family.
My Dad was my biggest booster. A day after I was hired by CNN in the summer of 1981 as a two-week vacation relief sports reporter, I traveled by train to my childhood hometown, and walked from the station towards my folks’ house. I was stopped half a dozen times before I got to my Dad’s office by people congratulating me on my impending television debut. There was, of course, only one way they could have known. My Dad, the press agent.
Of course it was he and my Mom who took me to my first Yankees games (even though my father nursed a delightful grudge against the team for trading away his favorite players, Steve Souchock and Snuffy Stirnweiss – in 1948 and 1950). But as my interest in the sport began to take the shape of a dreamt-of career, it was my Dad also sacrificed family vacations so we could buy ever more tickets to Yankee games. When we could afford both games and vacations, four times those vacations were to Spring Training.
He was my inspiration, and will always remain so. His bravery these last six months cannot be measured. He is as much my hero now, as he was when I was five years old.
My condolences Keith. I have been a follower of your work for many years. You have my sympathies.
Greg
http://baseballfix.mlblogs.com/
Keith, I am so so sorry to read this news. It was clear to us all how much you loved your father.
Please remember there are thousands of people in this country who have been thinking about you and your dad these last few months. And will continue to do so. And that is because of the inspiration you have been to all of us.
Oh, Keith, I am so terribly sorry. He could not have asked for a more loving son, and he was clearly very proud of you. Big giant hugs to you and your family. Please take all the time you need. Much love from the West Coast…JW
I’m so sorry, Keith.
Have been thinking of both of you all this past week.
Remember the good times, your hero & ispiration..
God bless you & yours in your hour of sadness.
Deepest sympathy to you and your sister.
Susan
Many prayer and much light to you and your family during this time. Thank you for being a loving brave son. This is a beautiful tribute, your son was very proud of you. Thank you for sharing your journey so honestly these last monthes – we are grateful for your courage and heart. Many blessings and condolences as I light a candle for you and your family tonite.
Dear Keith,
My Dad was absolutely your biggest, most relentless and most passionate fan. He would watch your show non-stop! When he needed to be moved to a downstairs bedroom, he had the tv moved with him. We lost him about a month ago. When your dad crossed to “the other side” or wherever the departed end up, please know your Dad recieved a warm and enthusiastic welcome from my Dad.
Keith, i am a fan from the KTLA 5 sports day. I am sorry to hear about your dad. From a great man comes a greater son.. Keep up the amazing work of informing this nation.
Keith,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I know the deep sense of loss when my father passed on. A hero he was to you and will always be.
The best tribute to him is your emulating him. God Bless my friend.
Murv Sears
I’ve been following your comments about your father over the last months. Your comments have touched me. How blessed we both were to have had wonderful fathers. My sympathy is with you. Yesterday was the 8th anniversary of my father’s death, and it feels like it was yesterday.
May wonderful memories provide you with comfort. Rest in comfort, dear Theodore, with all the wonderful fathers up there.
Janiceinthemountains
Keith,
I watch you a lot on MSNBC and I know your absence of late on your show meant the end for your father was probably near. You are as articulate and as kind an individual as I have seen on the talk shows, particularly with respect to the health care reform debates. Your last segment was on living wills. I also appreciate your involvement with sports, given my background in baseball in years past. (I was also born on the day and year the great Bambino passed from our midst). You no doubt were also blessed with wonderful parents, given how you turned out to be. My condolences to you and your family on your Father’s passing. May you continue with your fine work and reporting.
Sincerely,
Miles J. Zaremski
3-13-10
Dear Keith,
You & your family have our deepest condolences. From the way you have elegantly described him, your father was a great dad and I know you will miss him very much.
Matt & Tricia
So sorry for you and Jenna’s loss. May you both find some comfort during this time of sorrow. He had to be a great man to be so loved by his children.
Clay
I feel I know your father after hearing yoour comments about him on MSNBC. What a great dad! And he and your mom raised a great son. Your love for him shines. I am so sorry for your loss!
Dear Keith,
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing a very important part of your life with us.
My deep condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time, Keith. Hang in there!
Keith, you are one of my heros, because you said the truth back in the early Bush years when no-one else would. I will never forget that. But beyond this, the way you have publicly given to us all of yourself in your times of need, with the passing of both your parents, has taught us all how to deal with grief and personal tragedy with dignity, respect, and strength. I admire you greatly for this. You have taught us all so much. Your love for your parents is so evident. My deepest sympathies.
Something else for all of you wonderful bloggers – if your father is still alive, give him a big hug today. How I wish I could do that!
Janiceinthemountains
Something else for all of you wonderful bloggers – if your father is still alive, give him a big hug today. How I wish I could do that!
Janiceinthemountains
Dear Keith and family,
My heart and prayers go out to you during this time of such a tremendous loss. Keith, you are a first class example of the great man your father is. Once again, my condolences to you and your family.
Dear Keith,
Please accept my very sincere condolences. Since my husband and I watch Countdown every night and had been following your reports on his hospitalization and care, the news of your dad’s passing has saddened us both. You are in our thoughts because of your loss and because of the work you do on behalf of progressive causes particularly health care reform.
Sincerely, Rosemarie McMichael, San Francisco CA
Keith,
Please accept my condolences. Although losing a parent is one of the transitions we all go through, it hurts so very much. Believe me, I speak from experience.
You have shared so much about your dad and your deep love for him and your mom was clear. Take comfort in the wonderful memories you shared.
Deborah
Keith,
Know that we and all of your fans from sports and MSNBC are deeply saddened by your loss. The message on healthcare and all the stresses that come with it that he sent through you was clear and powerful. Take comfort in knowing that you did everything that you could, according to your father’s plan.
Our deepest condolences are with you and your friends and family.
Sincerely,
Weslee
I’m sorry to hear of your father’s death. My condolences.
Keith, we are all so sorry about your dad. Though virtually none of us knew him personally, you showed us who what a magnificent man he was and your Mom as well by being the incredible champion of democracy, humanity, justice and human rights that as he and your Mom raised you to be.
We grieve with you in yours and your families loss of your Dad and hope you can feel comfort in that he gave us his very best as we see in you. And the Baskin Robins he designed were fantastic too!
Rest in Peace Ted Olbermann! And thank you for being such a great dad to such a wonderful son!
Your friends at DailyKos have posted a diary to share with you and your family all of our deepest condolences.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/13/845953/-Theodore-C.-Olbermann,-1929-2010#c117
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. You are a kind and caring human; thanks for your integrity and your work on MSNBC. Coldplay has a song that goes something like “those who are dead are not dead they’re just living in my head…..” It’s been a way for me to deal with my Mom’s loss.
ms from slc
My condolences to you and your family. I applaud your courage in allowing all of us your viewers into your life during this time. Thank you, clearly you are your fathers son.
My best to you and yours sir.
Sincerely.
Dear Keith,
Thanks for giving your mom and dad the most beautiful deaths that parents can ask of their children.
You gave them love, respect and dignity.
I respect you and admire you for that.
May God Bless them in Heaven for having left the world the wonder of YOU!
We need you to move the progressive agenda forward and for preventing our beloved USA to regress in mediocrity.
It must be discouraging at times, but the battles are worth fighting for. They will eventually yiield the same values that your parents gave you in live, and that you reciprocated in death: LOVE, RESPECT, and DIGNITY.
Maryse Prezeau (a regular viewer of Countdown)
Keith,
Please accept my condolences. Stay strong and keep fighting the good fight, I am very sure your Dad was and is proud of all you’re doing!
My sympathies to you and your family, Keith. Keep doing what you are doing, and you will continue to make your Dad proud.
May God bless you Keith. You have been a truly dedicated, loving son to both your parents.
Keith: I wish to express my condolences on the passing of your dad. I’m sure he loved you and your sister to the very end. My dad took me to see Mets games in their first year of 1962. He was Bronx boy who loved the Giants but was crushed when they left NY. So the underdog Mets became his passion. I’ve followed you on ESPN and now on Countdown. You talk for a lot of folks out here. Keep up the good work. Your dad is very proud of you!
I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a great man and he sounds like an amazing dad. It was clear that in addition to loving each other, you actually liked each other. You are so lucky to have had him. I know the loss is impossible to fathom, we never stop missing the loved ones that we lose, we just learn to adjust to an world made emptier without them. All the best to you and your sister.
JCHLL
Keith,
I wanted to wish you and your family my sincerest condolences. I lost my father this past October and can fully appreciate the enormous sense of loss that comes with your loss.
Your father, and mother, performed yeoman’s work in the way they raised you and the loss of such obviously good people is a loss to us all.
Once again, my sincerest condolences.
John
Lake Tahoe, NV
May your father rest in peace. You and your sister have my deepest sympathy and condolences.
Keith:
My condolences your loss. The pain of the moment will lessen but the love and respect your father had for each other will be a source of strength for the rest of your life. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Keith:
My condolences for your loss. The pain of the moment will lessen but the love and respect your father had for each other will be a source of strength for the rest of your life. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Dear Keith,
I call you ‘Keith’ because I feel like I know you and I believe I do. My heart goes out to you and your family. It is obvious your father was a man of virtue, integrity, and love. May you feel strength and peace in knowing you made him proud. Thank you for sharing what we all must go through. We lost a good man today, but good me remain because of him. Peace, Derek Whitlock
Keith,
My husband, Ed, and I are deeply saddened to hear that you and Jenna have lost your Dad after his valiant fight these last months. Now he is with your Mom.
We know that he would have been particularly proud of how you have shared his journey with your viewers as a cautionary tale of why we need Health Care Reform now. It was a deeply personal and courageous thing to do on your part, and even more so on his. And nothing could have illustrated your points more powerfully than the stories you shared about him with us.
We owe you more than it is possible to say for your candor and forthrightness. It seems that your Dad’s pride in you was not misplaced. Now, it is our turn to lift you up with our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies to you and yours,
Margie Determan and Ed Rotberg
Dear Keith,
I call you ‘Keith’ because I feel like I know you and I believe I do. My heart goes out to you and your family. It is obvious your father was a man of virtue, integrity, and love. May you feel strength and peace in knowing you made him proud. Thank you for sharing what we all must go through. We lost a good man today, but good men remain because of him. Peace, Derek Whitlock
Keith, sincere condolences on the passing of your father. You just keep doing what you’re doing and it will be the best tribute to your beloved parents.
Keith,
My heart goes out to you and your family. We are contemporaries and I have recently gone through similar circumstances in a similar time frame. May his light shine bright and may we all shine on.
TommyG
Dear Keith,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Grace and Peace,
Brian, Marie & Bob
The Healy Family
Keith, you are a testament to your father and mother’s greatness. I am so sorry for your loss.
Keith,
May the wonderful memories of your life with your father infuse sweetness with your sorrow.
Sincerely, Heather
My condolences to you and your family, Keith. Thanks for being brave enough to share the experiences you were going through with the Countdown audience. It really hit home, how important it is to have life panel discussions with the doctors and family.
A good son, takes care of his parents and you’ve done them proud. I hope the memories of your father will bring you comfort in this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Rosanne Benavides
Phoenix, AZ
To Keith and his family, I didn’t even know who you where until I met my husband Mike four years ago. You have changed my way of thinking about politics, and life itself. I am so sorry to hear about your father, as many of your viewers are. I must say that he has left an exepliary mark on your life and the lives of the millions of people who can’t wait to get home from work to watch your show. You must be so proud, I am, and I am glad that he lived his life for his family, and that you became a spokesperson for so many that cannot say how they feel about what is going on in this world! Hold your head up, you are loved, God will bless your Father. He is out of pain now and smiling down at you because he is proud of you. I lost my mother 11 years ago, I am 52. It is a very hard thing to go through. Keep the faith Keith, and remeber, we are all with you right now! Thank you for changing my life!
Gail Pair
Keith, my condolences on the passing of your Dad. You are much appreciated for your insight and inspiration… your Dad must’ve been quite a father to have a son with your character and determination. –Sincere Best Wishes, you have many with you!
Keith, I, and I am sure, all of your audience, have followed with sadness the last few months of your father?s life. One of your father?s legacies to those beyond his circle of family and friends is the message you have provided through your openness about your family?s experience: Life Panels, not death panels, the wisdom and need for medical proxies, advance planning and living wills.
You made it possible for many of us to understand the importance of planning so that the journey at the end of life can be done with dignity.
Paul
God bless you and your family Keith. I so admire you for how you were there for him every day. I wish you comfort in this time. We miss you on Countdown.
Keith,
After 20 years of caring for dying patients I can say with sadness that it is rare to find an adult child sitting at a parental bedside, reading to him, just being there, day after day. It’s a simple gift, time, and by far the pearl of greatest price. I believe he knew you were there and took comfort in your presence.
My heartfelt prayers have been going out to you and your family for the past few weeks. Thank you for speaking out so eloquently for so long for those without a podium, and thank you for sharing the details of your dad’s final illness with your listeners.
Take care.
Keith, as a longtime fan my heart is with you and your family tonight. I know the pain of losing a parent after a long illness, and I know that you must be hurting tonight. Please know that there are multitudes of us who have been moved by what you shared the other day about having to deal with your father’s illness. May you and your family find peace and comfort in your shared memories of your dad, and strength in each other in the days ahead.
Keith. My sincerest condolences on the death of your Father. Words can’t begin to express the sorrow that I feel for you. Please be well as the losses you have experienced are beyond comprehension. Be well. Come back to us soon. We’ll support you. Ed
Am saddened for your loss, good sir. My utmost sympathy to you and your sister in this time of great sorrow.
I lost my father twenty years back, but what I haven’t lost are the days shared with him at Riverfront, Wrigley, Dodger stadiums seeing the likes of Stargell (visiting, obviously), Bench, Dawson, Rose and the San Diego Chicken.
The sadness is great, but so too the feeling of being
fortunate to have been able to share a life and to take comfort in knowing that those we’ve lost live on in many ways including our love for the game.
I’m so sorry Keith. I watch your show every weeknight and have felt your pain as you spoke about your dad’s illness. My sympathy to you and your sister.
I am so sorry for your loss–both your parents seem so alive and engaging in your memory and your writing…they have provide you with so much by way of intelligence, humor and honor…what an amazing legacy!
God Bless You!
My deepest sympathies Keith. You have been my voice and the voice of my family for the past several years and this feels like a loss in the family to us.
Keith- All week long I have been thinking of my mom who died 3 years ago today. I am sorry for the huge loss, and am glad that you were fortunate to spend as much time as you could at the end of his life. He obviously meant the world to you and you sister.
I’m very sorry about your Dad. I have been following you on MSNBC and my heart goes out to you and your sister. Thank you for sharing your ordeal to help people understand what’s really going on with health care.
Keith:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your sister. Your kind and loving comments about your father during your show on msnbc often moved me to tears. It is obvious you loved your father and were reluctant to let him go. Rest in the knowledge that you showed your love and lived your faithfulness to your father. You are a hero to me and millions of other people. Thank you for sharing your father’s journey with all of us. Bless you. Barbara
keith, it’s been a long hard struggle and i think a lot of us can really empathize with what kind of struggle you’ve had. sigh a breath of relief, for your dad, and for yourself. i hope only the best for you.
my best to you and your family,
v.
Keith:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your sister. Your kind and loving comments about your father during your show on msnbc often moved me to tears. It is obvious you loved your father and were reluctant to let him go. Rest in the knowledge that you showed your love and lived your faithfulness to your father. You are a hero to me and millions of other people. Thank you for sharing your father’s journey with all of us. Bless you. Barbara
We’re very sad that your father didn’t make it through this illness. Your impassioned talks to the country about what you learned from the experience are the silver lining. Your father sounds like a wonderful man and now he’s in all our hearts as well as yours. Thank you!
Keith,
I’m so sorry. I wish there was more that any of us could say or do. Peace to you, your family, and all those who knew and loved your father.
Crawford Long
Atlanta, GA
your love for him shone through so brightly when you talked about him.I am saddned by your loss
robert
Keith,
My condolences to you and your family, from an avid fan of yours. Please, keep us informed about the never ending crisis and sad state of affairs in our health care system.
God bless you and your family, Keith, during this time of sorrow. No one could have asked for better care and love than that which you provided your father. Thank you for sharing your health care experience so that even my 15 year old could understand it.
How strong you have been through this, Keith. You inspire us, again, choosing to discreetly but publicly share a son’s love and care for his father. You both have given us critical lessons about LIFE panels, advanced directives and how to try yet again to communicate to legislators the truth about health care reform. As Laurie Anderson has said, “The day my father died, it was like an entire library burned down.” And so too for mothers.. and..
By thy works and words, thee shows thy faith, Keith.
Amy (@bleuz00m)
Keith, I am so sorry for your loss. You are fortunate to have had such supportive parents. That will give you great comfort in the days ahead. Thanks for posting this notice about your dad.
Sincerely, Shirley Kessler
Condolences. 80 years is a nice long life to celebrate.
You have my deepest condolences Keith. I am a really big fan of your show. The reporting you have done regarding health care in this country, specifically as you related it to your father was very touching. Thank you for your wonderful work!
@mimi_holt. Your comment made me cry some more. What a beautiful and touching sentiment.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your father leaves a legacy not only in the buildings he designed that still stand but also in you and what you have done to increase the awareness of the need for end of life planning.
My mother-in-law suffered a stroke early in our marriage and it was so difficult for my husband and his father to let go, stop the nourishment and let her die peacefully.
While that was going on my dad and I had a chance to talk about her situation. We lived in Miami and took a day trip to the Florida keys. We talked all day and he told me he never wanted heroic measures taken to prolong his life.
After he suffered a debilitating stroke my mother, my sisters and I felt comfortable making the decisions that needed to be made.
Your father would be proud of you if he knew of the attention you have brought to the need for life panels.
Thank you for sharing in this most difficult time>
My deepest and most sincere sympathy to you and your family Keith. Thank you so much for taking time in your grief to let those of us who share an hour with you during the week know that your dad is now at peace.
You have been a blessing to your father during this difficult time for him. You were so fortunate to have each other. May you find comfort in the the support from those who care about you.
With respect,
Barbara Berger
3/13/10
Oh Keith, I am so sorry for your loss. My warmest thoughts to you and your family in this difficult time. No one could hope for a better son and I know he was an amazing father. Even without your heartfelt testimony above it is obvious that you the product of two wonderful parents. You have been an inspiration to so many of us and I thank you for allowing us to support you in this journey. You Sir have a beautiful soul.
I gave up Catholicism about 20 years ago (for Lent) but I will light a candle for your father this evening. May he rest in peace in the afterlife of his choosing. Be well and take care.
Keithy,
My whole family feels heatbroken over your loss. You clearly loved him, and expressed that love in front of millions of viewers night after night. Of all the causes you choose to champion in your career, none is as worthy, and important, as the demonstration of the love between yourself and your dad. After all the political, financial, and media posturing become a distant, dim memory, it is the relationship of family members to another each other that remains true…the only thing, really, that we can count on. And that lesson that you demonstrated in front of your fans, the lesson of the love of a son for his father, will remain the best gesture and ultimate beautiful legacy you have sown in your broadcasting career. God bless you and your family, Keith.
Blaising
We send our condolences and good wishes to you and your sisteras you deal with your loss.
We also thank you for putting a human face on the many problems we have with health insurance companies in this country.
I hope when you go back to work, you’ll continue to promote the free health clinics.
Anna & Neb Conner
Oh Keith, I am so sorry for your loss. My warmest thoughts to you and your family in this difficult time. No one could hope for a better son and I know he was an amazing father. Even without your heartfelt testimony above it is obvious that you the product of two wonderful parents. You have been an inspiration to so many of us and I thank you for allowing us to support you in this journey. You Sir have a beautiful soul.
I gave up Catholicism about 20 years ago (for Lent) but I will light a candle for your father this evening. May he rest in peace in the afterlife of his choosing. Be well and take care.
My condolences to you and your family. I wish you and your family comfort during this difficult time because I know you and your sister provided your father the best comfort any father could ask for during this time.
May your father rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to you and your sister on the loss of your father.
I know how blessed you were to have such wonderful parents as I was so blessed also. I can promise you that, while time will help somewhat, the memories you carry with you are what will get you through.
Hugs to you and your family. Lisa
R.I.P. Theodore and Marie Olbermann. Sincere condolences, Keith and Jenna.
I am so sorry fo your familiy’s loss. I watch your show every night on MSNBC and your team is so informative, My thought and prayers are with your family. May the Lord bless his spirit and he is now with the angels.
Keith, Our deepest most profound condolences to you and your family. Each night we make an appointment to spend an hour with you on Countdown. It seems we have come to know you and your family over the years. I recall when your mom died how sad I was for you and now your Dad…I am sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and know you have touched 2 more lives with your request for viewers to get living wills and have end of life conversations with their doctors. We did and are glad for it.
Stephanie Welch
I’m so sorry for you loss Keith. I’ve watched you detail his illness since the beginning. Thank you for allowing your fans to share your journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So very sorry to hear that your dad has passed. Thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Keith, Jenna,
My sincere sympanthy for the loss of your father. Thank-you for sharing personal stories of a loving father.
Keith, many thanks to you for sharing your difficult experience with us. My husband and I offer you our deepest condolences for your loss. We feel a sense of personal enrichment since you shared so much of your Dad with us. Our feelings have been with you every step of the way, along with our calls to our lawmakers supporting quality care for everyone.
As we face similar challenges for our own families, so we will carry with us the strength that you, your sister, your colleagues, and others have brought together over these recent months. I hope that all Americans will soon be able to have access to the great care that was provided for your Dad, and I hope that all families can follow the fine example of integrity and good judgment that you have set during this most difficult time.
Keith,
You’ve been one of my political heroes over the years. I have especially loved, and been moved by, your special comments. Now, I’ve been following your special comments about the situation with your dad.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart, soul, and prayers go out to you at this very sad time.
Nancy Fogel
3/13/10
Dear Keith and Jenna,
Our condolences to you on the loss of your loving father. He clearly was your light and your hero. Your impassioned pleas to everyone to get more actively involved in health care decisions for our family have been eye opening for many. My siblings and I went through this a few years ago when my dad had a major stroke. These conversations need to be had by all.
My husband and I will continue to hold you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss.
All the best to you, Keith.
Mary & Douglas Snyder
My deepest & sincerest condolences at this very hard time. Through the grief & mourning know that you did your parents proud all through their lives, especially at the end.
God bless and Godspeed, Mr. Olbermann. Meant for both of you.
keith,my deepest sympathies and condolenses,have been following your journey into health care and your parents deaths.Your countdown show is my number 1 priority Mon.-fri.Have missed your insightful,right on style,your humorous segments and taking on the idiots like glenn,bill and rush.I lost my folks 20 years ago but you have helped me relive memories of my parents,baseball and Yankees.I hope that i could wax poetic in thanking you for being part of my viewing life and not to lose hope for the future of America.Wish i could join you in your sorry but i’ll have to do it in my imagination.You will be getting more grief from the phoney right but stay strong and take as long as needed to deal with your grief. Vince
Keith, my thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family, and I feel your Pain.
I recently lost my Mother in Feb. 2010, and the Pain is very hard.
Just know that there are Millions of people who have followed you doing this time, and we will keep you and your Family in our Prayers.
Stay Strong KO.
Keith, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts during this sad time.
Keith,
I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Dad was a very special person and as a faithful watcher of your show I could tell how much he meant to you and how much you loved him. Please keep all those special memories of him close to your heart and remember there are a lot of people out hear who care greatly about you.
Ginny Earl
Marion Ohio
Dear Keith.
We are very sorry to learn of your loss. Your father was a good man and you as a loving son cared about him with all your heart and it moved all those who know you more than your dear father.
May He give you courage to bear the grief.
Tariq & Nasreen Ahmed
Kirkland, WA.
Keith you have been an inspiration to many of your fans and now we know how your father inspired you. It does not take one long after reading this blog to feel the love that you and your father shared. Stay encouraged by the memories he left and be comforted knowing that he left a legacy that you will be able to share with us all. God Bless you Keith and may your father rest in peace.
Keith, I am sorry for your loss. Your Dad had so much to be proud of with his children.
Keith,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He fought a good battle, and I can tell from watching your reports from the hospital that you are, and always have been, one hell of a son.
My dad passed three years ago this St. Patrick’s Day. It hurts. It sucks. And it leaves a void that you just can’t fill, so you learn to live with it. While some of your memories will be sad, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about the better times, the happy times, the times you laughed, the times you couldn’t believe your dad said something you’d never expect to come from his mouth. Then you’ll shake your head, and chuckle, and go on with your day. It’s all part of the process.
Again, my condolences.
Mike
Sherman Oaks, Ca.
Keith,
On behalf of my whole family, we extend our sincerest condolences for the loss of your dad. You were blessed to have such a wonderful father, something some of us have never known. May you and all of your family find comfort in knowing that as much as you loved your dad, he loved you even more. God bless.
Thank you for sharing your dad with us in his final days. You have given us all much to think about as we deal with similar circumstances. My deepest sympathies. …darcy
My condolences to your family for the loss of your father. It is a painful time but you will have all of the wonderful memories of the time spent with your dad and your mom. I hope you and your sister find peace.
Corie
Though we remaining six kids lost Mom and Dad years ago and the tears have all but ceased, we have kept memories of them alive with love, affection and large helpings of recalled humorous events. Time does heal sorrow.
My condolences to you and Jenna.
Robin Byron Smith
South Carolina
So, very sorry to hear about your dad’s death. My best to you and your family.
Your parents were special people because they raised a son who would get the ball rolling for free health care clinics and help for the indian resevations. I watch you every night even when your not on because I like the best and your parents produced the best. I even live in Texas, imagine that!! With Sympathy,Barbara
My condolences to you and your family. You are in my heart and prayers.
The Wilkinson Family
I am sorry for your loss. Your father and mother had a gift so special, a good son. Thank you Keith for the courage you have given to others, the courage to speak out.
Keith,
Condolences from my wife and I to you and your family.
We appreciate all you do to keep the pressure on those in power to look out for the little guy.
My father passed away a while ago from pancreatic cancer.
I wrote this song in memory of him. Thought I’d share a little of it with you.
Dad, I Miss You
Phil Bruno ? 2003
You were a funny guy, but you could make me cry,
Though when I needed a friend, you were there for me.
You worked hard for us, I knew I could trust,
That you would always love and care for me.
Dad I miss you, I wonder where you are tonight.
Dad I miss you, I need you here to make it right.
In my early years, you would dry my tears,
To comfort me at night, when I was afraid.
Then I went off to school, sometimes I played the fool,
But when I came home to you, I knew I had it made.
Dad I miss you, I wonder where you are tonight.
Dad I miss you, I need you here to make it right.
Again our Regards in your sorrow.
I’m so sorry for your great loss, and the long road you’ve all taken. I have no doubt you made your father as proud as any father could be of his son.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. It sounds like he was a wonderful man.
Sincere condolences to you and all the family.
He and your mom live on through you: those of us who “know” you through your work feel in a small way that we know them…and they were a great couple of folks. I know they’re proud of you.
It’s been tough watching you go through these losses this past year, but I have been impressed even more with the character and values your parents passed on to you and what you’ve done with it.
God bless you for what you have been doing to help those in need of health care, there is no better way to honor their memories.
Our heartfelt condolences. From another architect and his wife, who pitched lefty as a girl.
My wife and I have followed you and your father’s travails, as well as your impassioned and thoughtful insights into the health delivery system and the political circus surrounding it.
We read today, with grief, of your father’s death. Somehow, we have empathized with you in ways not easily defined, yet deeply felt. Both of us are, for lack of a better set of words, orphans also; we know the feeling of the absent parent too well. Yet we also know that the memories of our parents makes them a quiet part of each of our lives today.
I am sure that you gave your dad great pride, just as he gifted you with his deep support and enthusiasm.
Our condolences for you and your family,
Joan and Joseph
Dear Keith,
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father, he is not gone, but he shall live on in you and Jenna and in all of us who are inspired and enlightened by you every night. A father or mother like you had leaves an indelible part of themselves in each of us, their children and in all who are so inspired and enlightened by us. He gave you the spirit and enthusiasm to inspire us because of the example he was to you and you are to us. Thank you so much for sharing him with us and he will live forever in you and in those of us you have so inspired.
Bev Allen
Matlacha, FL
3/13/2010
My condolences to you and your sister and both your extended familes for your loss. I must add Keith, that as your father have been a hero to you and your family, so have you grown to become more and more of a hero for me and my wife. It might sound a bit strange but we are Europeans, I am from a Swedish mother and Brazilian father, I am from Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and my wife is from a town in south Germany. As many other Europeans we have ben following much of what has been taking place in America for these last ten years and during the era of George W. Bush and his Neo-conservative followers we chose like most other Scandinavians to shut down all news coming out of Fox while focusing in getting the truth via MSNBC programs and most notably, Jon Stewart and his ingenious program. So, to shorten down it all. Thanks for being who you are, a truth teller who dares. I believe our parents to be responsible in guiding us towards our values and your Mother and Father must have done an excellent job, thus we wish to thank them to in spirit.
Dear Keith:
I am so sorry to read about your father’s passing. One thing is clear: To have a son like you means he was one terrific human being. Talk about heroes, Keith: You’ve been mine because of your willingness to talk straight and true about the world we find ourselves in and the people we’re here with. I can only imagine how proud your father was of his talented and gifted son. My best to you and your family.
Keith,
You and your family are in my prayers. You are the example of a good child, you provided him with peace and love. Allowing him some dignity leading up to the end is one of the most loving thing some one could provide another person. Stay strong!
Dear Keith,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. He was blessed to have you by his side. Thank you for sharing your experience with us, educating us, trusting us to listen and learn. May you and your family enjoy the memories of your father in your heart always. A dad is special person in anyone’s life!
Kris Lilja-King
Memphis, TN
Keith, our thoughts are with you and your sister as well as your whole family. Please accept our condolences on the passing of your beautiful father. He raised an outstanding person who I admire much. May the grace of the Almighty be with you all during these trying times.
I just want to thank you for being the mouthpiece of so many of us during the current health care debate. And thanks for sharing you and your journey through the health care maze.
You are in our prayers.
Sincerely George, Alecia, & Tutu.
I am so sorry. Just remember how very very proud your Dad was of you and of all your accomplishments. Listening to your special comments on your Dad made me realize how forunate we are, those of us who have had such wonderful Dad’s. You are a shining example of what he created. Of course hw and your late wonderful Mother.
Dear Keith,
We are very sorry to hear about your father. You are so blessed to have had a wonderful father who loved you very much. And all the kind words about him on Countdown, conveyed to everyone just how very much you loved him. Our deepest sympathy to you and your whole family. May the support of family, friends and your entire viewing audience bring you some comfort in this time of great sorrow.
With deepest sympathy,
Marcia & Barry Kirshner,
Boca Raton, FL
Keith,
I’ve watched you over the years and admired your work but not known you as a person. We share similarities in many venues but to read your grace and bravery in the face of your father’s passing gives me a sense of accuracy in understanding the person you are and the similarities we share. I appreciate the nature in which you share your love of your father and the fact that the passing of your father is a rite of passage and you can convey this to your public. I grew up relatively close to your alma mater and my father and I have shared a love of the Finger Lakes that will last far past both our passings. Be comforted in the fact that you shared a relationship with someone who thought as much of your comradarie as yourself. Godspeed, KO!
Keith,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know how tough this time is – I lost my dad just over four years ago, in February 2006. The sense of loss sort of mellows over time, but it never goes away. Why would you want it to?
My father was one of those men who couldn’t play sports (he was an accountant) but who still loved basketball and baseball passionately – he was the student “manager” of those teams in high school. And as I grew up he instilled in me his love for the Red Sox & the Celtics.
It’s often sports-related things that make me miss him, now. I live in Burlington, Vermont, and last year met old Sox pitcher Bill Lee at a friend’s birthday party. I’d been a big fan of “The Spaceman” as a kid. After he and I had talked, all I wanted to do was call up my Dad and say, “Hey, Dad, guess who I just met!” But, of course, I couldn’t.
That’s the way I miss him, now. I miss being able to share things with him. Although, I do have a sense he’s somehow looking on and enjoying it, all the same.
I’ve spent over 25 years in radio broadcasting, and my dad was a huge supporter, even though I’ve never made a ton of money at it. He always encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
Keith, so much of what you have shared as you’ve been dealing with the decline of your Dad’s health has resonated with me. I just wanted to share a little of my story with you. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and yours in the coming difficult times.
Mike Luoma
Our sympathies to you Keith, your sister, and your family.
Regards,
George, Alecia, & Tutu.
Dear Keith,
As faithful watchers of your show through the lamentable Bush years, you always helped us feel better about where our country might be headed. We are so sorry that you have lost both your parents within such a short span of time. Hearing you talk of both your parents on your show made us see that the family you came from was a very good one, and confirmed for us that there is real sincerity and conviction behind your positions. I am sure that they were as proud of you as we are grateful for your continuing to champion the cause of the average American’s needs. Know that there are many of us who will continue to support you from afar as you grieve both your parents’ loss.
Keith and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May the love and support of family and friends sustain you at this difficult time and may the happy memories you share give you comfort. Thank you for speaking truth to power! We love you!!
I’m sorry for your family’s loss.
Keith,
My sympathies to you and your family. Sounds like he had a wonderful life, and you must have made him extremely proud.
Dear Keith–we are so sorry to hear of your father’s death. We have watched throughout this decline in his health and been inspired by what you have said about his strength. That you were there all of this time is itself an inspiration. Your urging of all of us to have “that conversation,” and to having an advanced directive is a public service.
Your openness is a wonderful model for how humans might work toward peace, move away from war. When we know one another as people, it is so much more difficult to express ourselves through violence. Thank you for modeling civility and thank you for being so open about your life.
Sherryll
Portland, Oregon
sigh…. I am sorry for your loss, Keith… I feel like I have been there with you during both of your parent’s illnesses and passing. Thank you for sharing them with us. Both were special people and so are you.
We love you, Keith.
xxxooxxx,
Angela
Conifer, CO
Peace to you an yours. Your fidelity to family and country inspires me. Our thoughts are with you. The Desmonds, Scott Valley, California.
My condolences to you Keith. I lost my father a couple years ago.
I lost my mom as a child when she decided to leave this earth prematurely.
Your dad went as far as he could go in life and now he can rest.
Take heart in that and the many other things your dad gave you.
I know you already are.
Thanks for sharing the need to have these talks or paperwork ready for end of life decisions. My dad wasn’t always prepared for what life sent him but with the UAW union he set up his medical power of attorney with me as the decider. Thanks for sharing the importance of that with others.
keith,
you are so loved in our household, and we have been dearly touched by the loss of your mom and dad. we send our best to you and your family at this sad hour. see you on the tube!
your loving fans,
karyn and tarra
los angeles, ca.
Dear Keith,
Your tribute to your father was beautiful. Our condolences to you and your sister, Jenna. We’re glad that both of you were able to be with him when he passed and that he was able to hear your voice and the words of James Thurber at the end. Thousands of people have held your family in their hearts during this difficult time and we still do.
Carol Johnsen & Bruce Bryant
Vancouver, WA
Dear Keith,
I am so very sorry about the passing of your father. Please accept my deepest condolences. You and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing this difficult time with us, knowing that we love you and grieve with you.
Priscilla
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Keith,
You and your sister Jenna have my deepest condolences.
Your parents must have really been wonderful parents to have raised such a sweet and caring son and daughter.
Again my sincerest thoughts and condolences.
Cathy
Keith,
Truly sorry for your loss. No words can offer comfort in this time of sadness, but I hope you know that you gave your dad the greatest gift. Honoring his wishes and being there to ensure that he died peacefully was the greatest thing you could do for him. I will keep you and your sister in my thoughts. In Deepest Sympathy, your fans in the Melendez household in Bowling Green, Ohio
Keith, thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your experiences these past few months. Your friends and fans support you in this time of grief.
Keith,
My condolences to you and your sister on the loss of your father. All of us Countdown fans have been following and praying for you and for his recovery. My prayers and thoughts are with you and I wish there was more I could do to help shoulder the pain. You have been immeasurably strong. Such a wonderful son. And he passed peacefully knowing that.
Also, KNOW, that your father’s plight the past 6 months, and especially of recent, has not been for naught. Through him and your story, you were able to raise awareness to the REALITIES of the much needed ‘life panels’ & living wills, and the truth of what happens and why both are necessary. That is a gift to us all. Thank you.
May your father rest in peace. He gave us an amazing son who is an advocate of the truth, and for that we are all the better.
God’s speed to your father, Theodore Olbermann.
God Bless you.
~ Jeanne Harris/Seattle
Dear Mr. Olbermann, my wife and I watch your show every night may it be u or a guest host. We watched u earlier go through the pain of losing your mom and now your dad. Although they have left us they also LEFT US with their son. Thank u MSNBC. We don’t know u personally Mr. Olbermann but u just seem so honest and sincere, just a good person which also means the people who brought u life and taught u about life knew what to do from the start. You and your sisters pain must be enourmous, i’m in tears just writing this. Please stay well Mr. Olbermann and sis, stay well..
Dear Keith; I’m so sorry for your loss. I appreciated you sharing his story with us, to put a personal face on what may be the debate of our time. The pain and emptiness you feel will not pass quickly or easily. Cling to your loved ones. Part of me wants to say ‘take all the time you need’ but of course, the other part says we need you in the fight, please come back a.s.a.p. Perhaps you’ll find that ‘putting your shoulder’ into your work will be a welcome respite from all the grief for a few hours each day. Worked for me, anyway.
with love and respect,
Mary Jane Riemann
Dear Keith and family,
Sorry for your losses-first your beloved mother and now your father. You have shared your father’s courageous battle not only with personal illness but made it about others struggles within the US healthcare system, and we are grateful. Hopefully those that NEED to listen have done so and take action, as you passionately requested not so long ago.
So many wonderful and lovely postings here and I’m sure on MSNBC as well. May you and yours find consolation in all that is posted here, and sending prayers and blessings to you and your family in the days and months to come.
Sheila Boyd, Los Angeles CA
So sorry, Keith. Your willingness to share your story is healing others. Much love from AK,
Shannyn
Keith, my condolences to you and your family. Both of your parents were clearly exceptional people. They raised you right as my mom used to say. Having lost both of my parents, my dad in 1994 and my mom in 2003, I know that this will be difficult for all of you. I hope that you and your family can feel the love and support coming from these comments. Maybe in time you can share these with your family to help give them strength and comfort. We all think the world of you and when you hurt, we hurt. As I’m typing this through tears, I just want you to know that we’re all thinking of you, your dad, and your family. None of you should ever feel alone because we’re all with you.
Very sorry to hear the news about your dad’s passing, Keith. I have been so touched by your dedication to him these past months. You were the best son a dad could have ever wanted. He was lucky to have you there with him in his last months.
He must have been a “hell of a man” to have raised a son like you. He is at peace now, and he left this earth with the love and comfort from his son. There is no greater love.
It is so painful to lose one parent, and then to lose the other one such a short time later is even worse.
I am so sorry for you and your siblings Keith. It is a hard road to have to go down twice in one year. Almost unbearable I would imagine.
My condolences to you and yours.
May your father and your family have more peaceful days ahead.
It’s a sad day, Keith Olbermann, and so many of us will share your grief. We know how much your father meant to you, and recall the loss of your mother. Your father died with his son at his side. There is no greater comfort at the end of life’s journey. May you and your family take solace in the celebration of your father’s life.
Come back to us soon.
My condolences towards you and your family, Keith. I was hoping for the best, but expected the worst, as you probably were doing. Your dad’s suffering is gone, but his thoughts are still there. He will be right next to you at your next ballgame, so be safe, have good luck and keep your parents in mind.
Keith, I’m so sorry. I just watched you saying he seemed to be getting better. At least he awakened post infection and you got to spend a little time with him. I’m sure he appreciated the James Thurber.
Keith and your family, we are sharing tears, and also the joy of your dad’s incredible life. We are terrific fans of your work, and coming from a close family, and having lost a parent just a few years ago, I hold your family in my thoughts….We honor your mother and father!
Dear Keith: My sincere condolences on the passing of your dear father. I am comforted knowing you were able to spend time with him before his passing. Hold those precious moments close in comfort, in remembrance.
Best regards to you, my friend.
Elizabeth Handley
D-San Francisco
Keith,
My wife and I offer our condolences. We’ve followed your entire MSNBC career, including your coverage of health care and of your father’s recent illness. We lost my wife’s father just a month ago, and your reporting of your family’s experiences often brought tears to one or both of us. May your good memories of him carry you through, and may his support and love for you be felt for the rest of your years.
Bill and Jo
My sincerest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. I am a fan of your show and have been following his progress, and of course, praying for his recovery. Thank you for sharing his story and your love for him – it was an honor to be even a small part of it. Thank you, too, for taking the time to speak to your viewers about life panels and living wills, especially at such a difficult time in your life. I have been through this with both parents and my mother-in-law, and I want you to know that you are absolutely right about this issue. In every instance, we were completely aware of our parents’ wishes, and I’m sure that today you truly understand what a comfort that brings. It doesn’t make the loss any less profound, but it makes it just a bit easier to deal with. God bless you and your family in your time of grief.
Dear Keith, I am a regular reader of your on line MSNBC program and appreciate your insightful and very direct commentary. I send you my sympathy and prayers for peace for you and other family. Losing a beloved father is hard. I know what it feels like and still miss my Dad when I hear something he would have loved or hear a joke that is like one of his- which he would repeat over and over!
I also appreciated your fine statement on living wills and end of life discussions. There has been so much mythology and outright lying about ‘death panels’ and such by journalists and politicians who haven’t a clue about what they are talking about. I am a retired nursing educator and have over the years seen the need for family to talk about their wishes before the crisis time arrives.
May the God of all peace and comfort be with you.
Ele from MN
Hey Keith
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Your tributes to your father and mother are a testiment to how wonderful parents they both must have been. Through your brave and insightful work about the importance of all people in the political machine that is now our government, your family’s teaching lives on. Stay with it.
It is easy to feel like an orphan after losing both parents, but remember, you can take them with you in your heart and your work for the rest of your life. Through you, they live on.
Sincerely,
Alison Peters
He’s there you know, with you. In your thoughts, your memories. Just as your mother has been for the past months. What we lose in our practical day-to-day world, we keep and treasure in our recollections of what was, and our hopes for what will be.
My wife and I wish you and yours comfort as accept today and reach out for tomorrow.
Dan and Carol, Haverhill, MA
Dear Keith, I am so, so sorry…my heart aches for you but I know that in your sense of loss there is comfort in what you have done to prepare. You did all that you could do and in that, there is peace.
I respect you so much…you did what I did not with my father or mother and though I have found my peace with that, you have given so freely of your quest with your father that many will see your path and may hopefully find their own way. Your generosity of spirit is pure and real and for those who will learn from your path may be able to lift themselves from a potentially dark place.
Go with your heavy heart and heal with your family…I pray that your time of discomfort will be short. Your father is free now…bless him.
Jay Rogers and Jim Beverage, Atlanta, GA
Keith,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May the memories of your father bring you and your family comfort.
Debra Branton
Greensboro, NC
It has been very painful to watch you go through the process of letting go of your father and all that involves. I lost my own dad just before Christmas after a long haul with Alzheimer’s and various other related problems. After the Terry Schiavo mess, I had a talk with my dad (and my husband) about our wishes. My dad was very clear and I had a copy of the family trust where it was spelled out generally. As we got closer to the end, his doctor helped develop a much more detailed list of instructions. Things never work the way they are supposed to and my situation was complicated by a stepmother who has an advancing dementia of her own that no one really knew about until we stepped it to deal with my dad. (Towards the end, there was the night he fell out of bed at his assisted living facility. They sent him to the hospital and forgot to tell the paramedics that he was a hospice patient and by the time I got a call (I live about 350 miles away) about 11:30 that night from the E.R. doc, my dad had already had a full workup.) The strain on the family is so bad that I think after a while it just feels normal. My best wishes to you and your family.
Martha
Huntington Beach, CA
I am sorry to hear the loss of your father, I have always been a fan of yours. keep up the good job you doing on your count down on msnbc. thanks peace.
Keith, I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing but I’m aware of the struggle he has been through since his surgery in September. He was a very brave man and he was wealthy beyond measure because he had such a wonderful son and daughter. You have honored him by helping him through this most challenging of struggles. I’m sure he felt himself blessed to have you and Jenna by his side. Thank you for sharing his story with us.
Dear Keith; I’m so sorry for your loss. I appreciated you sharing his story with us, to put a personal face on what may be the debate of our time. The pain and emptiness you feel will not pass quickly or easily. Cling to your loved ones. Part of me wants to say ‘take all the time you need’ but of course, the other part says we need you in the fight, please come back a.s.a.p. Perhaps you’ll find that ‘putting your shoulder’ into your work will be a welcome respite from all the grief for a few hours each day. Worked for me, anyway.
with love and respect,
Mary Jane Riemann
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Keith, if there is any possibility that you’re reading this… my heart felt condolences go out to you and your family in this time of tragic loss. There are few words that anyone could offer you as comfort in your time of sorrow….
But know this….I think your father KNEW his son…to be a good son…and a good man….which is more than some are able to say….and I think he was proud to be the father of someone who not only fights the good fight..but also someone who can walk the good walk with his head held high….again…I’m very sorry for your loss…and may your father finally rest in peace.
A Friend ~ Sterling, VA
Keith, it is always easy to say this, but never easy to do it. Your essay above dwelt mainly on happy memories of your father. We hope those memories will sustain you now and take the front place in your mind from the tough last few months he and your family have endured. When you get sad, think about how he is probably, as you are thinking of him, finally getting the chance to yell at George Weiss for trading Snuffy Stirnweiss. You and your family are in our thoughts.
I’m so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I knew what you were going through this week by the look on your face; my Dad would have been 83 this week. The courage to still make special appearances on your show and speak up for what you believe in during a time of such personal and emotional turmoil is why I watch you every night. You are a decent human being. Your parents did a good job. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jackie
Cranston, RI
dear keith:have already left a comment but after reading other’s opinions i can’t resist.You have helped remind me what a wonderful dad i had.He was a local barber but inspired hope and joy in others lives.Your recent health care crusade will be your legacy,outliving your baseball expertice.you have touched so many viewers emotions in such a positive way.May you and Jenna rejoice in having such wonderful parents who so loved both of you.May all the best come your way and that the mets beat the yankees in october.
Keith…How so very sorry I am to learn of your dad’s death. It is so hard to lose our parents. When we are little we think they will live forever. Love never dies. You will be connected with him forever through your love. He will come back to remind you of that in your dreams. I am a nurse. Or I was a nurse many years ago and I loved the profession. Learned so much good and much about courage from my patients. I am sending you much heartfelt love and empathy for your loss, Keith. Take good care, friend…Debbie Carter/Colorado
Keith: I really appreciate your commentary about the “death panels” you did recently on your show. When my father was a month from death in 2001 my sisters and I met with his oncologist to discuss the fact that he was not going to recover and how best to make him secure and comfortable. I can’t remember if that meeting was covered by his insurance or not but it was a very important step in the process.
For those Republican idiots to call a session like that a death panel and try to scare the crap out of everyone was unforgivable. I am a pretty conservative guy in some respects but I can tell you I will never, ever, vote for a Republican again.
I wish you and your sister the best.
Mark Dodge
San Diego, CA
Keith.
Thank you for sharing this all too personal part of your life. I cant tell you how much I appreciate your candor and honesty. I never had a brother but if I did I would want you as a template. Your Dad did good. Share your thoughts and feeling with friends and family “Let it out” and come back to us when your ready. I think your dad might have liked this quote.
As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death…Leonardo Da Vinci
Peace…melton
Dear Keith,
It sounds like he had a great life. I’m sure he will be missed.
LE
Keith,
I realize that you are suffering an incredible loss right now. I send my condolences, and possibly a thought that might help you though this difficult time. Most people don’t think about this too much, but really, truly, you are fortunate beyond words. You were able to spend a long life with your father, knowing him in so many various circumstances, and you have a wealth of memories that will last you all of your days. Not everyone knows or remembers their father. My father died 3 months before I was born. I never met him, and have no living memories of him. And I know that there are many like me. Children born to fathers who have served, and died, in the military, or some other situation that prevented them from meeting their own fathers.
So, even though I am truly sorry for your loss, I envy you the gift of your father. May you always hold his memory in your heart.
Jean
Dear Keith,
I just wanted to let you know, like many others have, that I am sending you kind thoughts and prayers and wishing you strength at this time. Your dad sounds like he was a great guy. Take care of yourself, and I look forward to seeing you again on the air soon, for we all miss you!
With sympathy,
Julia Brucker
Dear Keith,
Your parents must have been remarkable people and I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. But you are their greatest legacy and in the last 8 years when many of us felt our country’s best values were being thrown away, you were a voice in the wilderness, comforting those in despair. Your parents must have been very proud of you and I thank you on behalf of millions of Americans for keeping our country’s better angels alive during those dark times. Please continue fighting on behalf of those who have no voice.
Sincerely,
Michael Thomas
Dear Keith,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father today. May you all find some small peace with each other on this stormy night in the city.
You helped me through cancer treatment last summer and fall. When an hour a night was about all the time and energy I had to spare, I turned to you for the days’ news, a bit of snark, and a smile. You made my journey through the darkness just a little bit easier, and if, on this day and in the days ahead, the love and support we are all sending you can cast a little light in your own dark hours, it would be our honor.
Sincerely,
Jen
Dear Keith; I’m so sorry for your loss. I appreciated you sharing his story with us, to put a personal face on what may be the debate of our time. The pain and emptiness you feel will not pass quickly or easily. Cling to your loved ones. Part of me wants to say ‘take all the time you need’ but of course, the other part says we need you in the fight, please come back a.s.a.p. Perhaps you’ll find that ‘putting your shoulder’ into your work will be a welcome respite from all the grief for a few hours each day. Worked for me, anyway.
with love and respect,
Mary Jane Riemann, Alaska
This quote has helped me through some tough times in the past…I hope it will help you as well.
Great ideas, it has been said, come into the world as gently as doves. Perhaps then, if we listen attentively, we shall hear, amid the uproar of empires and nations, a faint flutter of wings, the gentle stirring of life and hope. Some will say that this hope lies in a nation: others, in a man. I believe rather that it is awakened, revived, nourished by millions of solitary individuals whose deeds and works every day negate frontiers and the crudest implications of history. As a result, there shines forth fleetingly the ever threatened truth that each and every man, on the foundation of his own sufferings and joys, builds for all.
Albert Camus, The Artist and His Time
Keith, so sorry to hear this sad news. Thank you for your sweet and thoughtful reflections, which I read through misty eyes. I never miss your program and have great respect for all you do. Condolences to you, your family and friends.
Suzanne Croghan
Mr. Olbermann,
This note is to thank you for sharing your Father’s time with all of us. And to be a window for many into the process of this final stage of life as it plays out in our society.
I was at the hospital in 2000 with my best friend, Josh Clayton-Felt as he faced and finally lost a battle with cancer, diagnosis to death in one month. He was 32. We had been friends since we were 8 years-old and knew all there was to know about each other, (we used to play Jim Rice and Fred Lynn) but we never discussed “the end” and so as his condition worsened it fell to many in the family to “figure out how to proceed.” It was handled, “as best as it could be”, but knowing my friend as I did, I bristle a bit as I think of how long he was on that respirator, how much money the hospital charged to keep his body alive when I could see he was clearly “gone.” And, I can now finally chuckle at the thought of how he’d roll his yes if he knew how close his grave is to the 405 freeway and how far it is from the mountains and nature he loved so much. If only we had had the conversation, even in a light-hearted way. But he was only 32, why should we talk about such things? Why? Because it’s right, it’s mature.
I am so moved to know that your family was able to spend precious time with your father before and as he passed. What a truly heart-wrenching and yet beautiful experience. And for you to share this, to try to reach those who have yet to go through this so that they can “get it right” – is admirable. And I thank you on behalf of those who don’t know yet what the experience can be, will be and should be.
Death, I believe, is “the lamest part of this whole human being deal”, and to face it bravely and with love and truth is to honor the Earthly life and loved one’s who will miss seeing your body and hearing your voice, but who will always feel your spirit.
Thanks, Mr. Olbermann
Jeff Rosenthal
Los Angeles via Cambridge, MA
My heart sank when I heard the news about your father’s passing, Keith, especially after the last segment of yours that I saw said he was improved. While never having had the good fortune to meet your dad (or your mom), the way you allowed all of us into your life (and theirs) made us all feel we did ‘sort of’ know them, so I share the sadness and grief over the loss of each of them with you, and with all of your fans. I do sincerely hope that knowing so many people are keeping you in their hearts right now, might help you through this rough time in some little way. RIP Theodore, and love to you, Keith.
My husband and I send our deepest sympathy during this sad but joyful time for you and the family. Sad because you will not be able to share your life with him, but joyful because your father left such beautiful memories. This we can tell by the way you say his name or speak of him. I know that he was proud of the strength you showed during these past months. God bless.
Jimmy and Roberta Covin
Bob Cesca has a great photo on his blog of Keith and his dad when Keith was a little boy. It’s adorable and I’m going to screen capture it and keep it. I urge you guys to do the same.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. While I have missed you from Countdown, I know you were where you were supposed to be. Losing someone you love is never easy, but I wish you and your family peace at this difficult time.
The condolences are many. May they help you to know how much you are thought of.
In life, what we know with any certainty is what is tangible . However, the thought that maybe your parents are together, awaiting the start of yet another season, will hopefully give you some sweet comfort .
Warmest regards to you and your family.
Noëlle
Dearest KO, I am so sorry for your losses, your mom and your dad this year. As a 40 year old when I lost my mom, I felt like an orphan. God bless you and keep you and your sister well.
Keith,
My sincerest condolences go out to you and your family for the loss of your father. Like so many of your fans and viewers, I have been following your father’s situation and praying for his recovery. Thank you for sharing such a personal and heartbreaking story with your viewers at such a difficult time. Thank you, too, for speaking with your viewers about the critical issues of life panels and living wills. That you would take the time from your own personal pain to advise and assist your viewers speaks a lot about the character of the man your parents raised. Having dealt with end of life decisions for both parents and an in-law, I can tell you that you are absolutely right about this issue. When the time came to make a decision, we were completely aware of our loved-ones’ wishes and that brought a great deal of comfort despite such a profound loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your parents left behind a true legacy in the Olbermann name having raised such a fine son! Keith, you are so admired and loved. You made them very proud – that I am certain. I send peace and blessings to you and your family during this time of bereavement and know that all is well. Jill G.
bluejays and cardinals all come out to play
highway traffic gets out of your way
skies clear up if they’re overcast.
pit bulls are gentle when you come past.
stars come out of hiding for you
and i would too.
cause this world couldn’t hold you
you slipped free
yeah this world couldn’t hold you
you slipped free
without me.
new sheen all over everything
when you open up your mouth to sing.
baseballs travel further when you watch them fly.
apples fatten on the trees when you walk by.
you bring something unreplaceble to each and every day.
or you used to anyway.
but this world couldn’t hold you
and you slipped free
yeah this world couldn’t hold you
and you slipped free
without me.
–The Mountain Goats, “Bluejays and Cardinals”
Please fulfill one final wish for your Dad and spend your efforts to gain passage of National Health Care Reform with a Public Option and Financial Reform with a true Consumer Protection Agency.
It will be a final salute, tribute and legacy to the continuance of his values and principles.
Our prayer and condolences to you and your entire family.
Jeffrey Brooks
Keith I want to Thank your Dad and your Mom,
I have watched you for years and cheered you on and I know your dad was doing the same . Thank you Mr Olbermann ,Thank you Mrs Olbermann for sharing your son. I know how proud of him that you both are.He is our voice because at times Politics don’t seem to hear us .
Lots of hugs to you and your family at this time of need.
Patricia
Nashville Tennessee
Keith – you have no idea how I envy the relationship you had with your father. I lost my father 46 years ago when I was 18 but I really lost him many years before that. He never was my friend or my supporter. You were so lucky to have had a father who supported your dreams and paved the way for you to achieve them.
Your father was also lucky to have you as his son. What pride he must have felt in the kind of man you have grown up to be.
It also had to have comforted him to have you by his side as he went thru these final months of his life.
Please know that there are millions of us who have you in our thoughts at this time.
Jayne Chapman
Boca Raton, Fl
Dear Keith
My condolences to you and Jenna in the loss of your great father. Thank you for sharing his struggles with us on Countdown, it was deeply personal and moving. My thoughts are with you, I lost my dad 33 years ago, but he lives in my memory and I know your dad will continue living in yours.
Thank you also for sharing the information on Living Wills and Life Panels.
My you find comfort in the memories you have of your dad and mom.
Dear Keith,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I lost my father a few months ago after his year long struggle following a stroke. He was 92. Like you, we had that very important ‘life panel’ discussion just in time. We knew what he wanted and had just started hospice care the day he passed in his sleep. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Clark Hunsinger
Cary, NC
You and your dad had a relationship men and boys can only wish and pray for, Keith. As so so sorry as I am to hear of his passing, you are one of the most fortunate men I know for having had him as long as you did – as he was fortunate for having you for a son. Our hearts go out to your family; he can join your mom, now. You and your sister can now go on and make them both even more proud than they are already – just by being yourselves and doing what you’ve always done. My most sincere condolences to you and your family, and to his legion of friends and fans. -cp
Dear Keith:
The prayers and thoughts of all of your followers on twitter are with you and your family today. It has been a hard year for you with losing both your mom and dad. Although, having lost a parent I know that it does not help today but your followers are grateful to you for sharing the journey that you have been on this past year, most especially with your dad. I now have a living will and have talked about my wishes with my family and my Dr. Thank you so much for your honest and sincerity on Count Down. Those of us in America who still maintain sanity appreciate that you speak for us.
God Bless you and your family. I know that you mom and dad are looking down on you and are proud of the man that you have become.
Dear Keith, Our family is so sorry to hear of your father’s death. We have been following your story all along. Your family is to be commended for the wonderful care you provided him and for the love all of you displayed. Being a loving advocate is something you can be proud of.
Keith –
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your sister and all your dad’s family and friends.
Mike
Keith, I am so sorry… I don’t have the words to express just how sorry I am. You were lucky to have him, and he was lucky to have you. But to lose both parents in the space of a year… unbelievable. I’m glad you were able to be there during his last moments, to say goodbye… cold comfort though it is. You’re a good and devoted son, and your father spent his last days on earth knowing what he knew his whole life – that he was well-loved. Sending you hugs, and wishing you all the strength in the world. Take some time, allow yourself to grieve… and remember we’re here for you – always.
I agree with one of the other writer’s, I call you Keith because you are in my living room every night at 7:00 and feel like family. My strongest condolences to you and your family on your loss.
Keith, condolenscence from my wife and I – we watch your show every night and have followed this episode in your life with great attention. We applaude how you have used this to alert our fellow citizens to the need to employ the Living Will to protect their final wishes. We have done so based on your imprecations.
We like your show so much that we named our show dog after it – His official AKC name is “Insight’s KO’s Countdown”. (He got his championship status in six months.)
We look forward to watching your show for many years to come.
Larry & Susan Gibbs
Only in the last 2 years did I “discover” your program for which I am so grateful to have a place to go for some sanity in a very troubled time. Your comments on your father, his love, his life, are inspirational. You are so right about the health care system.
At 85, I have tried to follow what is needed, as you suggest. You have done us a great service and I know your father was so proud of you and glad to have you with him at such a time.
Thank you for your sincere words.
Barbara
Been thinking about how things were going since you signed off on your show last week.
Now I know.
Been there.
Take care.
Keith, as one who has also lost his father, you have my deepest sympathies. May your grief warm to fond thoughts and cherished memories.
Your folks raised some good kids. You have every right to be proud. Everyone should be as lucky to have a winning season such as yours.
Well played Keith and Mr. Olbermann.
?Love is what you’ve been through with somebody.?
James Thurber
My condolences to you and your family.
There is no beginning,
there is no end,
there is only the eternal now.
Therein lies the Peace of God….
My condolences to you and your sister for the lose of your father. It is painful to lose our parents. My father died this January, 3 days after his 83rd birthday. Thank you for sharing with us your life as you stood by your father during these last few months and Thank You Keith for telling us the importance of having a living will. I have put this off too long and still have done nothing about it, I plan on nailing that task tonight!
Keith, it may seem absurd to say that a tv show changed my life – but yours has. I was never really into politics before I happened upon your show. In reality it is about much more than politics. Your passion for justice and fairness really set a fire inside of me to wake up from my apathy. My condolences to you and your family after losing your father. In your time of pain I wanted to also know the joy your work has brought to people like me and literally given more meaning to our lives. Bless you.
Keith, i send you love and peace, you were a good son to your father. we are praying for you as your father is looking down from heaven on you
My heart-felt condolences. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that you are not alone in this time of grief and sorrow. Lean on your faith, friends and supporters for they (we) all love you. Peace!!
Dear Keith,
Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and your sister, on the loss of your father. I have thought of you and your dad often, over these last months.
My thoughts continue to be with you,
Jaime Barry
It is with deep sorrow I have learned the passing of your father. My condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.
Keith,
I’m so sorry for the passing of your father. His accomplishments were many, least of all, your voice for us.
We’ve followed every word you’ve allowed us to know concerning your father’s struggle. You’ve allowed those of us who have lost a parent, sibling or best friend to relive your life’s situation and for that we thank you. With your story, you’ve allowed us grieve for you in our own way.
Your Dad is our Dad, as your Mom was also ours.
Bless you and your family for all you’ve endured
Dear Keith,
I am thinking about you tonight and your loss. I was there with my dad through his colon cancer, laproscopic heart surgery and the brain bleed which finally took him away from us, so I know the weight and heartache you are feeling. Although it’s been over a year since my Dad’s death, I still smile everytime I hear, watch or read about his beloved Braves. And that is just what he was – brave – to the end. Be happy with the memories.
Best,
Virginia Dunn, Nashville, TN
Keith – You are a kickass sports analyst and an inspirational, bold voice for political justice. I know the qualities we all admire in you were given strong encouragement by your dad and the admiration we have for you gives us the sense that we knew him as well. Know that you have our deepest sympathies and hope that you can move beyond the sadness and grief to a peaceful confidence that you repaid him all debts owed through love and devotion.
Bruce Wilkey
Some celebrities are known for all kinds of traits and actions, you Keith are known because of a wonderful saying – “The apple never falls far from the tree.” How well we know your parents by the man they raised. When is it a jock realizes life is more than a game? I know some never come to that realization you, my friend, must have learned it early and I’m sure it was from Ted and Marie. You are a very blessed person for your kindness.
I learned it earlier than most kids when I was hit with Rheumatoid Arthritis in High School and wrote,
“To Strive;
To Sweat;
To Strech;
For what, A game?
My sincere thoughts are with you young man.
Dear Keith, I’m so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. I have watched you these last months as you took us with you as you cared for your father during his final days. You have helped me, so much in my search to find the proper way to talk to my family about my final wishes. I have gained so much strength and guidance from you, and my prayers are with you and your sister now. Please know that there are millions of us who love & repect you for all you do to enlighten us. I will continue to miss you, while you’re away, but take all the time that you need.
Peace be with you,
M H Gibson
Keith: Please take comfort in knowing that you did for your dad what HE wanted for himself…it takes courage for us to resist doing what WE want. It will take a good while to deal with all of this. I hope you rest and take time to be good to yourself (your dad would want that for you).
Keith;
I was sorry to read about your father’s passing today. I know you are hurting. I am writing to let you know there are millions of people who share in your pain. I am sure that everyone will join me in wishing you the strength to make it through your loss.
Best wishes, and my heartfelt condolences I share with you on your sad loss.
Warm regards,
Robert W Strauss
Beaverton, OR 97008
Mr. Olbermann, I have watched you on MSNBC for quite a few years and have enjoyed the way you present the facts on Countdown. I have listened to the way you became an advocate for health care reform, sharing personal and private information about both your parents. As we listened to you speak about your mother and now your father the past few months, I know you will have no regrets. You have done your best and demonstrated your love for your dad by your actions over the years. My deepest sympathy to both you and your sister, be strong and know that he is without pain. God’s blessings.
March 13, 2010
Dear Keith:
A Son could not have had a dearer Father
and a Father could not have left a greater
Legacy than you Keith.
Deep, Abiding Blessings To You and Yours.
Please Allow The COUNTLESS BLESSINGS Being
Sent Your Way Flow Thru You, Comfort You, and
Sustain You With Great Love!
Sincerely,
Norma Labno
Mr. Keith,
Greetings to you my fine friend ! Please hold your head high. Your father was a great man, just as you are. I follow you closely each & every day, You are what every human being strives for; Success, strong family allegiance & to be luckey enough to be a strong supporter of the New York Yankees. May God be with you , in your time of rememberence!!!!!
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I remember well both your parents from my time in Hastings on Hudson. May the be free now and together again.
Dear Keith,
I am humbly offering my condolences. I hope you, your sister, your families and friends are finding solace and comfort with your father’s passing. Your Dad sounds like a great man. I am a big fan of yours and, knowing him only through your statements about him, I am already a fan of your Dad.
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. I understand the grief you are feeling as both of my parents are deceased. Thanks for taking time to pass on the importance of life panels and advance directives to us. May God keep you and your family.
Betty T.
Dear Keith,
My family offers condolences to you and your family. I want to leave you with a story. My wife does not normally watch the news, its too depressing. But the other night, she saw your impassioned soliloquy about your father and healthcare. She was really moved by your ability to lay it all out on the table. She too has her share of health concerns. Just six years ago, she had a TIA, a stroke. The Dr. did not nothing to even examine her situation properly. My wife, fortunately, has recovered much of herself, but has not been able to work since.
You truly are doing great work, work your father is, was, and can always be proud of. We hope to hear and see you on television when the time is right.
Take care,
Demosthenes
Keith,
So sorry to hear about your father. I lost my father and my mother a month apart some years ago, and so I have some sense of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Bud Rankin
Lynnwood, WA
Keith, this is a beautiful tribute to your father. I am grateful to you for sharing it with us. Your example to your viewers has been an inspirational one. I admire you for your courage and unfailing love towards your father. You were there when he most needed you. I have no doubt that your presence was a great comfort and a blessing to him.
Condolences to everyone in the Olbermann family.
Keith, our prayers are with you and your family. Remain strong. May your father’s soul Rest In Peace. Amen.
Ifeanyi, Calgary Alberta Canada
Dear Keith, You have my deepest sympathy.
I am a fan of your Countdown program and an admirer of your eloquent commentary.
While you and your father were undergoing this ordeal I had you in my thoughts and wished the best for you under the circumstances.
My mother is currently near death in England and I am waiting here by the phone in California for the inevitable call from my sister who is tending her at her deathbed.
Please keep us in your thoughts.
My heart goes out to you my dear friend. No words can ease this painful transition, but know we all care so very much. Hang in there buddy. You are the best at what you do. No father could ever be more proud than he was I’m sure.
Danny in Nashville, TN.
I’m so sorry for your loss and wish to convey my condolences to Keith and his family. I can only imagine how good is was for Keith to spend time with his dad at the end. May he rest in peace as he joins his beloved wife now in heaven. Amen
Thinking of you, Keith, in your time of sorrow.
Your commentary is a beacon of truth and compassion for all of us.
Thank you.
Keith,
I am so envious of you because you had a loving relationship with your father.
I wish I would have had one with my father. He hated me and would let me know it on a daily basis.
I have been gay since very young and he believed that abusing me by spanking me with a leather belt until my legs bled was going to make me a “man”.
I don’t believe in hell, but if there is one, I hope that my father is there on a slow roasting oven.
You are very lucky you did not have my experiences. Hope to see you back at work soon, miss you a lot.
My condolences Keith, my prayers go out to you and your family. Take solace in knowing that your father is no longer suffering and that he is in a better place.
We can leave our loved ones with clear consciences and allow them to make their transition in peace when we know we have done our best for them. The bonus is when we’ve also made them proud. Keith, you accomplished both.
Keith:
All of us who have lost a parent understand the depth of your loss. Thank you for sharing your story, your pain and your love for your father. You have enriched us all.
Gini in Connecticut
Keith, thinking of you and your family. Sounds like your father was a truly wonderful man, and it’s plain that he lives on in you. Alison, Colorado
Dear Keith,
I kept hoping against hope that your father would recover enough to leave the hospital …and be able to enjoy at least one more Spring Training with you. I’m so sorry that it was not to be.
But what a wonderful and loving tribute to your father you’ve given us these past 6 months. You’ve shared the heartaches and griefs but especially the love, respect and pride between you and your father. It was a special bond indeed.
You have my deepest sympathy. I hope you will find comfort in all the memories of your father and the outpouring of care from your adoring fans (I’m definitely one of them since your early days as the smartest and most literate sportscaster I’ve ever seen!).
Keith, thank you for sharing this loving tribute to your father. He and your mom raised a wonderful son. You have shared so much with us on countdown. I pray that universal health care will also be part of your father’s legacy. My prayers are with you and your family.
I want to share a part of my mom’s last months with you. While Mom was in Cleveland Clinic, recovering from surgery and dying of pancreatic cancer, I would cuddle in the hospital bed with her, splitting a twinpop. It was about all she could ‘eat’ by then. This was the year they closed our beloved Lakefront Stadium. I went to Indian games with Dad as a kid (my parents were divorced). I went with my friends, and later with my husband and my son. My husband and I were there while they filmed the wave for Major League. I never went with Mom. I never knew she enjoyed baseball. She would be too busy in the kitchen when I was watching a game on TV. The night of the last game at our Lakefront Stadium, I was irked that I couldn’t go. But it was more important to be with Mom. We talked about baseball together for the first time I remembered. She recounted the excitement of the ’48 Indians, going to games with Dad – and going to the World Series. She had loved the excitement of that year – the year the Indians won the series, and the the year I was born.
Peace be with you. The memories will always be bittersweet – but they become even sweeter over time.
Sincerely, Chris Ann Hanousek
Keith,
I’ve been a fan of yours for many years. I am so sorry about the loss of your father. I will keep you and your sister in my prayers.
Here’s wishing you peace, Keith, and moments of joy as you remember your dad. You do so much for so many, in ways you probably don’t even realize, and hopefully, the thoughts and prayers of those of us who respect and appreciate (and have come to rely on) you, will be some comfort in your hour of bereavement.
God bless.
The Reid family, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Requiscat in pace, Mr. Olbermann.
Keith, my dad has always been my baseball pal, and I’ll think of your dad this season as we watch and hope that our team might squeak out a winning season.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with your mom and dad with us. Health care is so important to us all (and to my family as I battle a disability).
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your sister, and your families.
Godspeed, Theodore. Keith, I hope you, and your family, take comfort in your lives, your fathers legacy. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
I commend you for the dignified yet warm way you have dealt with public disclosures of such personal matters as the loss of your mother and now your dad. And thank you for giving us a chance to know two wonderful people. My condolences.
Dear Keith:
I shed a few tears reading about the passing of your father and knew it must have been imminent from your absence on Countdown. It is very hard to lose your dad – mine passed at the age of 91, almost 9 years ago from Alzheimer’s. I still miss him, and have occasional dreams where we are having conversations about different topics. I find them strangely comforting…
Have been a fan for over a year now, and hope you feel up to returning soon. We sorely need your wit and wisdom in these troubling times!
Sincerest Condolences,
Denise Towle
Kailua Kona, HI
Many good thoughts for you and your sister, Keith.
My own father passed away 18 years ago, not quite a year after I nearly died from critical injuries sustained in a flying VW Bug crash. My brother followed a few short years later.
The love that you shared with your father ensures that he will live on in your heart, which is a wonderful way for us to achieve “eternal life,” in my opinion. Nourish and cherish those memories — and best of comfort and self-enlightenment during the journey of your mourning.
KO, My sister and I wanted to express our sorrow and sympathy on hearing of death of your father, Ted, today. Your sister, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and we wanted to let you know we were thinking of you and let you know. Thank you for your passion and reporting on “life panels” and “living wills” as well.
Let us leave you with: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Irish proverb.
Again, all the best,
Dave and Joanne, Marlborough, CT
Keith,
My sincere condolences, prayers and sympathies to you and your loved ones.
Thanks for having the courage to share your personal health care trials and tribulations with the rest of the country…you are certainly helping to focus the discussion.
Your parents must have been great people…you have done them proud.
Kelly
Oh, Keith, our sympathies are with you. My husband and I love your show. He commented earlier this week about you not being on, and I said I bet you were with your father. Then you did the cameo piece about advance directives. Your father had to have been very proud of you. And the love you have for him is obvious. You always will. We’re so sad for you for his passing, but happy that you had that great presence in your life.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. You are our inspiration. Every life is so precious. Keep up the good fight, good journalist like you are the antibodies that fight off the infections and parasites that threaten our democracy. Thank you for your insight, passion, and analysis. I can only imagine how proud your dad was of you.
My son just turned age 22 and has no insurance even though he needs treatment for depression. I went through the check out of our local dollar store a few minutes ago and the clerk was telling me how her husband was laid off, they lost their insurance and she has a serious blood disease. Her medicine costs $120 for 30 pills.
I am ashamed to say that I live in Congressman Stupak’s district. I shared a plan with him last fall that would pay for the public option without taxes. Miriam Falco from CNN in Atlanta called me and wants me to submit an updated ireport and youtube about the plan this week. It will be posted to http://www.whitecollargreenspace.blogspot.com along with the original. It could be Obama’s hail mary.
My brother-in-law has written books about religious cults. I am waiting for him to call me back so I can find out more about the family.
Keith, your candor in reporting something so personal as your mothers passing and your fathers illness is refreshing. As I face my 93 year old mother battling dementia/Alzheimer’s, I had allowed myself to get into a state of self induced stress and pity. Since watching you report on your father, I have decided to learn from your strength and honesty, and accept my impending fate with the same degree of honor and grace that you exhibited on Countdown. I feel for your loss, your parents gave the world a great son, and in the process you have been an inspiration to me on dealing with Life Decisions, and the ultimate outcome of life, that being death.
Theodore and Marie gave us a great son, and the son is giving us hope and guidance. Bless you Keith for your candor, and you are in my thoughts now, more than ever.
Mark Serbin
Las Vegas, NV
I send my deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. I am a staunch fan of yours as was your dad, I am sure.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. I’m glad that you and your sister were able to be with him at the end. Best wishes to you always.
Dear Keith,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on this truly sad day. There are no words anyone can say or write that will ease the pain caused by the unbearable passing of your father. Find comfort with your family and in your memories and know that the stoicism, wisdom and courage you have displayed during this most trying time has been an inspiration for those of us who await this unavoidable journey with our own terminally ill parents.
My kindest regards,
Noelle Gilbert
Los Angeles, CA
Keith, I would like to offer you my kind words and condolences on the loss of your father. I think that your comments and reminders to people to consult with their loved ones about their own situations is very admirable, if in the name of your father, you have done a lot of people a great service and no doubt, left an impression on many and have honored him well. If your dad taught you how to have integrity, he far exceeded his job, you are a lucky person to have had something like that in your life and you should always keep that reminder, to quote you, in your pocket. God Speed & God Bless.
Keith, deepest sympathy to you and your sister on the loss of an exceptional father — and thank you for using the circumstances of his final days to encourage everyone to have those necessary conversations and take the time to express our appreciation.
Your courage — and his — have been an example to us all. It’s good to know, after all his struggles, that his passing was peaceful, and may you continue to find comfort in your good memories and in the knowledge that everything you did honored your father, both while he was alive and in death.
It’s said that the best gift a man can give his children is to love their mother. Likewise, the best gift a man can give his parents is himself … which you did, constantly and without complaint. Peace to you and yours — and, as my people say, “May his memory be for a blessing.”
Anita Bonita
NYC
My deepest condolences to Mr. Olbermann and his family.
Keith (I hope that you do not find the familiarity too presumptuous),
I and my family want to convey our sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. In the past few years, as the previous generation aged and recognized its mortality, we have experienced losses of parents and in-laws. The fact that it is nature’s way does not ease the pain and the sorrow of we the living who must go on with the day-to-day process of surviving them. Recognizing that an ending comes to us all does not diminish the frustration that we, the living, experience with their demise.
However, the best way to enjoy their lives and the memories that we have of them is to live our lives in a way that will continue to make them proud of us, and to remember the tremendous experiences that we had in the short time we were together. From the things that you have said on television, and in the pieces that you have written, it surely seems that you had a wonderful relationship with your father (and your mother). So, continue to make them proud. And, as you do, remember that they are watching and telling theirs friends ? “that’s my boy!”
Best wishes, and be strong,
Will Gibson
Westport, Connecticut 06880
My heart goes out to you and your family, Keith. There are no words that a stranger can say to console you at this time, although you don’t feel like a stranger to the tens of thousands who watch your work daily. But know that those who feel like they do know you as we invite you into our homes nightly are feeling your loss and your pain, and are thinking of you at this difficult time.
Keith (I hope that you do not find the familiarity too presumptuous),
I and my family want to convey our sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. In the past few years, as the previous generation aged and recognized its mortality, we have experienced losses of parents and in-laws. The fact that it is nature’s way does not ease the pain and the sorrow of we the living who must go on with the day-to-day process of surviving them. Recognizing that an ending comes to us all does not diminish the frustration that we, the living, experience with their demise.
However, the best way to enjoy their lives and the memories that we have of them is to live our lives in a way that will continue to make them proud of us, and to remember the tremendous experiences that we had in the short time we were together. From the things that you have said on television, and in the pieces that you have written, it surely seems that you had a wonderful relationship with your father (and your mother). So, continue to make them proud. And, as you do, remember that they are watching and telling theirs friends ? “that’s my boy!”
Best wishes, and be strong,
Will Gibson
Westport, Connecticut 06880
The condolences are many. May they help you to know how much you are thought of.
In life, what we know with any certainty is what is tangible . However, the thought that maybe your parents are together, awaiting the start of yet another season, will hopefully give you some sweet comfort .
Warmest regards to you and your family.
Noëlle
Keith, I’m so very sorry about your father. He sounded like a remarkable man who had every reason to be proud of his son.
Thank you for putting a personal voice to health care reform, as someone who works in health care we need you and everyone else like you to remind the people of this country how important this issue is.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Thank you for taking time from your grief to share the sad news of your dad’s death with your many followers. Those of us who “know you” through the magic of tv have experienced how much your parents have meant to you. You honor them.
Keith,
You and your family have our deepest sympathy today.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom and Jacquelyn Farm
Lino Lakes, Minnesota
This has certainly been a very hard time for your father, your family and you. I’m sorry your father couldn’t have had more time to enjoy life in good health. But this chapter is now over and those who remain have their wonderful memories of a truly great man. I wish you well in your healing process. You’ve been through a lot having lost both parents in such a short time. Your love for them and their love for you was abundantly evident in your comments about them. You are a truly fortunate son. Take the time you need and know you’ll be welcomed back upon your return.
Rick Wales
Portland, Oregon
How fortunate for each of you to have had each other.
Dear Keith, I am truly sorry to hear of the death of your father, please accept my sincere condolences.
You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. My your Dad be greeted with a colortini by that other great, Tom Snyder.
With warmest regards,
T.L. Christensen
Burbank, CA
keith,
I am sure your father’s soul is happy knowing that you did everything in your power so that he could live and die with dignity.
all the best,
saman
Dear Keith, I am truly sorry to hear of the death of your father, please accept my sincere condolences.
We have come to love and admire you and your father over recent years. It’s easy to see why you were devoted to each other. He was a wonderful dad and you not only acted in devotion to him at the end of his days but you shared this health story with the rest of us at a time when such sense and compassion was entirely lacking elsewhere in the debate over much needed health care reform. We are thinking of you now and will be in the days to come. Wishing you peace.
OH KEITH ,I M SO SORY!
Love and condolences to you and your family, Keith. May you feel from all of us some small measure of the kind of support you enjoyed from your wonderful father. All of us who appreciate what you do for this country will take on the “booster” mantle and hold you and your sister tenderly in our thoughts.
I can’t help thinking that your father’s well-lived time on this earth was made even more rich and full by two things in particular…..that he was surrounded by his loving and devoted children during his final months, and that his Yankees won the World Series for him…..one last time.
Winnie H.
Keith, I know that this is a very sad time for you and your sister and nephew. My heart goes out to you all. You were a rock for your Dad and I am sure he felt your love. Now is the time for you all to feel our love for you and your family. Thanks for being there for us.
I’m so sorry to hear this, Keith. Your Dad fought the good fight. My sympathies to your whole family.
Your’s is such a familiar face to me, you feel like a good friend. Thank you for your advice during this difficult time.
Hugs and Prayers,
Leah Boule’
Keith,
Thank you for sharing your experience and introducing the idea of ‘life panels’. So much goes into that final decision. When you mention your dad I think of my late father. Retired at 59, between chemo sessions for leukemia, for 11 years he and Mom traveled the world. He could afford this because he did not pay a single penny for health care. His employer picked it up. He conce onfided that he could endure this pain, but not the thought of leaving his family in debt due to his illness. I hope never to have to make that choice myself. Dad passed with his family around him right after his Oregon Ducks lost the 1998 Civil War in double overtime 44-41.
Dear Keith,
Please know I’ve been thinking about you and your family for some time now, starting with the death of your mother. I lost my father at a young age and my mother several years ago, I know so well what you are going through. I’m so glad you have pleasant memories regarding your parents. God be with you.
Willa
Dear Keith,
I, like so many, wish you the best in this sad time. Our thoughts are with you. Robin & Paul.
Dear Keith: You have, almost nightly, shared your intellect, insight, humor, outrage, honesty, irony and heart. Your father is a part of the heart you shared. That is the reason I can sincerely extend my condolences to you and your family over the loss of your father. The way you always spoke of him, the love and admiration in your voice, was as honest as it was palpable. Your last paragraph was as eloquent as it was moving. Its expression likely would have embarrassed him, the knowledge of its truth, surely fulfilled him.
Peace to all of you.
Michael
I never knew your father or your mother except through you. Through you I know they were wonderful, caring, loving parents and the kind of people we would like to know as neighbors. For them, and for you and your sister, right now I’m crying.
I hope you will find peace sooner rather than later.
Keith – my heart goes out to you and your sister. I believe that when a loved one leaves us, they remain with us, since they are a part of us. Lost my mom 31 years ago; never knew my dad since he left when I was 3. My father-in-law, who died in 1980 was my “father: and I loved him dearly. I miss him and my mother to this day. There isn’t a day that goes by that I wish I could hug them one more time; but am glad their suffering is over. They both died of cancer, my mom at age 59 and dad at age 63.
Your parents raised a fine son and I’m sure they were very proud of you. I am proud of you also…..you have common sense and passion for what is right.
Your efforts for the working class people are wonderful.
My husband and I appreciate your work.
Sincerely,
Linda and Bob Johnson
Kenosha, WI
Dear Keith,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Walter
Dear Keith,
I’ve always been a big fan from the sport’s side of your career but my friend, you keep doing what you’re doing for us and your dad. The last two special comments basically left me with tears in my eyes, as I lost my pop (& my hero) 10 years ago.
Much peace to you and your sister, as well as the rest of your family.
Peace~
Paul (Marina del Rey, CA)
MR. KEITH
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
YOUR FATHER WAS A GREAT MAN, JUST AS YOU ARE.
SINCERELY,
MARTINA
My husband and I are so terribly sorry for your loss. We have been in tears many times while watching “Countdown” and listening to your heartfelt concerns about your father and the terrible state of the health care system. I’m sure he knew how very much you loved him – he was lucky to have you as a son. This must be doubly difficult after losing your mother last year. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We love you, Keithie!
Maryam & Mujeeb Shad
Irving, TX
Oh Keith, I am so sorry to hear this sad news, condolences to you and your family. I was so hoping that he would pull through after you mentioned a small positive development the other night on your show. Perhaps it was that your Dad opened his eyes enough to say goodbye. Thank you for letting us share this very difficult time with you, and for spreading the word about life panels and living wills. God Bless.
Like many others, I’ve followed the health problems your father has endured through “Countdown.” I send out my heartfelt condolences for the ordeal your father has been through, and I hope you and your family find solace in knowing his suffering has ended. Best wishes.
Dear Keith,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how hard it is for you to lose your Father when it wasn’t that long ago that you lost your Mother. I wish peace to you, your Sister, and the rest of your family in your mourning.
Sandra Kolb Wichrowski
Long Island, NY
Madison, WI
Dear Keith,
I was very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. the bond that the two of you had was very evident in the way that you spoke of him . take comfort that he is now with your beloved mother, Marie, and that their love story of nearly 60 years continues on. God bless and keep you and your sister, Jenna. Hold on to each other and you will make it through.
Gail
Keith,
I have been a fan of your show for over four years now. I was saddened to hear of your father’s passing this afternoon. He was a fighter til the very end. So…thats where you get that from. Peace be with you and you family.
Keep fighting the good fight!
Charles in North Carolina
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Loosing a parent, especially one that was so loved, is very painful at any age. Sending a hug.
Keith: your loss today is ever more palpable because of your gift to us– of the process of dying in this country– over these past many months. YOur sharing has given us the face of healthcare.
Your family is in our hearts forever.
Thank you for bringing your family to us–the ever fickle American Public. You have been generous to share with each of us.
As the Quakers say: we shall hold you and yours in the light.
Keith,
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your sister. I can tell you I am sure he was incredibly proud of your success, your passion, and how you have touched people. And that is a wonderful legacy.
May the angels surround Theodore Olberman and maythe
saints welcome him in peace. To you and your family,
Keith, I offer my most sincere condolence and love. It is to
your Dad and your Mom for whom we are so grateful to be
able to listen and see the wonderful work of their son
daily. Thank you, Mom and Dad!! They will surely be missed
terribly by you and your family, but happiness in memories
will be welcomed.
Mr. Olbermann, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that he felt loved, how proud he was of you and your sister. Prayers, always.
Mr Olbermann My deepest and most sincere condolences to you for your loss, you father was good man,I had not met him but his son, you, would not be the man you are today without his greatness. I am grateful for that piece of his legacy. I hope you and your family remember your father for his life and to hold in your hearts the life he had and not mourn his death but celebrate his life.
Keith, My wife and I offer best wishes to you and your family in this time of sadness. I am sure you will continue to make your father proud.
Mr. Oberman, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family on the loss pf your father. I watch countdown every night and really enjoy your special comments. Thank you for all that to do in keeping ths country informed with true fair and balanced reporting. I especially that you and your father for your brilliant comments on healthcare, life panels and living wills. You are teuely an inspiration sir! May God bless you and your family always.
Keith,
I signed up for this page just to be able to tell you how sorry I am to hear about your fathers passing. I watch your program everyday and appreciate your openness about your parents. Your parents did an exceptional job raising you. Your father is now with your mother both together looking down on you with smiles and pride. Please accept my condolences during this difficult time and I pray that even though the pain and loss may never go away completely that it gets a little easier for you to cope with day by day. You are missed on your show and look forward to your return Mr. Olbermann !
God Bless
Lela
I watch you every night…love your show and you are a true man. It is given as you show your true emotions every night and with your fathers passing. I am sorry to hear about your father and may you find peace in the coming days. Thanks for all you do and thanks for your Dad for giving us such a great man.
My mother just died last Wednesday. It’s something most of us have to experience, but it’s painful nevertheless. I’m grateful that I was able to see her, spend a little time with her, and that she died peacefully at home. My heart goes out to you. Listening to your son and daughter read Thurber aloud sounds like the perfect way to pass from life into death. Best wishes to you and your sister and everyone who loved your father.
I am very sorry, Keith. I know exactly how you feel, having lost my strong and loving father oh so many years ago. The dreams, subsequent, of their walking, talking and laughing through the house are a blessing. And, waking from those dreams, a curse.
Love to you, and your family, from a devoted fan, and his family.
Thank you Keith for the amazing courage you showed in sharing your Dad’s passing. It is such honesty that will hopefully make a difference and perhaps drive our legislators to hear your message. Take comfort from everyone and the grief you now encounter- goodness always prevails.. Life’s circles are unending….
Dear Keith,
Please accept my profound condolences. I sense the pain of your loss and have experienced it in my own life.
I am grateful for your parents lives and for their legacy which lives on through your sister and you.
I know that they were both VERY proud of you.
Thank you for your work and authenticity.
Best regards and best wishes for the days to come,
Jay
Mr. O. I am but one man, but I know I join countless others in our sorrow.
We knew this was coming…but still…It’s tough.
I went through it also, losing both parents within 9 months.
Be proud, my friend. He was as proud of you as well as you were him.
I love the picture.
Wish I had met him………
Brooklyn Born 1948
Sincerest condolences. Your father, I stongly suspect, was proud of you. Rightly so.
If it eases you any, I have an appointment with my doctor Monday morning to codify my medical directives. My family has been told of my wishes, and my lawyer has drawn the right papers. I am forty and healthy, but you convinced me.
If there is anything I can do to pay you back for your advice, never hesitate. I have a beachouse on the Canadian side of Lake Erie, say the word, it’s yours for as long as you want it. A small gesture I acn make for the wisdom you have imparted to me and America.
So very sorry for your loss Keith. You were lucky to have had such wonderful parents!
I’m so sorry to hear this. I feel as if I got to know your dad in some small way through your combined struggles. Thank you so much to you both for informing the rest of us about the labyrinthine nightmare of the health care system. You’re a rarity in TV land, and like your dad, fight the good fight.
My condolences Mr. O.
It’s hard when we reach this time in our lives when we witness the passing of our parents and the only consolation we have is that through luck and yes sometimes miracle we spared them the pain of witnessing ours.
Still, it is a hard thing to go through.
Keith,
I am so sorry to hear about your father’s death.
Thank you for sharing your sacred experience with all of us viewers.
Helping a loved one transition from life to death is such an incredible gift.
Your Gay Friend
Thad
Thank you so much Keith for sharing the love of your father with your audience. You did a great service for many who are reluctant to discuss a part of life most of us will have to suffer through eventually, Saying goodby to a beloved father is never easy no matter how long their life span. My own father passed away peacefully a year ago after a good and productive life of 99 years. We made the joint decision for him to pass away in his own bed under the care of hospice in the home he and I had shared for over eight years. I agree with you that it is so important to have those important end of life decisions long before the need arises. I will always remember how he smiled at me with an unusal glow on his face as asked me at what turned out to be his last meal if I though he was “sweet”. I confirmed his question but was perplexed because my dad did not usually speak in those terms. As he lay dying the next morning a thought crossed my mind. I asked him if his mother use to call him a sweet little boy. He said “yes, yes” and smiled again as he relaxed with the pain medication kicking in. I found comfort in the fact that his deceased mother was helping him and giving him comfort as moved beyond to his own death. He loved his own mother dearly and now the process of love was continuing even into death. We shared music and poems in to the evening hours and then the following day he could communicate no more except with his eyes and my touch. He died the evening of the following day in his own bed as he had choosen. Oh yes I probably could have kept him alive a few more days with heroic means but that is not what my dad chose for himself. You honored your father in the same manner by sharing your sorrow in making life and death decisions so other families can do the same without regrets by communicating with those near and dear to us.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Your father lives on…
Keith, I can’t tell you how sorry I am about the loss of your Father. He sounded like a wonderful man. I was really hoping He had turned the corner. At least He and Your Mother are together again and he no longer has to suffer anymore. I hope that will at least provide you with comfort, during this time of sorrow. I will keep you and your sister in my thoughts.
well, i’m crying. your tribute to your father moved me so much. it reminds me of my love for my parents, who are ‘getting up there’ but still with me. life is an amazing thing. full of such pain and such joy. thanks for sharing your story keith. people in your position usually don’t ever express themselves so personally and i think it really helps remind all of us, since it is so easy to get caught up in the day to day struggles, of just how precious and beautiful life really is.
sincerely,
christopher
Keith, you have my condolences on the death of your father. He knew how much you loved him and I’m glad you were there when he transitioned. Know that he is in a much better place; free from all pain and suffering.
Dear Keith,
I am very sorry to hear about your dad passing. I know it’s been a very tough time for you personally with your mom passing last year and now your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you sir.
I watch Count Down almost every evening during the week including your update on Friday night. Thanks for all you have done to “fight for health care” and educating us as to why it is so important to have a “Living Will!”
I look forward to your return to Count Down in the near future!
Sincerely,
Charlie Cregor
Dallas TX
Thank you so much Keith for sharing the love of your father with your audience. You did a great service for many who are reluctant to discuss a part of life most of us will have to suffer through eventually, Saying goodby to a beloved father is never easy no matter how long their life span. My own father passed away peacefully a year ago after a good and productive life of 99 years. We made the joint decision for him to pass away in his own bed under the care of hospice in the home he and I had shared for over eight years. I agree with you that it is so important to have those important end of life decisions long before the need arises. I will always remember how he smiled at me with an unusal glow on his face as asked me at what turned out to be his last meal if I though he was “sweet”. I confirmed his question but was perplexed because my dad did not usually speak in those terms. As he lay dying the next morning a thought crossed my mind. I asked him if his mother use to call him a sweet little boy. He said “yes, yes” and smiled again as he relaxed with the pain medication kicking in. I found comfort in the fact that his deceased mother was helping him and giving him comfort as moved beyond to his own death. He loved his own mother dearly and now the process of love was continuing even into death. We shared music and poems in to the evening hours and then the following day he could communicate no more except with his eyes and my touch. He died the evening of the following day in his own bed as he had choosen. Oh yes I probably could have kept him alive a few more days with heroic means but that is not what my dad chose for himself. You honored your father in the same manner by sharing your sorrow in making life and death decisions so other families can do the same without regrets by communicating with those near and dear to us.
Dear Keith:
I’m so sorry to hear that your Dad lost his courageous battle. I wrote a couple of weeks ago after your “Special Comment” to let you know that my Dad passed away last fall and I understand how difficult the last months have been for you and your family. Just know that you did everything right. Your father had a wonderful advocate while he was in the hospital. He had a full life and was able to pass with his family around him. We should all be so fortunate.
Best,
Kathy
Keith, my thoughts are with you and your sister, and of course your Father, who must be so proud of you. Thank you for letting us into your story and his.
Dear Keith,
My mom and I want to express our sympathies and thank you for sharing your experience with us. We miss you on the show but we certainly understand you spending precious time with your father. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
My sincere condolences to you and your family, Keith. There’s a beautiful Dutch song which goes more or less like this: “And if I die, don’t weep. I’ll be dead only when you forget about me.” I’m sure you’ll never forget about your father, so he’ll always be alive as long as those who care about him are alive. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Darrell in Kentucky
Keith,
I am so sorry.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
Your father will always be with you, even though it may take time for you to realize it. Your grief may be too great initially.
Again, I am sorry.
Mr. Oberman, I would like to offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your wonderful father. I watch countdown every night. I thoroughly enjoy your special comments. I especially enjoyed the ones you and your dad provided on healthcare, life panels and living wills. Thank you for giving America and the world true fair and balanced reporting. May God forever bless you and your family!
Sincerely,
Patricia Williams
Rocky Mount, N.C.
My condolences Mr. Olberman
I have been a follower of your work for many years. You have my sympathies…Thank you also for your tireless work on Health Care reform, because of you I now understand more about the need for reform then ever before. I am deeply sorry for your loss of the last two years.
Thank you, Keith for everything you have done to try and steer our leaders back to a sane path. Your father must have been and still is so very proud of you.
In this time of grief know how many of us feel your pain and marvel at the strength both you, your family and your father have exhibited these many trying months. Hold yourself for better times, they will come.
Peace be upon you
While I’m not quite as eloquent as many others here, I’d like to offer my deepest condolences teo you on your loss. Any further words escape me, because it is such a sad thing to have have happen. You and your family are in my prayers.
Dear Keith,
I am very sorry to hear about your dad passing. I know it’s been a very tough time for you personally with your mom passing last year and now your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you sir.
I watch Count Down almost every evening during the week including your update on Friday night. Thanks for all you have done to “fight for health care” and educating us as to why it is so important to have a “Living Will!”
I look forward to your return to Count Down in the near future!
Sincerely,
Charlie Cregor
Dallas TX
Thank you for being such a powerful voice and such a wonderful son. Your broadcasts have changed this world for the better, and I hope the love and support of your many fans will sustain you in your grief.
My heart goes out to you Keith. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of my Dad. As I care for Mom in her declining years now, I have followed your end of life comments yelling, “Atta boy!”. We will get our healthcare but will have to work for years to get the system to respond to our elders needs.
Keith, I am so sorry your dad is gone. He had been described by you so lovingly & thoughtfully on your show. I admire the way you took care of him in his time of need. When & if I live that long, I hope my kids honor me the way you honored your dad.
Mary Thomas
Rison, Arkansas
Keith, I send loving thoughts and best wishes to you and Jenna and am so sad to hear that you lost your dad whom you loved so much. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us and the wisdom that comes with experiencing something like this. It really touched me, and I feel like you are a friend I have come to know. Keep up all the great things you are doing. We need more people like you in this world. Lynne, Juneau, AK
keith,
i lost my father in 1998 and not a day goes by that i don’t think of him. i send you my deepest condolences and will keep you in my thoughts and wish you peace in this difficult time. your father sounded like a wonderful man who raised an amazing son.
I’m sorry. You give me hope. Hang in and know that there are millions who pull for you. My condolences to your sister as well.
Ben Flores
Elkhart, Indiana
Dear Keith,
I am so terrribly sorry about your Dad. You have been very brave sharing all of this with the world at large. And we all thank you for doing so. It makes it all so important for the health care bill to pass, baby steps are needed, even though we would love giant steps.
My heart goes out to you,
Sincerely,
Mary
Regardless of all the stuff that really doesn’t matter, which we do not agree…. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sadness. I hope the Lord’s love helps you and your family focus on all of the happy times you shared with your father.
Keith, may the peace of God be with you and your family. -Lisa in Detroit
Dear Keith,
The spark of your parents beauty shines through you. Blessings, Nadiya
Keith so sorry for your loss. Your care for your Dad, and your care for this country is an inspiriation.
Lakephillip
My condolences to you, Keith, and the rest of your family. I know you have been very devoted to your dad, and it is hard to say “goodbye.” I’m facing a similar situation with my mom, who is 81 now, and not in the best of health. We haven’t seen each other in 4 years, even though we talk nearly every day.
Don’t look at it, though, as an ending. I believe that as long as memories exist, that as long as someone is remembered vividly, they cannot die. THAT is the essence of immortality, or at least a long life–that until the last person who knew you has gone, life is extended thusly.
A hug and an ear go out to you, listening for when you need to talk, and a caring caress when you want to find more hope.
Mary
My Dear Keith,
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad, I am, praying that God keep you and your sister in his care. As you, I lost my Dad in 1975 and he too was my hero. I will be praying for you an your family. Please know that earth has no sorrows that heaven can not bare. With Much Love and God Rich Blessing.
Cheryle Hayes
Los Angeles, CA
I’m so sorry about your dad’s passing. You have had too much loss this past couple of years, and it must be tough. I listen to you every night and admire the way you speak out on issues, and the way you have used your personal grief to illuminate the health care reform issue.
My condolences. I actually got an MLB password just so I could write to you about this.
Sorry for your loss. May your memories of your father sustain you in sad times. Stay strong and awaiting your return!
God Bless,
K Turner
Keith peace be with you.
Lakephillip
Keith, I want to add my sympathies to you and Jenna for the loss of your dad. Thank you for sharing all that you have with us. It has brought me, and I am sure all of us, very much closer to you. You are a very special person, a son a father would be proud of, and I for one am very grateful for everything you are doing. We need many more people like you. Your loyal viewer, Lynne
I want to convey my condolences to Keith on the death of his father. You have spoken of your parents many times on your show so I feel as though I know them. I know that they were very proud of you and you deserve credit for being such a loving son. I hope that it brings you comfort at this very difficult time.
Keith,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Just remember all the great times with your dad. Every dad should have such a loving son as you. I’ve followed your career from your all sports days, but like it much better these days with MSNBC. You’re the best, and have done much to push the health care reform to passage.
Dale
Keith,
Condolences to you and your sister Jenna, peace be with you both, and remember he will be with the person he loved and spent the last 60 years with, what a lovely reunion of souls.
Regards Kangaroo Down Under
Keith, thank you so much for sharing your Dad with your viewing audience. I feel like I knew him just a bit. I mourn with you. I am a big fan and am grateful every day for you (and Rachel) and your kind, generous view of our world. Bubbie in California
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry to hear the news. Condolances to you and your sister.
I knew your dad was your hero, and so was mine, and I know what it means, especially for an immigrant who never got to his parents’ funerals on time.
All my best
Amadeo
My husband and I send you our condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family. Every evening at 7:00pm we are watching your show. Your dad had to be a great man to have such a great son as you. God bless you and your family.
keith, i doubt that you would remember me, but i’m the widow of al oppenheimer, who used to work with your father. i accompanied al to your home from time to time and remember you and jenna as sweet kids. my heartfelt condolences to you both.
Keith,
My condolences to you and your father on the loss of your father. My wife Gail lost here mother this year also. We were very touched by the message you gave to your viewing audience a few weeks ago and brought back the memories of Mom and Dad and who and what they made us. Thank you Sir for all you do.
Highest Regards
Dave Todd
Austin, TX
My family and I want to extend our heartfelt symphathy for the loss of your beloved father. You helped us keep our sanity during the Bush years, when there were few people willing to speak the truth as you did every night. For that, I will be forever grateful to you. God Bless you and your family.
Dear Keith:
I watch you every night, and am a huge fan. Please except my deepest condolonces on the loss of your beloved father. I hope you are able to take comfort in the wonderful memories you shared and knowing that your parents are together again. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please take care of yourself and continue the great job you do. Again, I am sorry for you loss.
Karen Stevens
Las Vegas, NV
Keith, I recently lost my dad to a debilitating illness. I would watch your broadcasts as you talked about your father and, each time, I understood everything from a personal note. I felt your pain. It is clear why your dad let everyone in your hometown know about your successes. You are a wonderful man with a big heart. He obviously raised you as such. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
My condolences to you and your family. May you find peace.
I have tears for you as I write this. I appreciate you so much for what you do and what you say, and how impassioned and masterfully articulate you are at the same time.
Your wonderful parents raised a son who, unlike so many with megaphones in this country, is using his for good, for justice. I can only imagine how great their pride in you was, and will be eternally.
Your devotion to your father these past months is a model for us all. I am just so, so sorry. I was so hopeful that he would be able to heal.
Thank you for sharing this deeply personal moment in your life with us. Take whatever time you need, but know that you will be welcomed with open arms and hearts when you’re able to return to Countdown.
With deep respect,
Janelle Hartman
Thank you for sharing the story of your father, both in sickness and in health. You are a great person Keith Olbermann and are a testament to speaking up for that which you believe in.
Your newscasts regarding your father working his way through our broken healthcare system, and at times making a personal choice to not want to live within his broken body any longer, touched me and so many others.
Thank you for sharing what is the most difficult process that any of us will ever go through, that being the illness and death of our parents.
Keith, May the Lord give you courage to bear this incalculable loss. Fathers play a great role in shaping their children’s life, your father shaped you well. I wish you and your family all the best in this difficult time.
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I truly appreciate you sharing his life with us and your unwaivering support of improved health care for all Americans. Your dad will continue to look down on you with great pride and happiness.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Rich Johnson
Keith, May the Lord give you courage to bear this incalculable loss. Fathers play a great role in shaping their children’s life, your father shaped you well. I wish you and your family all the best in this difficult time.
You have my condolences. Know that your dad is in a better place. Stay strong.
Dear Keith, I am truly sorry to hear of the death of your father, please accep my sincere condolences.
My condolences to you and your family, sir. Thank you for sharing your experience with us on your show and in the column.
Sincerely yours,
Patrick
San Francisco, CA
Keith, our condolences and our thanks for you’re deeply appreciated sharing with us your dad’s last months. Thanks also for your cogent analysis of the healthcare situation; we’ll be getting our life directives in order, thanks to you.
Sincerely,
Dave Scheff and Karen Wallace
Thank you for your example in facing this mile post. I hope my family can be as sensible and courageous as your family has been. As you recommended in Countdown, I do plan to have an end of life document by the end of the year.
-Virginia in PA
Dear Keith We are so sorry for your loss. We wish you and your family love and peace and warmth from the memory of your father who was very proud of your accomplishments. Those of us who are facing the death of our parents my mother is 95, thank you for your exmples of compassion, your expression of love for you father, and your complete dedication to making his passing so dignified. You are an amazing man as I am sure you father and mother were. Blessing to you and your sister…Bob and Jo Trickovic
May God bless and keep you and your family during your time of loss. You have our prayers.
Sincerely,
You fans in Atlanta, GA
Dear Keith: My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. I lost my father at the young age of 59. I know the pain you are feeling. I watch your show every single night and your father I am sure passed away a very very proud man. I admire the passion and conviction of your beliefs that he installed in you. My prayers and thought are with you and your family and rest assure he is a better place and suffering no more. all the best!! Marc In ohio
You have taught us the true meaning of life. My family wishes your family condolences. Take your time to heal. I’m so glad you were able to so it your way.
The Joesph P. Black Family
I am sorry for your loss…may God’s peace be with you and your family.
Keith,
My dad was my biggest booster as well. Sadly, he died when I was 16. As a 50 year old man now, their isn’t a day I don’t think about him; the time in 1968 when as a young boy passionate about baseball, we made the annual vacation trek from Santa Cruz to Anaheim. A couple days at Disneyland and a few games at either Anaheim or Dodger Stadium.
It was also the year after Charlie Finley had moved the A’s from Kansas City to Oakland. This summer of 1968 was also the time my Dad checked us into the Jolly Roger; a Motel 6 before there was such a chain that happened to be right across the street from Disneyland.
As it turned out, it was also the team hotel for those 68′ A’s who were in town to face the Angels. As if it was yesterday, I can remember swimming in the pool as famed young players like Sal Bando, Catfish Hunter, Reggie Jackson, Blue Moon Odom, Campy Campaneris, Joe Rudi and yes, coach Joe DiMaggio socialized openly. The free duckets and then signed program that covered-up my box score stats.
Keith, as a regular viewer of ‘Countdown’ I played catch in that summer of 68′ with A’s pitcher Ken Sanders – you, probably not.
However, what you will always have over me is so many more years with your Dad – so many more great memories that will carry you through today and the days, weeks, months and years ahead.
In your time of grief, you are a lucky man.
Keith, so sorry for your loss. Sharing your feelings and talking about your father in your MSNBC show lately, was very moving. It certainly gives you as a radio host, a fascinating dimension. I will be thinking about you and your sister.
My deepest and sincere condolences go to you and your family; you will all be in my prayers as the days go by.
Keith,
I watch you nightly on Countdown (my favorite program) and have truly missed you, but certainly understand your absence. May I offer you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Father.
My sympathy to you and your family.
Its times like these you appreciate what a wonderful gift your parents were. Too many people never realize that special relationship. Those that do. forever know how the phrase “once in a lifetime” has been sorely trivialized.
Cherish their memory, and live life the way they would continue to be proud of,,,
another fan
greg hodge
My husband and I are so terribly sorry for your loss. We have been in tears many times while watching “Countdown” and listening to your heartfelt concerns about your father and the terrible state of the health care system. I’m sure he knew how very much you loved him – he was lucky to have you as a son. This must be doubly difficult after losing your mother last year. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We love you, Keithie!
Maryam & Mujeeb Shad
Irving, TX
He was blessed to have you as a son; and you to have him as a father.
Deepest sympathies to you and your family, and thank you for being such a voice of logic, reason, and compassion through this healthcare reform nightmare.
Keith,
I first want to thank you for letting us in to your most personal and vernibal area of you life – you are more that a fine host, more you are a great man. You do your father proud.
You touch our livies each night – keep up the good work.
I wish you well,
James
Peace to you and your family.
I am so very sorry about your father, Keith. You and your family have been in my prayers constantly since last September. I wish you comfort and peace. We miss you.
Nancy Wille
Your father was blessed to have such a loving son. My own father, born in 1888, played semi-pro ball in Cleveland as a young man and loved baseball his entire life.
Hi Keith,
My greatest condolences to you and your family.
Your Dad sounded like he quite an interesting fellow and a good Father – and I have strong memories of going into Baskin-Robbins as a kid and marveling at all the ice cream behind that long stretch of counter – a place my Dad would take the whole family to.
Good memories.
I lost my Dad a few years ago and it still makes me sad but then I start flashing on what a great guy he was and all he did for me and the rest of our family and it brings me to smiling and that goes a long way helping to fill in the loss.
He took me to my first baseball game and I carry him in my heart to every game I go to and I think of him every day. I still hear him telling me that the pitching coach having a conference with the pitcher on the mound is telling him, “Get’m out!”
I wish you all the best in this sorrowful time and know that your extended family across the broadcast and written world – your fans – wish you well and as much as we appreciate the things you do for us, it does our heart good to see that this guy we might listen to when he talks or writes about baseball and sports or politics, that he is just like the rest of us – a decent and caring human being.
Take Care
Jerome
As a son, a father and a baseball fanatic, allow me to express my condolences to you and your family.
My husband and I are very sorry about the loss of your father. We watched you on Countdown speaking about what you and your family were going through with your dad. It brought us both to tears and made us realize that the government is not doing enough for healthcare. As we watched, you spoke about “life panels” and living wills. This message will be carried through all of us who watch you and support you now at the loss of your father. Bless you and Your family,
Faith and Paul James
Lawrence, Massachusetts
Keith, my thoughts and condolences to you and your family. I can’t yet imagine what it’s like to lose a parent, but it must be one of the hardest things in life. I’ve been watching your updates about your father on your show and I really appreciate you sharing your experience with us amidst this health care crisis. I think it’s been very illuminating for a lot of people.
Best of luck to you and yours. Please know that you have a lot of people pulling for you.
And thank you, Keith, for all the work you do.
Keith so sorry for your loss you and your family are in my prayers. I miss seeing you on Countdown but take all the time you need. God Bless you and your family. Burlinda in Texas
In the words of Wendell Berry, “We are what we have lost.
My heart breaks for you and your family, Keith, and for myself, for I will shortly follow in your path. I hope I can do it with all of the strength and courage and dignity that you have shown to us all. And most of all, with the love for my father that you have for yours.
My thoughts are with you , Mr. Olberman. This is a sad day I know, one I shall face with my own father some day. I know the memories will sustain you and he’ll remain with you in that way. Peace, good sir. Your dad did a fine job with you.
You are a lucky man to have had a father who loved both baseball and James Thurber. (My father only loved baseball, didn’t know about Thurber.) My condolences to you and your family. I have been a long time Countdown fan and have been following your comments about both of your parents over the years. Your recent “Special Comment” about end of life decisions was very moving. My deepest sympathy on your loss.
Keith,
Condolences to you and your sister. I’m glad your father went peacefully. I know you will miss him forever, but it does become easier.
Thanks for the professional way you have educated the public about living wills and directives. My husband and I prepared living wills years ago, then he added the directive as he deteriorated because we were told living wills do not legal force.
He died peacefully in 2007, and after about 18 months, I started feeling normal again.
I have not completed my directive because I want to talk more with my son about my wishes. However, I realize that any day I could be in an accident and be gone.
You are a great role model for all of us, and you have many admirers.
Carol Doty
Keith,
I’m very sorry to hear of the lost of your father. I feel I know him as I been following your comments about your Dad on MSNBC. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family God bless you Keith we all are very proud of you.
Donald,
Keith,
May all fathers and all sons be so remembered.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Bryan St.Laurent
PS:
“On the rough wet grass of the backyard my father and mother have spread quilts.
We all lie there, my mother, my father, my uncle, my aunt, and I too am lying there …
They are not talking much, and the talk is quiet,
of nothing in particular, of nothing at all in particular, of nothing at all.
The stars are wide and alive, they seem each like a smile of great sweetness, and they seem very near.
All my people are larger bodies than mine, …
with voices gentle and meaningless like the voice of sleeping birds.
One is an artist, he is living at home.
One is a musician, she is living at home.
One is my mother who is good to me.
One is my father who is good to me.
By some chance, here they are, all on this earth;
and who shall ever tell the sorrow of being on this earth,
lying, on quilts, on the grass, in a summer evening, among the sounds of the night.
May God bless my people, my uncle, my aunt, my mother, my good father,
oh, remember them kindly in their time of trouble;
and in the hour of their taking away.”
James Agee
As everyone else has stated, I’m so sorry for your loss of your father. My wish for you and your sister is that you both embrace your memories and know of the love and comfort you all provided for each other over the years.
Paula
Denver
We here are very sorry.
Peace to you and yours, KO.
Sorry Keith for your lost.Dad will be proud of you.
you`re the best on what you do and you love your family
what else can anybody ask for.be proud of yourself Dad will
rest in PEACE!
Keith: I am just one of your many fans. I watch Countdown every day and am a committed progressive democrat. I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to your family. I lost my father 7 years ago, and I miss him every day. I am sure your father was so proud of the wonderful human being you became, and that you give happiness to your audience on a daily basis….he must have been so proud of your accomplishments and your humanity. Although I am not religious, I will say a prayer for your father and thank God for your father’s long and happy life. God bless you, Keith Olbermann and bless your family.
Sincerest condolences,
Gloria Roberts
Portland Oregon fan
I am so sorry. I lost my mother, last year, after a long decline. I know what it’s like.
Peace!
Keith, know that our fathers live on in our memories. Peace be with you in this difficult time. Trish
My most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Dad. Cherish the happy memories and know that you were a good son ’till the end. May your Dad rest in peace, reunited with your Mom.
Keith:
I include myself among thousands of your devoted fans in expressing our sympathy to you and your family. You have been generous to us in sharing your devotion to your dad and your anguish at witnessing his flame flicker. You surely realize he lives on in you, Keith. As you stare in the mirror each morning, his face looks back at you.
Peace and blessings to you and your family. And thank you for sharing your family’s journey with us…you have touched more lives than you can know.
Very sorry to hear this. I’ve got the Flock browser (a Firefox variant geared more for social networking, I checked it a couple hours ago and AlanColmes had a few new tweets, and he had done a RT with MarkKOS. When I heard your dad was getting better, I had hoped it wouldn’t be the same thing that grandpa went through. (a WWII vet, although more like the Tom Hanks father type, mechanics) he’d fallen and broke his hip in Nov-Dec 2006, and had banged his head somehow in a crappy hospital and they had to remove a small section out of his head. Was never the same. (early 2007) I didn’t get to see him until he was too far gone. But got to know alot grandpa’s sisters. Email them often. Like one who pulled a jagaur (sp) bomb when she hit 80. Our beagle died at the beginning of the year, lost my job in october that year and grandpa passed away Dec 13 2008. My dad (bit of a tea bag party fan) and I have had words that aren’t very nice. And never fully recovered. I hope you have the drive to get passed this. I’d been to visit grandpa the day before. Had spent 4 months scanning (in fairly hi res) all the old thumbnail pictures, negatives (some from the early 1920’s ) Slides etc for that side of the family. Which was started because of the Midwest floods of 2008. I’d converted his 78’s to cd in 2004 or so. And had found several movies for him. I do wish you my best. And those uninformed people in Texas can go to hell now. 😦
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing with us and for talking about the importance of living wills. We are so glad you were able to be with your father when he passed. You are an outstanding example to the nation of a devoted son. We are praying for you and your family. God bless you always, and thank you for all you do to get out the right political stuff!!!
Louise and Bob Cunha
Stuart, FL
Keith,
I send you my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. I, like you, have lost both of my parents whose support and guidance shaped the person I am today. Your thoughtful remarks on Countdown are evidence of the fantastic upbringing you received. I wish you and your family all the best at this most difficult time.
My best,
Steven Ullman
Keith,
My condolences to you and your family. Your Dad must have been quite proud of you and what you have accomplished.
Keith,
My condolences on the loss of your father. Millions of people are praying for you and your sister. I’m happy you got to be with your father in the end. He has the best son!!
Michael
Queens,NY
I too lost my father almost 2 months ago now on January 17 at 2:25 in the morning. I am soon to be 58. He was soon to be 82. It is never easy, no matter how old we are or how close we were to our parents. Our parents are our parents. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him. I am sure you will be the same way. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. My wife and I are both fans of yours. Thank you for all that you do and be well.
Lee Browndorf, Watervliet, MI
Dear Keith,
We were sad to hear about the loss of your dear father. We were hoping he was going to make it.
We have been faithful followers of you and your program. You gave us a lot to think about and how do you accept the value of your own life?
It all depends on where you happen to live, what portion of this beautiful earth, what type of government they have to live in, what educational opportunities are there, and what do people expect of each other when they have to live together?
You have expressed yourself and your father in a lovely way, and right now I am experiencing a difficult situation with my family. You have helped me understand how small people can become when there’s so much more to learn.
Thank you Keith and we wish you the very best to you and your family!
Sincerely,
L.D.
Hey there, Keith. This is Jeff Edelman from Hastings-on-Hudson. We went to middle school together. I just wanted to pass along a message that I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. My thoughts are with you.
Dear Keith,
I’m hoping you can gain some small measure of comfort in knowing that I, and so many others, are thinking of you. Thank you for sharing the magnificent experience of your father and mother. They were love personified, Keith. And that love is magnified in you always.
Yvonne
NJ
As a faithful watcher of your nightly show, I feel I have come to know you a little–your values and your dedication to them. That was your father’s gift to you and you him honor nightly.
I lost my dad two years ago. You never forget them or the wonderful times together.
I know many people who never got around to telling their mom or dad how much they meant to them. You told your dad every night you were in the hospital with him, fighting for his life and his right to live it as he wished. And you tell him again, on your show, when you take truth to power, and you speak for the rights of us all.
I have watched your absences from the show and could see how hard you were trying to show a brave face. I mourn for your loss but undoubtedly rejoice at the celebration of a special life. The father who shares baseball with his son is the parent who knows the proper means o raising a child. Because through baseball, the meaning of life becomes clearer.
Hope to see you back in the saddle soon.
And if you’re interested in a good, clean Topps set from 1982 (and subsequent years) contact at the address attached to this post. Will be praying for you and your family.
Keith,
We send you and your sister our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. We cannot get through dinner without watching Count Down and have missed you these last few weeks. Take your time to be with your family and remember with joy the memories you were left by this wonderful man.
Please accept our condolences,
Penny and Bob Steiner
Keith,
My condolences to you and your sister Jenna, may peace be with you both, and remember that he will be reunited with the one he loved and spent those 60 years with, what a lovely reunion of souls.
Regards
Kangaroo Down Under
So sorry for your loss Keith. My dad died last year and I remember having many discussions with him over whether to sacrifice air conditioning for the summer in favor of cable so we could watch Angel games. Air conditioning won out, so I’d crank up the radio through the house and try to imagine the ballparks. At least you have some great memories, and from what you’ve written here and on your show, you had some touching final moments with your father.
-Jesse
So sorry for your loss Keith. My dad died last year and I remember having many discussions with him over whether to sacrifice air conditioning for the summer in favor of cable so we could watch Angel games. Air conditioning won out, so I’d crank up the radio through the house and try to imagine the ballparks. At least you have some great memories, and from what you’ve written here and on your show, you had some touching final moments with your father.
-Jesse
We love you Keith. This is a tough time for you and your family. Hang in there.
Dear Keith,
I watch your program every night and value your opinions and commentary always. I send you and your sister my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. I have followed your reports on his illness over the last months and also remember well your tribute to your Mom about 6-8 months ago. I feel your loss having lost both my parents during the last 5 years.
You certainly have done all that a son could do over these last few months. I am sure you have made him proud. You have shared health care facts as they exist now and it certainly has been timely. Your commentary has reminded me of sitting down with my mother’s physician about 5 years ago when she only had months to live. It was so important to me and my sisters to understand what was happening. It was not a DEATH PANEL and that doctor should have been paid for his counseling and his time. THANK YOU for pointing this out countless times.
Please know I am thinking of you now and I will always be a faithful viewer. You are one of the class acts on MSNBC – my favorite network.
Kathy McNulty
Boca Raton, FL
I lost my father in 2003. It was and is the most difficult thing I’ve had to deal with in my life. Your “Special Comment” last week was so incredibly familiar. My greatest comfort is that I was so incredibly fortunate to have such a wonderful father. Not many people can say that. You don’t miss what you never had. We had the best. My heart aches for you and I can only hope that we have some form of health reform in their honor. You are an inspiration, a warrior and a devoted son.
I want to express my deepest sympathy. My thoughts are with you, your dad and your family.
Bill
Tacoma, WA
Keith,
My sincere condolences. I’ve been watching your special comments while my mother is dying of cancer and they’ve really hit home. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, twice in a year is unthinkable.
Time to take care of yourself. We’ll be here when you get back.
Marley
Thank you, Keith, for sharing your dad with us the way that you did. You have a new biggest fan now, and it’s all of us who admire the work you do in an effort to protect the country from “them”. My sympathies to your family.
Keith:
You have realized your father in our minds, and we join you in sadness and appreciation.
Your empathy for Americans and all people around the world struggling to stay afloat or simply to survive is a testament to the values that your parents emparted. Your strong voice is crucial in these difficult times.
I salute your father and you.
With admiration,
FMcB
Dear Keith Sincerest condolences from down under. It is great to see how much your dad meant to you. Luckily he had a good innings, to reach his eighties is great, so many people I went to school with didn’t even reach their 50s. I know at a time like this it is hard to accept but none of us are here forever, we can just hope we have a full and lengthy life, and it seems he definitely had that. Remember his bravery in the last 6 months but remember much more the good things throughout your life with him and your mum. His suffering is over now, and he would want you to push forward and keep doing what you do so well.
Take care
Steve
Keith, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I watch you faithfully every night. You through your father have done more for this country by being a wonderful and necessary advocate for most especially health care. I feel like I know your father through you because I watch you so often and have heard your special comments.
My special comment to you is: One of the greatest gifts your father bestowed to our country is having you as a son. You are a gift and yet another national treasure to us. I hope to be listening to you for many many years to come!
The arduous task you had is now over and I hope that the fond memories you have of him will sustain you. Perhaps in some other dimension your father is looking down and when (HOPEFULLY) health care passes he will smile brightly on us all!
Your faithful listener
Natalie Rosen
Framingham, MA
Keith – you and your family are in my heart. Ted and Marie dun good. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Thank-you Keith, for sharing your story and your struggles through this time. It is so obvious that you and your sister truly knew that you were loved every day of your life – and that is an amazing legacy that both of your parents have passed on to you, as well as quite a testiment to their own greatness.
Know that, at this time, you have a large number of people who are standing with you, holding you up in their hearts and minds along with your sister. I know the pain of loss is great – but may the joy of no longer having to see your dad in such pain and having such a difficult time give you peace.
Oh and, as someone who never got to see a professional baseball game at all – but listened to games on the radio for more hours than I care to admit – I’m glad you got to share those memories with both of your parents – even though it was with the Yankees ( I’m a Cubs fan – born and bred). Still I can only imagine the memories you have for the reliving – and neither of your parents are ever as far away as a baseball picture or the crack of the bat on opening day.
Keith
My husband and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. What a wonderful tribute to someone who is such an important part of your life! We find it very remarkable that you had the foresight to ensure that your father knew his value to you and your life! Your ever faithful viewers, Linda and Doug, Virginia
May you have peace Keith, as your father now will. You have touched our hearts with your love for your father, you are a good man.
Keith, I can only wish that there were something I could say to ease the pain of losing this wonderful, extraordinary man. But I hope it is some comfort to know that you honor him in the most lasting way through your compassion, your courage, and your empathy for others. It helps those of us who were not fortunate enough to have known him have a better sense of why he was so beloved and influential to you.
Our prayers and love lift him to a place of peace and eternal happiness, and your family to draw closer in love and support.
Keith,
I’ve been a fan of yours for years, and I want to pass on my prayers for you. I know the last year has been tough on you, to say the least. I hope you don’t mind, but at the age of 30, I had lost both of my parents-my mom at a very young age and my father in 1997. My dad had always been my rock and resident expert on everything. Whenever I had a question about anything from cars to politics, I just had to ask my dad for his opinion to understand the issue better, even though my education far surpassed his. After his passing, I kept hearing the same question go round and round in my head-“what am I going to do now, what am I going to do now”?
I want to assure you that you will get through this. It will be tough at first but little by little life will regain its normal velocity and you will be able to breathe normally again. You have the support of so many who love what you do and how you do it. Your honesty in your pursuit of your profession makes us all feel like we know you personally, and as such we care so much for you. Hang in there
Lawrence
Keith
My husband and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. What a wonderful tribute to someone who is such an important part of your life! We find it very remarkable that you had the foresight to ensure that your father knew his value to you and your life! Your ever faithful viewers, Linda and Doug, Virginia
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Jenna.
Your father was a great dad. Peace to his spirit.
Dear Keith: I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I have followed you as a regular nightly fan, throughout this entire ordeal and can not say how badly I feel for you. Linda Phillips
To Keith
Some years ago I wrote to management at MSNBC and begged them to give you a contract; to promise you a penthouse and anything else you wanted because I knew that you would tell the American people the truth. You emailed back to tell me they had given you a contract but no penthouse; but you would have some control over content.
Today we know that the network gave you something else: time to be with your dying father and freedom to speak truth to power not only about death and dying but about treason and hypocrisy and hubris and love of country.
I want you to know that I am more proud of your honest journalism than I ever even thought I would be. I’m proud of your wit, your intellect, your courage and your worth. And I’m sure that your dear father was even more filled with pride than those of us who have watched you and cheered you.
Please accept my most sincere condolences on your loss. Come back to us when you can. We care.
E. Smith
I’m so sorry to hear you lost your father today. My thoughts and prayers have been and continue to be with you and Jenna.
He was a great man. Peace to his spirit.
My mother died yesterday, Friday, March 12th. You have my deepest sympathy. I hope that your friends and family will surround you with love as mine have done with me.
Keith and Family
Your dedication to your Father, while obviously deserved, especially during the end of his life is exemplary. I have you all in my thoughts during these difficult days.
Don Blank
Gold Canyon, AZ
Dear Keith,
God bless you in your time of grief. When my own father died, a wise friend counseled me to remember that he was literally a part of me — blood and bone, heart and mind, head to toe. Nothing, NOTHING can separate you from that.
That half of you that came from him will always be tuned in to “father frequency” she said. It can never be taken away. Never.
The members of my household tune into Countdown every night and admire your work. Thank you for your humor and passion, straight talk and righteous indignation. You make a difference. I’m sure your father was very proud — especially the way in which you wove his story into your recent commentaries, so that he was your partner. Together you made a difference.
Know that you have been missed, but please take all the time you need before coming back.
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. I know it’s been a rough year, but know that your fans do care. While we miss you on the tv machine, we appreciate your contributions not only to doing the right thing generally speaking, but to your devotion and reporting of a very personal story during these hard times. Be well my friend and my thoughts are with you.
My best,
Cheryl
I am so sorry. Your father may be your hero but I’m thinking you are his. You have shown everyone what family values is about.
Dear Keith,
I only everyone could have a father like yours, and every father could have a son like you, the world would be a better place. The love and devotion you have shown these past months should serve as an inspiration to all. May
God bless you and your sister in this time of sorrow. I don’t know you, but you feel like family and both my husband and I send your our deepest sympathy.
Donna Dnd Steve
So sorry for your loss Keith and or thoughts are with you and your siser.
Your father was so fortunate to pass so peacefully with you at his side.
Of course we all miss you but take your time and come back only when you are truly ready. Now is your time for remembrance and mourning.
Take care of yourself.
Wendy
I lifted the following in its entirety from poster, angryfan, dated march 13, 2010, where its eloquence is worth repeating.
“Keith, I am so so sorry to read this news. It was clear to us all how much you loved your father.
Please remember there are thousands of people in this country who have been thinking about you and your dad these last few months. And will continue to do so. And that is because of the inspiration you have been to all of us.”
So sorry for your loss!! sai krishnan
Kieth,
Your detailing of these last weeks of your fathers struggle in life and your compassionate comments have helped me to realize some things about my own father and about the role I played in the life of my dad. Thank you for opening your soul during this time, I have held you up, maybe unfairly, as my role model. You have inspired me to act, several times. So it is with sadness for your loss that I wish you my warmest condolences now.
May you find the peace you seek, always.
David Rousse
To Keith
Some years ago I wrote to management at MSNBC and begged them to give you a contract; to promise you a penthouse and anything else you wanted because I knew that you would tell the American people the truth. You emailed back to tell me they had given you a contract but no penthouse; but you would have some control over content.
Today we know that the network gave you something else: time to be with your dying father and freedom to speak truth to power not only about death and dying but about treason and hypocrisy and hubris and love of country.
I want you to know that I am more proud of your honest journalism than I ever even thought I would be. I’m proud of your wit, your intellect, your courage and your worth. And I’m sure that your dear father was even more filled with pride than those of us who have watched you and cheered you.
Please accept my most sincere condolences on your loss. Come back to us when you can. We care.
E. Smith
Thank you for sharing your father’s end of life so publicly. Thank you for telling the public of the importance of end of life discussions and living wills and powers of attorney. During the remainder of the week after you spoke so heartfelt about your father’s condition and your discussion with the EMT, my office received over a dozen calls from clients requesting their own living wills and powers of attorney.
Keep up the good work.
Hope Raitt
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your father was a lucky man to have you at his side for the past 6 months, advocating for him, as well as during his final moments. You did everything humanly possible for him, and I know he knew that.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your longtime fan,
Lynn
Dear Keith,
We are sorry for your loss. my daughter and I watch you every night and we have seen how hard this has been for you. Thank you for helping everyone through almost the same problems. i am your age, i have seen both of my parents pass on. My father asked me to kill him . He said” You put the cat to sleep when she was in pain and dying, why do I have to go through this indignity?” He had bone cancer for 5 years. They actually wanted to replace his hip, but he couldn’t stand any more intervention.Thank you for all of your hard work, you are a teacher for my daughter who is 16 and very worried about this country, it’s politics, and it’s horrific insurance monsters. My daughter is a ballet dancer. The insurance company refuses to pay her hospital bill for her surgery on a bone and a tendon.She is recovering, we are waiting to hopefully take Emblem to court. She is lucky, her dad is a lawyer so going back at these monsters won’t cost us anything. However, if she needs more help medically, she most likely won’t receive it, because they are already saying”pre-existing.” You are doing a great service sharing your life , and your loss with all of us.It does feel like the same country we all share together sometimes. Our deepest condolences, And greatest thanks,
Phyllis, and Gilda Salta
137 w 71st
10023
Keith –
Your father was a mensch, and you are a mensch. I am very sorry for your loss. I must also thank you for sharing this intensely painful and private experience with us – if even a single family is inspired to talk to each other about end of life care, and I am sure there will be many including mine, then truly your Mitzvah will have been fulfilled.
Condolences,
-Mike
Keith — peace and courage to you and your family. We all stand by your side. God bless you.
dms
So sorry for your loss – my husband and I want to thank you for the story of your father. He was a great man to have raised such a compassionate son…
May he and your mother dance through eternity watching the Yankees on sunny afternoons and their son every evening…They will be with you forever.
Jan and Dan
I’m so very sorry for your great loss.
You did the right thing in discussing with him exactly what he wanted, and especially in listening when he told you.
You’re as brave as your dad.
Keith,
I have to thank your father (and mother) for having raised a fine, caring and generous son. I can’t think of a finer legacy to leave with the world. I know he will be missed but we are all the better for his having lived.
Life cannot “die”, it just appears in a different form to get
our attention, if we are waiting… Roxanna
Keith, I grew up without a dad. I cried throughout the second time I watched Field of Dreams…. Because I loved baseball and didn’t have a dad to watch me play. Thank you for letting me enjoy your moments with your dad. I love you, and I’m proud of you. Doug, Portland
Warm thoughts and compassion go to you and your family at this sad time Keith.
My special thanks for sharing your beloved fathers hospital journey.
I follow your program…and give a great thanks for being able to watch it on my laptop in Canada.
A most sincere thank you for working so very hard for ALL the citizens of USA like you do.
Take good care of yourself Keith…your one in a million and greatly needed in this sometimes mixed – up world of ours.
Respectfully Yours,
Eileen C. Tallon
PS…Lawrence has been doing a good job for you / us while your away.
Keith,
You are blessed. Your father was a great man. The kind of guy that made our place the envy of the world. My parents were of that same generation. I lost my mom last year. All the things she said and did now live on through me. I never had the chance to know my father, but I know he is proud of what I have accomplished in his name. You are now twice blessed. May your parents live on through you all the days of your life.
Peace
Norman
Keith,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. He, you and your family have been through several difficult months. You have handled it with grace and love. Your willingness to share your experience has been very helpful.
My husband and I have living wills. We never thought of carrying a copy with us, nor giving a copy to our doctors. Thank you for your very helpful decision.
Kay
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences are with you and your family. May God bless you and keep you in peace.
Rory, California
I am so sorry for the loss of you father. Whenever you spoke of your father and your mother, there was always this immense love conveyed for them. Your father and mother will be with you at all times….in your heart.
Oh, Keith, my sincerest condolences. I’ve followed your father’s saga (and your mom’s) on your nightly “Countdown”, and he obviously was a wonderful, loving father. Remember him well, and he’ll always live on in your heart!
My thoughts are with you and your sister and any other close family friend.
Your love and dedication to your father is very commendable and I am sure he was very proud of you.
Thanks Keith for all you do.
Dear Keith,
I offer my sincere condolences to you and your sister on your heart-wrenching loss. My dad was a huge sports fan, and was the one who told me, “I think you’ll like this guy” when you were first with ESPN. He certainly was right, and I’ve been a fan of yours ever since, especially sharing your deep love of baseball, although I am a near-lifelong Mets fan.
I want to let you know that, when you go to the cemetery, be assured that the man you spoke with there when you lost your mother is well aware of what you are going through right now. He is my brother, Robert Sechny, and we (along with our sister) lost both of our parents three weeks apart in December of 2004. They had just celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary at Thanksgiving. Although my brother would not intrude on your grief, believe me, he will empathize sincerely. As do I.
Jane E. (Sechny) Schneider
For your father: “Remember laughter. You’ll need it even the blessed isles of Ever After.” The Golux. from James Thurber’s THE 13 CLOCKS.
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. You were fortunate to have a father who was clearly devoted to you and he was fortunate to have a son who clearly loved him and made his last days special. I will keep you and your sister in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
So many times you have articulated far better than I ever could the way I have felt about so many issues in this country. On this occasion may I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. May you always remember the joys that you shared with your father and may your pain pass quickly.
Keith,
This blog and others, and the “Special Comments” about him, are the real reasons you were given the gift of word-smithery. Your years of professional writing was your training for ensuring that you put he correct words in the correct order to capture the man and his importance in your life.
You’ve done your dad proud!!
God bless
My sons and my grandson and I watch you every night and our hearts go out to you for your loss. We are all grieving with you and feel honored to have “known” your father even for a little while.
Georgette Becker & Family
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. What a difficult year it’s been for you and your sister. It’s clear from the way you look at the world, and from the things you do to provide help for those who need it, that your parents knew how to raise children — and you know how to take care of parents. You’re a real mensch.
May you be comforted by the knowledge that so many are thinking of you and your family tonight. May your father’s and mother’s memories be for a blessing.
May you find peace.
Ellen in Brooklyn
Keith,
I’m sorry to hear of your profound loss. Your brave honesty in sharing his journey has brought me a large measure of comfort as I lost my dad after a six year battle with stage four colon cancer, I often wondered if I could compose the vignettes you did on your show with as much grace.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
I am very sorry loss of your father.
I am a great fan of your show . I love the passion with which you conduct the issues you feel very strogly about.
Stay strong we all rooting for you!
I am very sorry for the loss of your father.
I am a great fan of your show . I love the passion with which you conduct the issues you feel very strongly about.
Stay strong we all rooting for you!
J. Ferber
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. May God bless you and keep you in peace.
Rory, California
Keith,
My heart goes out to you. I lost my mom a few years ago, when I was 21, and the mere thought of losing my dad on the heels of that was too much to bear. I can’t imagine how difficult this is for you. Your strength is inspiring…
Keith,
My heart goes out to you. I lost my mom a few years ago, when I was 21, and the mere thought of losing my dad on the heels of that was too much to bear. I can’t imagine how difficult this is for you. Your strength is inspiring…
Your Mom and Dad did a swell job of raising their son. I for one am indebted to them for that. My thoughts are with you and your sister.
Keith,
My sympathies to you, but even more, my heart-full gratefulness for sharing this experience with us. Your pain helped the national conversation about health care move foreward and for that I am grateful.
You have done done journalism in the last few days — AND you have have been a great son. Your father would be proud.
Kathie Humes
Dear Keith:
I am sorry to hear of the death of your father. Despite the difficulties he faced the past six months, he must have found solace in the unwavering love of his son.
I expect the lone regret you will have is not having your father with you. As painful as that will be, you should find inner peace knowing you did all that is possible to take care of him in his time of need. Not everyone can say that. That will go a long way in helping you cope.
As for missing him, that is a pain that never will subside. My father died in 1987 and there isn’t a day I don’t think of him. That is why your reports on the plight of your father touched me. I saw in you a kindred spirit.
The special message you delivered on your father’s health problems was the most powerful and poignant segment ever aired on “Countdown.” Being a father whose 27-year-old daughter cannot get affordable health coverage, you put a face on this shameful issue confronting Congress.
May the Lord bless your parents and your family.
Gregory Nucifora
My family and I are saddened by the death of your beloved father. May he rest in peace, and God bless you, your sister, and other family and friends.
Keith – I am so sorry about the loss of your father. My most heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your sister this night. Although we didn’t know him personally, knowing the man you are tells us much about who he was. Thank you for all you do.
R.Lee
Dear Keith,
My partner and I are saddened to hear of the passing of your father today and we offer our condolences to you and your family. You are a great son and both of your parents, while at rest together now, can simply smile and say that they did a great job raising you.
May the Universe grant you the wisdom to know that you did all that you could for both of them, especially in their last days, and grant you comfort in knowing that.
Blessed be,
Kevin King & Anthony Minson,
Metuchen, NJ
We’re so sorry for your and Jenna’s loss and send loving thoughts and prayers to you both.
It sounds as though you have so much of your father within you to carry you forward. We hope that will be a joy and a comfort to you in times to come. And he will still be rooting for you, as will we all.
You’ve shown so much care and compassion to so many, from the uninsured to the Cheyenne. May you feel all that care and compassion coming back to you, as it surely will, now and in the months and years to come.
In loving sympathy, Al and Linda Barten
Dear Keith,
My heart goes out to you upon reading of the death of your beloved father. You will always have your wonderful memories of such a devoted dad. I am watching over my mother’s last days now, reading and singing songs from my childhood until the cancer finishes its dastardly deed. There is never enough time, is there?
I hope I can be as strong and brave as you when the time comes.
You have inspired me.
Dear Keith,
Very sorry for your loss. You are an orphan now, like me. And even though my orphanhood predates yours by more than a decade, the hole in my heart remains, as will yours.
But you will be ok. The bad times will fade and the good times will get better. There is a saying I have on a tee shirt–old guys rule, the older I get, the better I was. It’s true about parents, too. The longer they’re gone, the better they get.
Much love and best wishes for you and your family. Take your time, and see to your loved ones.
Ron Smith
Valencia, CA
My condolences to you, your sister and family on the loss of your father.
Sorry about your father, Keith. My own father is in a nursing home and has failing health. Optimism is the only way.
Dear Keith,
My partner and I were saddened by the news of your father’s passing today. Now he has joined your mother at rest and they can sit back with a smile looking down on you because clearly they did a great job raising you and it shows.
May the Universe grant you the wisdom to know that you did your best with both of them, especially in their last days. May that wisdom grant you comfort in your heart.
Blessed Be,
Kevin King & Anthony Minson,
Metuchen, NJ
Keith,
The love you have for your Dad were obvious to all who watch your show. While we missed your presence on the show, the dedication to your Dad was obvious.
As a nurse of 26 years I have seen many families go through what you have just experienced. Yet, through the turmoil of a sick family member you still took the time to educate the public on vital issues, such as living wills. That is to be admired.
Your Dad is now at peace and watching over you with pride.
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
My thoughts are with you and Jenna.
I know how much your father meant to you. I know how proud he must have been of the kind of son you turned out to be.
He was the man you looked up to. You are the man that countless numbers of men, women and even children look up to.
We all feel your loss.
David Humphries
Seattle
Rest in peace, Mr. & Mrs. Olbermann. Like my parents, together again after 60 years together on earth and now for eternity.
Keith, thank you for being brave enough to share a little bit of your journey with us — you’ll help others when they have to walk this path. You’ll always appreciate the time that you took off to be there completely with your father & your family. I did the same for 4 months when I mother was sick and then dying — I have no doubt it will always remain one of the richest times in my life &, as heartbreaking as it was, one of the most intensely rewarding times Mom & I spent together. My heart goes out to all of you.
Keith & Family,
Everything I want to say has been touched on by the above before me. Keith,you are unique in your delivery and passion to give us the truth, fearlessly. You are the voice we need in our LEFT camp. You fight with the enthusiasm we need desparately.May God give you the comfort and courage to come back soon. And l believe you will find it from the blessings that will overflow upon you(rs) for being such a loving and giving son. Who can deny that? Keep up the exceptional work!!! God is watching over you. Your parents spirit will cheer you on all the days of your life esp. when you NEED it. I’m saddedned by your loss but strengethened by the quality of live and love you gave your dad…and right in front of our eyes!!! Only a hateful person would not have been touched by your hearfelt narrations of daddy’s journey. We love and miss you !!! May he rest in peace. May Health Care pass. Helen & Family-PA
Keith – I have been watching you gratefully for many years now and you are one of my favorites. My sympathy to you and your sister in this sad time – you have been such a good son – you are the same age as my oldest son and I wish you well.
Dear Keith,
You and your father have been constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
My heart aches and goes out to you and your family.
From what I read and heard, your father seemed like a wonderful human being. I know that you will carry on his memory and legacy.
My family and I adore you. Please stay strong.
Nik
Houston, Tx.
Dear Keith, My condolences to all of your family, and yourself of course. Stay healthy and strong, we still need you (if you’ll allow me this selfish thought. ). God bless you and your talent for reading through the BS for us. Ellen Faithfull Moriches NY
My sons and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your sister. Times like these certainly make us put things in perspective. Be strong. Thank you for everything.
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s death. Your hour long comment on the health care debate, many moons ago, based on your dear father’s experience, altered and defined my position on the issue. That we do not have a single payer system is criminal.
Having experienced the loss of my own ‘greatest fan’, I wish you and your sister, strength and courage through the next difficult time. Please know that his story, and your willingness to share it, has impacted thousands of people. We are thinking of you and sending our sincerest sympathies.
Sympathy to you and your family in this difficult time. So sorry for your loss… Thanks for all your reporting work on health care and for sharing your father’s story – it is appreciated.
Susan L.
Mr. Olbermann,
Love is an extraordinary emotion. Having the natural ability to love effortlessly is a blessing.
And, clearly, the most important gift your parents gave you is that ability to love and to care so deeply.
Your father is rejoined with your mother, now. He is happy.
May your grief be short. May your restoration to happiness be longlasting.
Keith,
Your commitment to your father has been touching and an inspiration.
I miss you when you are not on Count Down but knowing you are caring for your father, makes me feel glad to miss you.
Best of luck to you and your sister.
Your Mom and Dad have made you the man you are. I feel indebted to them for this.
Thank you for all you do in unscrambling the mis-information that pervades the current discourse.
MS from San Francisco
sorry keith-
you are my hero as he was yours.
Dear Keith, While I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m so glad your Dad went out in love. I wish that for all. Here’s an excerpt from “Gone From My Sight” which I hope you find comforting:
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!”
“Gone where?”
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There she is gone!”
There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: “Here she comes!”
And that is dying.
Henry Van ****
May the spirit of life be with you now and always.
Laurel,
Devoted Countdown and baseball fan
Richmond, CA
My condolences, Keith, on the loss of your beloved father. You were blessed to have such wonderful parents, and I am so grateful to you for sharing your stories about them. My thoughts are with your family as you mourn your loss and remember the good times.
Maryanne,
Philadelphia
Dear Keith:
I watch you every night and I am a huge fan. Please except my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. My you take comfort in all the wonderful memories you have and the knowledge that you are blessed to have had such wonderful parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. May your father rest in eternal peace.
Karen Stevens
Las Vegas, NV
Dear Keith:
I watch you every night and I am a huge fan. Please except my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. My you take comfort in all the wonderful memories you have and the knowledge that you are blessed to have had such wonderful parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. May your father rest in eternal peace.
Karen Stevens
Las Vegas, NV
Mr. Olbermann,
I’m sure that your father was able to pass away peacefully knowing that he had accomplished what was his ultimate goal in life–to raise fine children who would be forces for good within American society, and surely in the realm of humanity in general. Mr. Olbermann–for what it’s worth–as your father was an inspiration to you, you to have been an inspiration to me personally.
Godspeed to your father Sir!
Our thoughts are with you a your sister Keith. We hope you find comfort in the knowledge that you were both such faithful advocates for your dad.
I’m sorry for your lose. My deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. Take great comfort in the memory of the relationship that you shared with him. Thank you Keith for reaching out to all of us while you experienced this end of life journey. You have my admiration & sincere devotion to your Special Comment about the Life Panel & Living Will. I will take time to talk to the Family about this. Life continues, think you are following the footsteps of a great man.
Gerard Santiague
Keith, we watch your show every night. We are so very sorry that your father has come to the end of his very valiant fight, but extremely glad that you were with him.
We also appreciate more than we can say your willingness to share this time of passage with all of us. You are an inspiration to the country and a credit to your parents.
Sincerely, David and Sally Davis
Our thoughts are with you and your sister Keith. We hope you find comfort in the knowledge that you were both such faithful advocates for your dad.
xo
m
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. The thoughts of so many of us are with you and your loved ones.
You’ve behaved with dignity and grace through this entire ordeal. Your parents were proud of you, with good reason.
I’m sorry for your lose. Be well.
My condolences, Keith. You and your family are in my prayers.
I don’t know you personally but I have been so moved by what you have written about your father. You have my admiration and respect for taking a terribly difficult experience to point out the need for health care reform in this country and mobilize your viewers to help in that effort.
My condolences Mr. Olbermann. You and your family will be in my prayers.
You’re love for your parents and theirs for you was
clear as crystal.
Thank you for all you’ve done to encourage
people to be close, concerned, dedicated,
and prepared for their dearest family
members inevitable departure.
My deepest condolences and gratitude and love.
bdd
Keith,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies go to you and your sister.
Your impassioned comment on your father and “life panels” brought this middle-aged son of elderly parents to tears. The passion and commitment you bring to your work, and I’m guessing to your life, is truly a legacy that both your parents can be proud of.
My heartfelt thoughts of solace and healing are with you.
Peace,
Tom Zolandz
Keith,
I am so sorry. As a fan and following this story through Countdown I had harbored a hope that your dad would pull through.
To lose both parents so close together must be terribly painful.
Wishing you, your family and your father’s spirit well.
Dear Keth,
This message is to congratulate you on a fantastic job of being a Great Son to both your Mom and Dad! I was heartbroken last year when your Mom passed and I was cheering you on on that great special commentary re Health Care in respect of your Dad…!! What a great guy you are, Keith! You have such passion to encompass and satisfy the deep hunger in all of your fans..!! I always comment how brave you are = but how lonesome! How wonderful you registered Rachel alongside you to fight the good fight with you since all of us who love you so much are literally silent observers! I love you, Keith! All the best to you and your Sis and the rest of your family! Your Dad is smiling, believe me, because he knows you are capablem you did well by him, and you are luuuuvd byall of us!! Deepest condolences and God Bless! Akiiki
My prayers to you today and in the coming days after your father has been laid to rest. That’s when it will be the hardest. Thanks for sharing your father’s story with us Keith. Millions got to know Mr. Olbermann’s strength and courage as well as your own. Be blessed and I look forward in due time seeing you back on the air.
With Sympathy,
Shanta Nunn-Baro
Little Rock, Arkansas
So sorry Keith. I’ve been watching you since I thought you were stealing bits fro Van earl Wright on Headline Sports. Seriously though, I lost my dad 3.5 years ago and it is the hardest thing I have had to live through – I hope that the strength of your memories of your times with your dad carry you through the hard times ahead. My condolences.
-Jeremy Naylor
— a blog post of the day my dad died…. http://thetaxman.blogspot.com/2007/10/day-my-dad-died.html
Keith, I have followed your reports on your father’s condition. Sorry he passed is not adequate. It is so odd, when you find one day that you no longer have either parent and you find yourself an orphan. Sounds funny when the orphan is an adult. However, it is a profound loss when the past with the people who were everything to you is now only accessible as a rememberance. Thank goodness for our memories.
Keith, I want you to know you caused me to obtain a “living will”. I am of a certain age and had put off the gathering of the forms my son may will need some day to help take care of my final days. It is now a relief to have the “living
will”. Thank you Keith for reaching out to all of us while
you experienced this end of life journey. With gratitude and
sincerity, a viewing friend,
Jeanne
Rocklin, CA
Keith: What a beautiful photo of a father and son. Condolences to your family. May your father rest in peace.
Keith –
Our hearts are with you today on your father’s death this afternoon
Your candid and helpful reporting on his illness and hospital experience was coveyed with the obvious personal love of a son and yet the dignity of a reporter.
Thank you for your courage to help all of us during your own personal ordeal. We are in your debt for all you gave us.
Be Well,
Dr. Rick Lippin
Southampton,Pa
Keith –
Our hearts are with you today on your father’s death this afternoon
Your candid and helpful reporting on his illness and hospital experience was coveyed with the obvious personal love of a son and yet the dignity of a reporter.
Thank you for your courage to help all of us during your own personal ordeal. We are in your debt for all you gave us.
Be Well,
Dr. Rick Lippin
Southampton,Pa
May God grant us all the experience of the love and devotion as that shared by Theodore and Keith Obermann. I wish there were words which I might offer to abate your sadness. I have known your sorrow and now pray for the entire Obermann family. May the strength and faith shared among you continue through these times. May God bless you.
Keith –
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. Take great comfort in the memory of the beautiful relationship that your shared with him. You touched my heart greatly with your updates and just wanted you to know that I, along with many others, are thinking of you in this difficult time.
Peace,
Paula
Canada
So sorry, Keith. It sounds like your dad was one of a kind. For what it’s worth, you are an amazing inspiration, too, to your viewers and fans. That’s a pretty good tribute to your father. Condolences to you and your family. I look forward to your return to your show, you’re very valuable to a lot of people. Take care & God bless. Your fan, emily xyz
Theodore C. Olbermann
Greatest Person in the World.
My sincere sympathies Keith. No father could have asked for more from a son. I have 3 children all grown and on their own. I hope my wife and I enriched their lives the way your parents obviously did yours. Stand tall and have strength as your mother and father would want you to. You are their legacy.
Keith,
What a truly great American story. I am sorry you have been hit by tragedy twice in a short time. I wish for strength and peace for your family.
My Best,
Larry Nagode
Terribly sorry. Peace and comfort to you and your family.
Dear Keith,
You had me at hello. Luckily are political view points were in alignment. But because of you I grew. I wanted to broaden my understanding. I became more curious what really was happening in my world that I viewed through rose color glasses. I watch other programing also. Rachel, Charlie Rose, C-span (can you imagine!!!), I want to be inform from all points of view. I read books I would have never read a year ago, End the Fed, The Shock Doctrine, The Healing of The Nation, etc.
You were my first. You have help me to ask more questions, be more curious, perhaps even more skeptical and trust, but verify.
No, I didn’t know your father. Only through you did I get a glimpse as you shared. My heart goes out to you now in your own reflection of what you shared with your Dad.
Bless you. You are a good man.
Kristie
Dear Keith:
Sorry for your loss. My father is of the same generation, a couple years older than yours, so I share your pain. It’s touching to read your honest affection for your Dad.
Sincerely,
Mark C.
Keith,
Your Dad sounds like a terrific guy – you were lucky to have had him, and I hope the good memories burn bright.
Best wishes to you and yours.
Keith,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
My son just today played his first high school varsity baseball game, * as a 14 yo freshman.* Ready your sharing about your dad, I wish so much my dad was still alive and could have been here to hear about my son today. My dad would have been so proud. I’ve been downplaying my son’s achievement so he doesn’t “get a big head,” but reading your story, I’m thinking maybe my job is to be his number one booster in the world.
We appreciate you and your sharing about your folks has helped us understand who to thank!
Dearest kindred spirit,
As I am helping my Dad through his most difficult of days your honest and personal sharing moved me deeply. Know that you are in the prayers of many,as are your family, your Dad. Know too that he must have been so very grateful to have you as his champion. We, I, am grateful to you as you have been our champion of political and other injustices through your commentaries, a light in the dark, when no one else dared.
You have done your best and I hope you find comfort in that. God bless. The love you receive now comes from how your Mom and Dad raised the man you’d be and how you have acted upon that. May the love of Love support you now and always.
Keith, last summer while my father was dying from advanced Parkison’s disease, I felt a deep sense of anger as people used the “death panel” excuse to claim that the health care bill was dangerous. Your later comments while helping your father were heartfelt, important, and I thought of you as a voice of sanity and anger against those who are so heartless. End of life care is compassionate and loving and decent. You did a great job of taking care of your Dad. My condolences on your loss, and thank you for sharing this journey with us.
Mark Wiesen
Keith and family-
First from my Family to yours our condolences.
You father sounds like a wonderful human being and in some ways like my father who is in a way my PR man. Thank you for sharing his and your story.
I appreciate all you do for all of us and I found it remarkable in the midst of all you have gone thru and were going thru at the moment you updated us from that rooftop a couple of weeks ago about your father’s progress.
Our good thoughts and prayers are with you!
Billy, California
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been following his story through your updates on Countdown and your words have had me in tears more than once. I was really hoping that he would be able to pull through, but I am also glad that you were able to make the best decisions you could.
I firmly believe that, if and when health care reform finally passes, it will be partly because of your words and the story of your father’s final days.
Please know that you are in my heart and thoughts.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your father. May he rest in peace and may you and your family find swift solace from your grief.
Oh no, Keith. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Keith, I want you to know that the Countdown Special Comment you did about your dad in February brought tears to my eyes. Your message was both a blessing and a curse for me. A blessing in its reminder that I’m not alone in my own journey with my 84-year-old mom, as she trundles slowly toward the end of her time on this earthly plane. And a curse, in its reminder that no matter how hard and sad it is, we NEED to have those incredibly difficult discussions with our parents about their end-of-life wishes. Preferably when everyone is healthy and happy.
As a daughter, I can think of at least a million things I would rather talk to my mom about than the time when she will no longer be able to make decisions for herself. I would rather talk to her about her memories of what the world was like during the War and the sacrifices all were called upon to make, and then how much the world had changed when she was pregnant with me in 1960.
But these life panel discussions are the only way that we can insure that our beloved moms and dads are allowed to pass with dignity and compassion. It’s the very least we can do for them as their children.
Thank you, Keith, for sharing your own story. I’m sure it wasn’t easy to do so. The thing is, no one ever tells you how hard any of this is going to be. I hope it is of some comfort for you to know that, in a world that can seem uncaring and heartless at times, there are people out there (witness this blog) who do care about what you and your family have gone through and the road you will face up ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lastly, Keith, I am a newcomer (regrettably, more like a latecomer) to Countdown. I really enjoy the show, although I don’t always agree with your viewpoint. However, I appreciate what you do and your willingness to put your neck on the line for the greater good. It’s a shame that so many of our elected leaders and politicians are unwilling to do the same.
Be well, Keith.
Deidre
Dear Keith,
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you, your sister Jenna and your families for your loss. It is hard enough to bear the loss of one parent ( your Mom, for instance) but to lose both parents in a short period is a heavy burden indeed. I believe that burden will be lightened by the fond and loving memories you all will carry forward of the wonderful experiences your parents created. Your Mom and Dad have done well in this life, may they rest in peace. Peace, Love and Good Luck to all in your family.
Aloha Nui Loa,
David A Hamilton
Dear Keith:
My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost both my parents as well and one of my many fond memories was cheering on the Cubs with them. I watch your show most weeknights and respect you and your opinions.
Margaret Yackem
Our thoughts are with you and your sister. Your willingness to share the struggles of your father the past few weeks with us has made us all more aware of the daily struggle of so many regarding health care.
I know you will not give up the good fight no more than your father did.
But for now know that we all are so sad for your loss.
Mike and Donna, Texas
My deepest condolences Keith and to your family. May God Bless his Soul. We missed you. Come back soon
Dear Keith,
Your laser beam intellect and passionate courage in speaking truth to power, for the benefit of all who have the good sense to really listen, is the persona of yours I have admired and respected greatly.
In reading what you wrote in honor of your father, I am deeply moved that you let us see this other, more personal dimension of your character. Now I undertand where the brilliance, and beautifully balanced logic & compassion, come from and I am the better for having had this glimpse into you, your father, your family.
My deepest sympathy to you and your sister Jenna, and your relatives… may the happy memories always exceed the grief
Oh, rats! Your update the other night sounded like he was doing better, and I was hopeful. I am very sorry for your loss and want to offer my condolences to you, your sister, and the rest of your family.
Today by coincidence was my dad’s birthday; he would have been 93. He also took me to my first baseball games (in our case, being from Western Pennsylvania, it was to Pirates games at Forbes Field) and taught me and my siblings the fundamentals of the game. He was big on fundamentals and spent a lot of time explaining things like bunting. Mom, also a baseball fan, taught me how to keep score (while watching a World Series game while Daddy was at work, so he’d know what happened when he came home — this was long before the Series was played at night, much less VHS or DVR machines).
Keith, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. You have had more than your share of grief in the last few years. It is a blessing that both of your parents lived to see your success and I know that they were as proud of you as you were of them. Best wishes. Roger & Mary Ann
Dear Keith,
Your laser beam intellect and passionate courage in speaking truth to power, for the benefit of all who have the good sense to really listen, is the persona of yours I have admired and respected greatly.
In reading what you wrote in honor of your father, I am deeply moved that you let us see this other, more personal dimension of your character. Now I undertand where the brilliance, and beautifully balanced logic & compassion, come from and I am the better for having had this glimpse into you, your father, your family.
My deepest sympathy to you and your sister Jenna, and your relatives… may the happy memories always exceed the grief.
so very sad .
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. May God bless you and keep you in peace.
Rory, California
Ah Keith,
I was afraid this was coming soon – I’m an avid fan of your show on MSNBC and been waiting for news.
Your dad sounded so wonderful and you had such a marvelous relationship to treasure. I’m sure he’s proud of how he could help you highlight the Health Care debate with his news and support.
Warm regards and condolences to your family,
Susan in SF Bay Area
Dear Keith,
As a daughter of parents dealing with life changing (happily now not so threatening) health issues, I just want to say how sorry I am about your dad’s passing. The stress of watching someone you dearly love, the very person responsible for your being on the planet, struggle at the end of life puts all things in a prism you never knew existed before. To share wishes and beliefs with loved ones before they are moving on to the next big journey is crucial yet unfortunately in our country, rarely broached. Thank you for your Special Comment(s) on the subject, and for sharing stories about your folks and their life. There’s nothing so sacred as the moment you realize for the first time how utterly lucky we are to be on this crazy planet. I know you know that, and so I feel connected to you in a way others may yet be (blissfully) unaware of. Good luck to you and yours at this difficult time.
Laura, Campbell Ca.
Dear Keith,
I am so very sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. You have offered us, your audience a rare glimpse into your heart. I know your pain. May the good memories bring you comfort. I lost my father in 1985 and I still miss him. I experience something and I think, “Papa would have liked that”
All best wishes to you and your family.
Carol Reynolds
Prescott, AZ
We are so sorry to hear the news. Our deepest sympathy to you and your sister. My your father’s memory be eternal.
My deepest condolences and sympathies go out to you, Keith, as well as to your sister Jenna, your little niece Evie, and your nephew Jake. Even though I’ve experienced several deaths in my family, I can’t even begin to comprehend what it must be like to lose a second parent, within a year of the first. That kind of pain, coupled with watching your father struggle for over six months, is more than anyone should have to bear. I wish to God there was something I could say to make the pain go away…but having been in that situation, myself, I know that isn’t possible. Hopefully, though, the remarkable outpouring of support you’re getting here and elsewhere will at least take some of the edge off the pain.
When I was growing up in the 1970’s in the Heartland, a favorite place of ours was the Baskin-Robbins in our town. How amazing to think that it may well have been one of the Baskin-Robbins outlets designed by your father! I hate the new ones that are in strip malls–or worse, tucked away in convenience stores, because it was so much more fun for a kid to go into one of the old-style B-R’s. There was room to wander around and inhale the combined scent of all those different flavors, while peering through the glass to see the varied colors of ice cream, each more appetizing than the last. Then there were the freezers filled with ice cream “cakes”. It was all pure heaven for a kid. Next time I go into the city, I might get some Pralines ‘n’ Cream for Mom and myself, as a little salute to your dad…and a little way of saying “I love you” to my mother.
With the way your dad acted as your “press agent” (LOL), he sounds a bit like my aunt, whom I lost a few years ago. When I first got an article published in a major magazine in 1985, she actually went so far as to tip off the local newspaper! She kind of acted as your press agent, too; she’s the one who introduced me, and others, to Countdown. Somewhere in heaven, she’s probably congratulating your dad on how successful your program has become, since she first started watching. Speaking of heaven, I hope your dad gets to meet Steve Souchock and Snuffy Stirnweiss, and tell them he’s their biggest-ever fan. 🙂
It’s so nice to hear of the sacrifices your dad made, when it became clear that sports were somehow going to factor into your future. A lot of parents wouldn’t do that for their kids, but I’m sure all those games and trips to Spring Training became cherished memories for your entire family. And look where that support has taken you!
I hope you don’t mind the length of my comment. Speaking of the recently-passed and celebrating their lives is healing. And even though I never met your father, I feel as though I’ve lost someone, too. Blessings to him, to you, your sister and her kids, and all the people who are sad to see him go, yet are happy that he was able to touch their lives.
Keith,
My most sincere condolences to you and your entire family in the passing of your father. I have watched you on many networks and many shows over the years and have watched Countdown since almost the very beginning of the show. My heart has hurt with you over the last year or so every time you mention your mother or father on the show. The special comment you did on your father one night touched me very deeply. So much so that I shared it with my girlfriend the next morning. I have never seen her cry so hard and for so long and thinking about it now still makes me well up a bit. I take solace in the fact that while your father was in a lot of pain, you got to spend his dying moments with him by his side reading to him his favorite stories and trying to ease his suffering in any way possible. I lost my father to a car accident when I was 15. I know the pain you feel now and while I don’t know you personally, your father has been in my prayers for some time now. I am glad that he is suffering no more and with your mother in a better place. I guess all we can do is just keep living out our lives trying to be happy and make the world we live in a better place.
Peace be with you my friend in your time of need
Dear Keith,
My husband and I watch your show religiously, no matter what we are doing or watching – come 7 p.m. CST – it’s “Keith” time at our home!. We are so very sorry at your loss – you were a wonderful son to a Wonderful Father! May his soul rest in peace and in your grief may you and your sister Jenna feel joy that Dad and Mom are together again! Bless you and yours always. Audrey & Charles, Alexandria, LA
Keith,
From our family to yours, our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved father.
Eko and Colleen Fuhri
My thoughts are with you & your family, Keith.
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=-k5qRMXqqAU&feature=related
.
Oh Keith, my hearts aches for you over the loss of your father. May this gentle man rest in peace, and may you take some comfort in having the honor of being by his side as he left this world to be reunited with his beloved wife. To know he could hear his son’s loving voice as he passed, was a gift as priceless as life itself. I feel extremely saddened that you have not had time to even remotely begin grieving the loss of your mother, before losing your father. I am so very, very sorry, Keith. My deepest sympathy to you and the entire Olbermann family.
Carla~
Portland, OR
My family sends our condolences to yours. Take comfort in the time that you had together. I’m sure your dad moved on knowing he was loved.
Dear Keith,
My deepest sympathies to you and yours. I have always been a fan, and since you reported the troubles with your father on countdown, you guys have been in my prayers. Take care and he is in a better place now.
Keith and Jenna, I have been with you during this time, praying for healing and for acceptance. From all you have said, your father was a wonderful man, and he has left a wonderful heritage. My prayers are for you and your family and for your sister. I know your father sits in the house of the Lord, at peace and free of pain.
God bless,
Sara
Oh, Keith – you, Jenna, and your Father and Mother were so generous with a family’s grief, and sorrow, and struggle – but with such a clear message of the sensibilities – the necessity – of preparedness for what we all know is inevitable, but not always predictible – our deaths.
We don’t have much to say about being born, but by Jove, we can do alot about how we die, if given the chance.
Your Family’s generosity in providing this essential Teachable Moment is a blessing to all Americans, and, we are grateful – and unite in sending our blessings and warmest regards.
Susie Fischer,
Lincoln City, OR
There is an emptiness that is palpable when you realize you are now an orphan.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
There is an emptiness that is palpable when you realize you are now an orphan.
i’m very sorry you’ve had to endure the loss of both wonderful parents in so short a span of time, keith.
i know at least a little how you felt about your dad. my own was my biggest source of encouragement and support, sacrificing much for his family as yours did for you.
your parents were so fortunate to have a son with such rich good humor and such deep convictions. you’ve become a voice for so many of us who have been shouted down over the years and you back your opinions with your actions.
it’s been especially touching to see how your priorities and attention never strayed from your family when it mattered most.
…proud to be a part of your tv “family”.
rowell gormon
You seem like a nice person – though television is not always the best representation, you ability to laugh a yourself (vis The Soup), says a lot about you as a man.
This, combined with the obvious veneration you had for your father, certainly speaks volume to HIS character, in raising you this way…
I can only say he sounds a lot like my Dad, who is both mother and father to me, and that is to offer the highest compliment I know.
While the pain eases with time, his memory will never fade, in the tribute you wrote him, he finds a new life.
“…Nor shall death brag thou wander’st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st,
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”
He also lives within you, in both your memory, and in your self, so that you carry, you ARE, his best tribute.
I only signed up on this site to say this, apologies if I waffled in my wish to hopefully provide such small solace as one can…
Oh, Keith. I’m so sorry for your loss.
– Joan
My condolences to you and your family. May God give you peace as you grieve. Our prayers goes to you and your family.
May your father rest in peace.
You are an asset to this nation, and thank you for the good job you do.
We love you
Theise- New Jersey
Keith,
Our deepest sympathy to you, your sister and family.
Marie & Randy, TN
Very sorry for your loss. It’s never easy to lose a parent and that is something that stays with you for the rest of your life. No matter how old you are, you can still feel like a little kid when your parents are gone and you are finally the adult in the equation. Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man and it is obvious that you were very proud of him…I’m sure he would feel good about that (and is undoubtedly proud of you as well as he looks down from his cloud).
Keith,
Our deepest sympathy to you, your sister and family.
Marie & Randy, TN
Keith, I’m so sad to hear about your dad. Sounds like you two were lucky to have each other. Keep up your good work for him and for all of us who watch you every day. Hugs
Dear Keith,
Please accept our sincere condonlences. May the Lord confort you and keep you during your sadness. Know that you have mae your dad proud by representing the voices of ordinary citizens in this country.
May God Bless you and your family.
From the Fidel Family
Nanuet, NY
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Dear Keith,
The story you shared several weeks ago about your father’s battle impacted me in a tremendous way because of your raw depiction as well as the sheer plight of your father. This was made even more so with you couching it amidst the country’s battle with health care and reform.
I cried tonight as I read and thought about your father’s passing. I cried tonight as I remembered the horrifying story of the pain and inhumane angst your father went through, things I didn’t even know the human body could do.
I am not a sports fan, but I am a fan — if we can stretch the definition out a bit — of politics and of knowing about what’s going on in popular culture and more specifically, of what is impacting Americans and why we should care as relayed by you and your ilk. Consequently, I am a fan of you. This means I am also so sad with you tonight and will be for days to come as I mourn as much as a complete stranger can, with you.
My most sincerest sympathies,
Corey Nuffer
My sincere condolences, Keith. My father and I used to watch your show together during the final months of his life. Since his death 16 months ago today, every time there is a guest host on your show my thoughts have been about your father and I was glad you could be with him.
I thought I should let you know I’ve proclaimed the 4th Sunday in March “Orphans Day” for those of us who no longer have parents and who don’t have children. I’m sorry to have to welcome you to our number.
Keith, no one knows the pain one endures, when loosing a loved one but one can pray for their strength and peace of mind. And that is what I pray for you. I offer my condolences to you and your family.
Keith,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my Dad 20 years ago, and he went peacefully after playing 18 holes of golf with his best friend.
I’m glad your Dad left a legacy that cares about our Republic and keeping it as it was meant to be. I’m sure he was proud of every “special comment” and bit of news you delivered, and saw himself in you, everyday.
Peace.
From all you’ve said over the year or so about your father, every son and daughter should be so blessed to have such a father as you had…..and every father should be so blessed
to have you as a son.
Anita Pace
Beaverton, OR
You obviously have better things to do than read this comment. I’d like to share my condolences with you in appreciation for the services you’ve provided for me. I have to salute one of the major influences on who you are today.
Keith…..I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Keith, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister. I know your Dad will continue to be your biggest supporter. True love knows no boundaries. Much love and respect.
Dearest Keith,
Immediately after you read The Peacelike Mongoose the other night, I got out my Further Fables of Our Time; and envisioning you reading from it to your Dad at his bedside, I wept my way through the whole little book. (Okay, I laughed a lot too, but I figured so were you and your Dad, because how can you read Thurber and not laugh, right?)
I hope you will take some small solace in knowing how many, many, many of us are sharing your sorrow and yearning to comfort you.
We love you, Keith Olbermann.
Penelope
Portland, Oregon
Dear Keith,
The “special comment” you shared about your father and his health last month has stayed with me since that broadcast. In those few minutes I felt a deeper connection to you and your father and the profound love that you both shared for one another. It also made me think of my own father – and how important he is to me.
I was saddened to hear about your father’s passing today, and simply wanted to add my condolences to the long list of those wishing you good thoughts and prayers.
“A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam. And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world. But then it flies on again, and though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky to have seen it.”
Jeffrey, California
So very sorry for your loss Keith;
From all we could tell, every son should have such a father, and every father, such a son.
All best wishes, Tom
Dear Keith,
My sincere & heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family at this time. Know that you all are loved and stay in our hearts always. You are a special person and I never miss your show. You inspire me. Please continue to be the genuine soul that you are and continue to celebrate the life of your parents.
Wede
God bless you Keith.
Kevin
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your wonderful Dad.
Trust that I know and understand the pain of your loss, and know also, Keith, that while you will never not miss him and your beautiful mother, you will also never not be grateful for the gift of their love and wisdom in your life.
Not everyone is lucky enough to be blessed with truly wonderful parents, clearly you, like myself, are one of the lucky ones. And that is a blessing not even death can take away from you.
Love and good thoughts to you,
Linda Cloutier
Pawtucket, RI
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Keith and to his family. May God Bless his Soul. We missed you, and I hope you come back soon.
Ahmed, Atlanta
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you and your family find the peace and comfort and finally the joyful memories of your good father in the days a weeks to come.
Our sincere condolences on the loss of you dad Keith. In his name, we will contact our Congresswoman and two senators in Ohio requesting for support for comprehensive health reform now!
Keith,
I too lost both of my parents within a year of each other, they also were married for over 50 years. My father received a infection during surgery because of unclean conditons in the operating room, which cost him his life, and a painful death. I watch your show nightly and I have to tell you how much I appreciate the fight you have fought to save the lives of people in our country. I was laid off of work over a year ago and have lost my health care insurance, I am 59 years old and fear for what would happen to me if I got sick. Thank you for what you have done, I know your father had to be proud of what you have done. My deepest felt condolences for your lost. Keep fighting for us Keith!
Keith,
My heart goes out to you tonight for your loss. Please be conforted in the knowledge that you and your sister had the priviledge to be with him making him as comfortable as possible in his last months and days. Also take comfort that you honored him in making sure his wishes were followed in his dying.
As a daughter, I know what you are going through having recently been with both of my parents in the months leading up to their deaths. it is not a cliche to say it does get easier with time.
As a retired RN who worked for some time in hospice, I commend you for taking the steps available to you all to honor his life most by giving him as much control as possible in how he left this world. You honored him in his life and in his death.
Best wishes to you and your extended family.
Diane, RN
Oregon
“I’ve proclaimed the 4th Sunday in March “Orphans Day” for those of us who no longer have parents and who don’t have children.”
ms lois, from all of these comments that I’ve read and cried through, it appears that there’s quite a number of us ‘adult orphans’ here. After only five years of orphanhood, I think of and miss my parents every single day. The feelings that so many have expressed have helped me to feel a little less lost on my own. My thanks and sympathies to all of you.
Jane E. (Sechny) Schneider
Pawling, NY
My deepest sympathies, Keith.
My father died 5 years ago. So I’m familiar somewhat with how you must be feeling.
Take as much time as you need, we miss you, but we’ll wait, and in the meantime Laurence is doing a great job.
Keith,
I am sorry to hear of your passing. It is always tough when a boy loses his dad, no matter how old the boy, and his dad, are. Like many here, I lost my dad in October. It is really overwhelming at first, but every day gets more bearable then the last.
take care
Von
My condolences on the death of your father.
His life will be carried on in your good works. His illness and suffering and your articulate and gracious way of telling us about him have done the good work for better care for all of us. His spirit lives on in your memory, one form of eternal life.
I practiced medicine for over 30 years and am so very grateful to you for your insight and integrity in carrying the torch for best care for us all.
Stay strong.
With love and admiration.
Robert E. Pearson, Jr.
Keith,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I cannot imagine losing both parents within a year.
Thank you for all that you have done to try to make healthcare for all a reality in this country. And thank you for sharing your dad’s story with all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rhonda
Nashville, TN
Keith,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I cannot imagine losing both parents within a year.
Thank you for all that you have done to try to make healthcare for all a reality in this country. And thank you for sharing your dad’s story with all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rhonda
Nashville, TN
Deepest sympathies, Keith. Thank you very much for treating us all as adults and keeping us close and informed throughout, and also for bringing in to focus, in a very personal way, the current healthcare discussion in this country. Your Life Panels reporting has been invaluable.
God Bless
Ciel
Cher Keith,
I hope you and your sister find some comfort in the echo of the pain and the sorrow expressed here by strangers like me…
Your “countdown” touches and consoles the voices and the souls of the silent voiceless majority raped everyday by “Fix News”…
Bon courage,
Michel
My deepest condolences, Mr. Olbermann. May you and your sister find peace in knowing you did all you could for both your parents.
Rebecca
Charlotte, NC
Dear Keith,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your dad.
After hearing you say on Thursday’s show that he had opened his eyes, I was so hopeful that he was getting better. I hope it is a comfort to you that despite the pain of his illness, he passed so peacefully from you and your sister, back to your mom.
This evening, my husband, son and I drove across town to have a family dinner with my sister, her partner and our
86-year old mom. We were celebrating my son’s latest
academic honor from the University of Georgia, as well as
Mom’s continuing recovery from a broken shoulder. Your loss makes me realize what a gift our family gathering was.
Watching you every night is one of the many things my son and I have in common. Please know that all of us in
your “TV family” will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Also, please take care of yourself.
That’s so hard for all of us when our loved ones are ill.
With deepest sympathy,
Kathryn Boike
Snellville, GA
My sympathies for your family’s loss.
I admire the courage and profound dignity you have displayed publicly during your most private of times. I hope I will be able to emulate that dignity when the time comes for me to comfort my father.
Peace be with you,
Rex
K.O.
depest sympathies from the bottom of my heart
I am 31 and ever since i started watching espn you and DP were my absolute favorites and as I grew I became even fonder, ony my way to college I would always look forward to your segment on espn radio w/ DAN and as I began to enter my manhood and became more educated and politcally active I continued to follow you simply as a cause-and-affect of your inspired commentary on countdown. You my friend are a NATIONAL TREASURE! And you will always be charished, even those who may not agree with you hold you in upmost respect. Im sure there are many highlights and lowlights that may have occured in your life, but they way you opened your heart and shared your situation over the last month served your country well. This can all be a testiment to the way your mother and father raised you.
Hey Keith — I am so, so sorry to hear of the death of your father. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers..
From,
Troy Belnap
Hey Keith — I am so, so sorry to hear of the death of your father. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers..
From,
Troy Belnap
Cher Keith,
I hope you and your sister find some comfort in the echo of the pain and the sorrow expressed here by strangers like me…
Your “countdown” touches and consoles the voices and the souls of the silent voiceless majority raped everyday by “Fix News”…
Bon courage,
Michel
Dear Keith,
My heartfelt condolences go to you and your family. I have nothing but deep respect and admiration for the way you have handled this most personal of crises and for your generosity in sharing your experiences with us. I am very sorry for your loss and hope that this outpouring of love from your fans will provide some comfort to you and your sister.
p.s.
I still laugh everytime I think of the time you shared with us Chuck Knoblauch airmailing the toss from second base and nailing your mom.
BTW I feel like you are party my family so I thought I should share my name Tarak Y. Shah
Dear Keith: I was very sorry to learn of the death of your Dad. I so appreciated your willingness to journey with your audience about your experiences with his illness. Your analysis of the need for healthcare reform that you coupled with your dad’s experience was very moving to me. I know that you will miss him everyday for the rest of your life. I wish you all good things.
Mary Fernow
Dear Keith —
I was so shocked and sadden to just read about your father’s passing. Although I knew he was very ill, I had hoped every little breakthrough might have meant a turnaround. How fortunate that all his loved ones were around him.
I know you and your family have had such a difficult year with the passing of both your beloved mother and father. Please take time for yourselves as you deal with your grief. (My husband and I are handling the settling of my 97-year-old mother-in-law’s estate now and that can add to the burden).
But most of all, thank you for sharing Theodore C. Olbermann with us — both during his illness and various times on Countdown. Otherwise, I would never have gotten to know something about the wonderful man who wanted better for his children than he had; who refused to suffer fools or close his eyes to prejudice; who encouraged your love of baseball while making sure you never stayed up passed your bedtime; who bragged about his son’s broadcast success while years earlier “kicking his butt” to finish college on time when broadcasting took too much time away from his studies. And any man who loved the wit, humor and subtlety of Thurber must have been very wise indeed.
Again, all my sympathies and prayers to you and your family from Houston.
Dear Mr. Olbermann:
I was very saddened to hear of your loss. Our Heroes are tough to lose, even when we can see it coming. Yet we are the lucky ones because not only were our dads our biggest boosters they shared with us the magical connection to the Field of Dreams. My dad used to pitch to me in first grade, coached my baseball teams and taught me how to hit a curve ball out of the park. My first job in H. S. was scooping ice cream
at the Baskin-Robins in Ridgewood, NJ in 1973. It made my wrists strong enough to be named All County/ All State First Base 1975. You can thank your Dad for me.
Peace,
Gary Siegler
Keith – My mother passed away from complications after kidney surgery two days after Mother’s Day last year. She was my best friend, a lovely woman whose grace and serenity, joy and laughter was bestowed on anyone who was fortunate enought to know her. My father and I made the hard decision to let her go, after her kidneys, her liver and her lungs were no longer functioning, and only a respirator was keeping her breathing. We were guided by her Advanced Health Care Directive, caring physcians, and the best intensive care team any family could ask for. Your words about the value of having these discussions hit home for us – and although the day we let her go was one of the saddest days of my life – we knew it was the right thing. Two days before the sugery she was restless, but I made her laugh with Garrison Keilor Lake Wobegon stories. It was not James Thurber, but it gave her some moments of peace and joy before she went out of my life forever. You and your sister are in my thoughts Keith. Your father’s legacy is in how you have led your life and the fine work you have done and continue to do.
Dear Keith,
I feel I know from watching your wonderful show. I am more than saddened to hear of your loss. Nobody can ever be prepared to lose a parent. You see, I lost my mother from colon cancer at the two young age of 18, when she was still 52. I can’t even think what it would feel like to lose my father. You have my sincere sympathies and prayers, both you and your family for this terrible loss, coming so shortly after the loss of your mother.
Please be assured, you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as you continue to inform us about the important things going on around us. Thank you and Peace to you and your family.
Michael in Alabama
Keith – My Deepest Sympathies
(cross-posted as a comment to you on DailyKos)
Having just lost my last remaining parent to cancer in December (she was 77 and I am 54), I know all too well the pain you are feeling. As ready as we think we are, even as we steel ourselves while watching their decline, the shock is still great.
As I write this, I am sitting in my Mom’s condo in Westchester having spent the weekend with my 2 sisters once again sorting through Mom’s belongings. I’ll be glad when this part is over.
Your parents were exceptional people and one thing you made clear to us over the years, you shared the kind of close and special relationship with them that not all are so lucky to have. I know as you work through your grief, those memories will comfort you.
I hope you will also find comfort in knowing how many people out here, many that don’t even know you, and some, like myself who remember you as the nice, smiling, friendly kid, one of the few I liked during my 2 years at Hackley, care about you very much.
Condolences from the Moylan family.
Lismore, NSW, Australia
the whole world will change
every day a new landscape
each night a new dream
in the bare desert
the wind will shift a huge dune
one grain at a time
Keith,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Your father sounds like a strong man, and you yourself are a strong man and will get through this.
Thank you for being the voice of so many who are voiceless, like me. Thank you for saying what we’re all thinking.
You’ve been so strong throughout this ordeal. We are all behind you providing any support you need.
Whenever you’re ready, come back and keep fighting the good fight. We all need you.
Keith: You are a good guy and a brave soul to be with your Dad to the end. Part of the rhythms of life. Says a great deal about your character, but also lessons learned from him. Been there myself and it’s the right thing to do. My Dad was my biggest fan. I owed him my presence in his last hours. Your Dad brought happiness and you returned the favor. Rare gifts. I guarantee he is smiling down on you and your sis, right now. He will miss the ball games and all 31 flavors too, but only if he enjoyed them with you and your sis. Sooner than you think, recent memories will give way to only thoughts of the good times. That’s what sticks and is a sign of Gods grace. Let smiles take the tears away. Our family sends you and your our sincere condolences. We Countdown fans will be fine. We miss you, but take your time.
The work you do keeps the other side honest more often than they want. That keeps us smiling:) Politics is for later. Team Oberman is now.
Our Very Best
B,B, C and C-B
Keith,
So sorry about your loss and so glad you were able to be with your Dad and spend some last quality time together. The bond you two shared has lasted a lifetime, what a wonderful gift that is. I am care taking my 95 yr old Dad now that my mom passed 2 yrs ago and I know how strong and meaningful this bond is. There are a lot of us out here right now extending our hearts and arms. God bless. Tim Sacramento.
As a Sportscenter and a Countdown fan I would like to express my condolences to you and your family Keith. I always look forward to your uncompromising presence in my living room at 8 every weekday night, and I look forward to your return. God Bless.
Keith, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He sounds like he was a wonderful man-I know I really like his son. My husband and I watch you every week night. Thank you for all you do as you keep us informed on everything that is so important to sharing your very private grief and so very effectively connecting it to the need for universal healthcare in our country. We will keep you and Jenna in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care.
Bill and Claire Jackson
Keith, my deepest condolences on the passing of your father, and the passing of your mother last year. {{{heartfelt hugs}}}
My parents passed many years ago, but the loss never goes away. However, you will find comfort in the fact that you and your sister brought love and companionship to them as they likewise gave to you and Jenna.
Dear Keith,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Father, we extend
our condolences to your sister her family and all other members. I too come from New York, still have family there.
I never miss you on MSNBC, even watch when you cover
sports. You had wonderful parents who now are together
again at peace. Thank You for sharing them with us the
viewers. God Bless and Keep You, Your loved ones Always
in His Care. When you are in front of the camera speaking to us we feel like we know you, we are indeed proud and
lucky that we do have you, informing us of our government
the people who work there, others bent on destroying our
Country. The memories of your Mom and Dad will sustain in
the coming days, years you will have going forward. Take care of yourself, your sister those you love you. We love
you too. We do appreciate your sharing this difficult time
with us expressing one’s love for parents to the public will
help others, especially with their ill members in handling too
often subjects they are afraid or have no knowledge as to
what to do. God Bless You,
S Franco Fullerton CA
Keith,
Saddened to hear the news. It’s so hard losing both parents in a year. We went through it several years ago and it still smarts.
I know your Dad would be so proud of you using his final hospital stay as a mantra to all of us about life panels, living wills, etc. Way to make a huge positive out of such a sad situation.
Thanks for this bit of background about him and his career. Very cool. I hope your folks meet my folks up there and have a ball discussing sports and politics! My Dad was a Yankee fan, Mom a Red Sox fan.
Sending you white light and positive energy to help you and your sister through the coming days.
Patti in Scottsdale
I LOVE YOU KEITH!!!!!
Keith, I hope that your dad has found the rest that he so richly deserves after his ordeal.
Losing one’s parents is never easy. I lost my mom in 1988 and my dad in 1990. Even after twenty years, I still often dream that I encounter my dad, perhaps on the street or something, and I think nothing of it until I wake up and go “Wait a second…”
I wish peace and comfort for you and yours during this difficult time.
Keith,
Very saddened to hear about the lose of your father. Keep doing what you do and keep fighting the good fight.
You are making a difference, my friend.
~Joseph Gray
Keith,
We lost our father, late major league baseball player and then coach of the Atlanta Braves, Jim Beauchamp, on Christmas day to leukemia in 2007.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Beauchamp
Please feel free to “friend me” on facebook if you need to in order to view the below set of photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=154262&id=564312659&ref=mf
I’m honored we were protesting Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck and the propaganda of Fox News here in Tulsa, Oklahoma the day your father passed. I’m the one holding the “OKLAHOMANS AGAINST FOX” sign. I was disappointed the local media totally dropped the ball on reporting our protest of around forty to fifty people while breathlessly reporting the whole Palin/Beck traveling circus.
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Because of your connection to baseball and your progressive views, I’ve always considered you a friend. I try to never miss your show on MSNBC.
Right now, I choose to believe both of our fathers are at their most young and handsome, hanging out with all the baseball greats right now at this very moment in a field of dreams they both so loved.
God bless you, Keith, and your family at this difficult time.
Mr. Olbermann:
You and your family have our prayers and sympathy for what you are going through.
Hopefully it is some consolation that your father passed in the way that all parents hope to, with a loving, happy, successful family surrounding them.
The Barelli family
Gig Harbor, WA
Keith — My deep and sincere condolences on the loss of your hero father. He was surely proud–and immensely so–of his hero son. You are one of the few American media people today who has the intelligence, courage and fortitude to address the many unspoken and inconvenient American truths of this new and unhappy century. May you continue in your vital and privileged commitment. As an American living in Europe where they now get most of the things right that America gets abysmally wrong, I want you to know that you bring hope to me and to many of my friends and colleagues. You are loved and cherished here. Be well and be strong! — JP in CH
Aloha Keith,
my deepest condolences to you, your sister and family on the loss of your father,as well as your mother last year.
May you find peace and continued inspirational devotion with your excellent Countdown on MSNBC . . you`re a good man.
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=50721950&blogId=83124254
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-TEqbvgcck
I am so very sorry for your loss. He will live in your heart and memory. My parents are still my heroes, though I lost them years ago. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Pat Todd
Chicago, IL
Keith, thank you for having the courage to share so much of the process as you went through it with your Dad. I am so very sorry for your loss.
You have reminded me of the preciousness of our fleeting time together.
There are many important issues like insurance coverage for treatment and care of our parents, life panels, living wills and so much more. All of this is crucial in a very real and personal way.
But Keith, I don’t want to talk about any of the politics right now. Instead what I want to say to you is “THANK YOU” for trying to find and communicate a sense of grace and dignity throughout your ordeal. Thank you for seeking out compassion and respect for your Father.
At the end of the day, the baby boomers are just at the cusp of starting to have to deal with what you have just gone through. I would suggest that when you come back that you address your audience with the respect and compassion that only a man who has experieced the loss of a loved one can comprehend. Forget about the BS on the right. Instead communicate how important the lessons that you have learned are. Communicate the fact that the baby boomers are just getting started in this process.
Keith, fight back with compassion, truth, respect and dignity. You will win hands down.
Again, please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sadness for the loss of your Father. You will be in my heart and my prayers.
Dan
dear keith, thank you so much for speaking so openly and honestly about your father’s living and dying. and thank you for insisting that all americans (and all people) have a right to health care and to stop their health care. my mother always told us that she did not fear dying but she did fear being kept alive when her time “was up.” she had a living will in the state of california and it served her well. there is a fate worse than death. may we all have the right to say no and to ask for help. warmly, carol p. christ
dear keith, thank you so much for your courage and emotional and intellectual honesty about your father and his struggle with life and death. and thank you for standing up for the rights of the american people (and all people) to health care and to death and dying care. my mother had a living will and it served her well. she always felt there was more reason to fear being kept alive on tubes than there was to fear death. i miss her to this day but i am so glad she spoke so openly about her wishes for her life and death. warmly, carol p. christ
Mr. Olbermann
I’m going to give my dad a big hug when I see him soon and he may ask me why. We have become very close over the past 10 years; dare I say we have become friends. I have seen him many years ago in the hospital in great pain; just me & him. I have never seen him like that and all I could do was hold his hand. He could barely fit on the bed, his feet were almost hanging off! Hearing you speak of your Dad and all you and he went through was difficult and has made me think of both my parents being in that place. Thank you for sharing this. I hope I can meet you someday and share some stories. Peace to you and your family.
Keith, We share an hour with you every evening it’s like you’re part of my family, This poem by Richard Fife reminds me of you and what you’ve shared with us about your father, may he rest in peace.
Memory Can Tell Us Only What We Were
Memory can tell us only what we were, In company with those we loved; It cannot help us find out what each of us, Alone, must now become. Yet, no person is really alone;
Those who live no more still echo Within our thoughts and words, And what they did has become Woven into what we are.
please remember. America Loves Keith Olbermann.
Keith, We share an hour with you every evening it’s like you’re part of my family, This poem by Richard Fife reminds me of you and what you’ve shared with us about your father, may he rest in peace.
Memory Can Tell Us Only What We Were
Memory can tell us only what we were, In company with those we loved; It cannot help us find out what each of us, Alone, must now become. Yet, no person is really alone;
Those who live no more still echo Within our thoughts and words, And what they did has become Woven into what we are.
please remember. America Loves Keith Olbermann.
Keith, We share an hour with you every evening it’s like you’re part of my family, This poem by Richard Fife reminds me of you and what you’ve shared with us about your father, may he rest in peace.
Memory Can Tell Us Only What We Were
Memory can tell us only what we were, In company with those we loved; It cannot help us find out what each of us, Alone, must now become. Yet, no person is really alone;
Those who live no more still echo Within our thoughts and words, And what they did has become Woven into what we are.
please remember. America Loves Keith Olbermann.
Keith: My family and I are so sorry for your loss. I remember losing my father in 1998. His loss still gets me crying because of his strong character, which obviously you took from your parents as well. I have been watching you now for at least 2 years. Without you and Rachel, I’d be paralyzed by the complete crazed farce going on in this country now. We’ve missed you and we respect you so much. Can’t wait to see you back. Lawrence is a sharpy; but no one can be Keith.
Keith my parents have left for heaven not long ago and I to went through the life discussion with them both especially when my mom was so full of cancer that she had told me she wanted to die.They were both so strong and filled with life and were so strong in there battles against what plagued them that I can tell you that there strength that they showed daily not unlike your Dad who was so strong that I have no words to describe the courage of there endurance and Love. I extend to you and your family my heart felt prayers and Love. God Bless and take care….
Condolences to you and yours.
Dear Keith, I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. I’m sure he was a great man and father, something I never had. You were truly blessed to have such a talented, caring, faithful and intelligent man to guide you through life. It’s easy to see where you get your love for baseball, life and telling the nation the facts about American politics.
I have followed you since your days in Los Angeles on KTLA Sports when I lived in Orange County and thoroughly enjoy Countdown online from my home in mainland China near Hong Kong. May the spirit of your parents continue to inspire you to do great things from your most excellent reporting that so many people trust and rely on.
Keith, please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family.
I cannot begin to imagine what you must be feeling right now as it is so clear what your father meant to you and the immense impact he had on your life.
Thank you for reporting the news about your father’s illness with such integrity and dignity. You and your family will remain in my thoughts and I wish you and your relatives all the best.
Keith, my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this sad time.
Listening to you talk about your Dad these past few months, I’m feeling a sense of loss, as well.
Sending healing thoughts to you all.
Susan Danzig, Chicago
Mr. Olbermann – I wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts at this most difficult time. The other night on “Countdown,” you did a short piece from a rooftop. It made me think of Edward R. Murrow’s radio reports from a rooftop, as London was being bombed in World War Two. Murrow bravely reported what was going on around him. He didn’t have to, but because he did, it helped to bring home to those who heard him, the hell and havoc and death and destruction that was being wrought. Throughout the time of you father’s illness, you have displayed a similar kind of bravery, by sharing so honestly and openly about something so personal and painful. Thank you for your courage! We can only hope that America’s leaders – in government and in the health care industry – will display even half of the courage and integrity that you have shown.
Scott Marinoff
Dear Keith,
You have been a champion for your dad and mom as well as a champion for us out in this country. Bless your dad and bless you for taking such care for all of us. Please take care of yourself now. You are very much needed in our world.
May your dad rest in peace. I know how proud he still is of you.
Margaret Scarborough
North Carolina
Dear Keith:
I have participated in sharing your life to the extent you have permitted it. I mourned when your mother died, and I mourn now again at your father’s passing.
When my mother died in 1982, I was devastated. I surely but slowly became the caretaker to my father, something I couldn’t see at the time but now, in retrospect, it’s very clear. That large, gaping hole in my heart was somewhat filled by helping him. The pain never really goes away, but I still had one parent, and we sort of clung together. (Unlike you, I’m an only child.) My dad and I had each other to lean on, in one way or another.
When my father passed away in 1989, that gaping hole expanded to twice its prior size. There’s something about losing both parents that is beyond sad and actually reminds me of my own mortality.
When you would be absent from a show, I instinctively knew it was because your father was sick, so in addition to watching your stand-in (always an excellent choice, by the way), my thoughts were also with you and your family.
You’re finally an “adult,” Keith, and I’m very glad you have your sister for mutual “leanings-on.” One thing is clear, and that is your mother and father were mighty fine parents to have raised a son like you!
Keith, you have taught us all how to be there for a loved one when they are in there most trying life process. One of the things that help so much when pain is so deep is to be able to have the words to express ourselves. You have that ability and I so admire it. I know nothing about baseball, or any sport other than football, but I watch your show every night. You have the words to express how lots of us feel about this time in history. You are here for us all during this very difficult time and you are there for your family. Thank you for allowing us in at this private time in your families life.
TT
Dear Keith:
I have participated in sharing your life to the extent you have permitted it. I mourned when your mother died, and I mourn now again at your father’s passing.
When my mother died in 1982, I was devastated. I surely but slowly became the caretaker to my father, something I couldn’t see at the time but now, in retrospect, it’s very clear. That large, gaping hole in my heart was somewhat filled by helping him. The pain never really goes away, but I still had one parent, and we sort of clung together. (Unlike you, I’m an only child.) My dad and I had each other to lean on, in one way or another.
When my father passed away in 1989, that gaping hole expanded to twice its prior size. There’s something about losing both parents that is beyond sad and actually reminds me of my own mortality.
When you would be absent from a show, I instinctively knew it was because your father was sick, so in addition to watching your stand-in (always an excellent choice, by the way), my thoughts were also with you and your family.
You’re finally an “adult,” Keith, and I’m very glad you have your sister for mutual “leanings-on.” One thing is clear, and that is your mother and father were mighty fine parents to have raised a son like you!
Keith, As much as your Dad was an inspiration to you, you have become an inspiration to all of us.
Keith,
I want to offer my condolences to you regarding the loss of both or your parents in the last year. They seemed like wonderful, caring, and loving people.
My father is currently in the hospital in Canada waiting for a quad bypass, and I have been concerned about him for the last few weeks as he has been waiting (he has a secondary issue that is preventing them for going ahead right away, NOT waiting for the Canadian health system to do it’s job… a myth created by people who would rather we not get universal health care here in the US). I appreciate your messages while you have been supporting your Dad, and admire the way you have focused on the rest of us when you would have every right to be focused on your own family health issues. It takes a big person to do that, and you are one of the best I know of.
I really hope you are successful in getting the message out that universal health care WILL change so many things in the country for the better. People can’t imagine how things will change for them: no loosing your home if you are unfortunate enough to get sick, no longer having to be basically a slave to an employer JUST to get health insurance, finally having the freedom to choose your own Dr, and the plan YOU want.
Thanks for everything Keith, you give me hope that this country can become a better place that it has become over the last 10 years or so.
George
Dear Keith,
My sympathies and tears to you and your family at this difficult period of life. Your Dad’s pride in you spread throughout the world carried on the wings of his love. Thank you for sharing your experience and love for him with us.
He’s back in your mom’s arms now and I thank them both for you.
Angela
Nashville, TN
Keith,
All I can do is add one more small voice to what others have so simply and eloquently expressed. Your willingness to share vulnerably last month about your own father’s fight and how it related to Health Care Reform was your most personally moving of your many special comments. That you were able to get through it was uncanny. I am sure your Da is very proud of you now.
I feel for your loss, just as men should when they lose their fathers. That yours was so proud of you is a gift, and your respect and admiration for him.
You are in mt prayers in these days not because you are a celebrity (that matters not in the Kingdom of God) but as a grieving son who is also a good man. I join with others in both honoring and mourning your father.
When I was a kid, it was my grandmother who took me to ballgames…Padres games. We had to walk a long way to catch the bus. But before we got there, we would stop at a 31 Flavors when that is all they actually had. Probably your father had some hand in that landmark for me on the way to the ballpark to watch the Padres loose badly yet once again. I never cared. She embedded in me a deep love for the game that I dearly missed (as I miss her) last year when I temporary moved from SF (and beloved Giants) to Little Rock. I am on my way Back April 1 for good. Just in time for baseball out at “the Yard”
May God grant you and your family His, at times, irrational peace, and the assurance that just as th Republicans misrepresent God, so do many Christians. They do not see the reality that your Father is more whole, loved and complete now in a way only C.S. Lewis has been able to articulate.
Peace keith to you and yours.
~Mac
My condolences. Keep your spirits high and please continue your inspiring work at MSNBC. The nation needs your strong voice.
David Lenderts, M.S.
Alamosa, Colorado
Sincere condolences to you and your sister. Don’t be surprised if your dad stays close by the next year. Roll with the grieving process, there is no controlling it. Thank you for sharing him with us.
I also lost my Dad but at 82. We were very close. There were over 1000 people attending the funeral. There weren’t the complications.
I can’t say I know what you are going through but I know he is in a better place now
Keith, you have taught us all how to be there for a loved one when they are in there most trying life process. One of the things that help so much when pain is so deep is to be able to have the words to express ourselves. You have that ability and I so admire it. I know nothing about baseball, or any sport other than football, but I watch your show every night. You have the words to express how lots of us feel about this time in history. You are here for us all during this very difficult time and you are there for your family. Thank you for allowing us in at this private time in your families life.
TT
Dear Keith,
We lost our mothers within weeks of one another and my heart went out to you then as it does now. My sincerest and deepest condolences on your recent losses, and my gratitude for your efforts to shine light on the health care debate.
Dear Keith,
I lost my own father to colon cancer in 1988. I understand what you have been going through.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. R.I.P., Dad.
So very sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. You allowed us into his life and I am very grateful that you did. You inspire so many each night. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Thank you for fighting for so many who have no voice!
Be in peace Theodore
Keith,
I am one of your biggest fans which my week is not complete without my complete fix of your show. You are a first class person with one of the most fair minds and hearts I have known and that obviously came from your upbringing. So I just want to say I’m sorry to hear about your grief of the death of your dad and also months ago with your mom. Your Dad is no longer suffering and you must feel proud that you gave all you had to support and be with him during these last days.
I hope you continue as the champion for the “people” which comes from the spirit of your parents and I know it will live on in your work.
Keep up the faith.
Keith,
Sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
It must have been hard to share what you and your dad had gone through laterly. Thank you for doing that.
Keep it up and I’m sure your father will be proud of you for good.
Keith, I am so sorry about your father,I pray that the the lord give you and your family strength, to make it through this trying time. truly my heart goes out to you.
Keith;
You’ve told so many wonderful stories of Marie and Ted,,, may these warm memories light your way, and lessen your sadness.
Sincerest condolences on his passing..
Keith:
My heart and thoughts have been with you these past few months as you shared your walk with your father. I would like to thank you for enlightening and revealing the many aspects of a loves ones transition into the next journey. On the whole we are often reluctant to share this passage with our friends, and yet you shared it with your followers. You my friend shared with courage, compassion, and most importantly a willingness to teach others to acknowledge another process of life and to do it from a position of knowledge and awareness. And for this we thank you for leading and encouraging others, while experiencing first hand. Your love for your father was broadcast into the homes of many and I am sure you have touch and opened many, many hearts to remember the greatest gift of all is love.
Francine
Keith – I, too, lost my Dad to colon cancer. We interred his ashes on St. Paddy’s day 10 years ago. He was also my hero, maybe a bit of a ‘flawed’ hero, but nonetheless my hero always. He fought his battle with a quiet dignity and courage. Our parents are at peace now, their suffering and pain gone. Yours will ease, too, in time. Take care.
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
Canon Henry Scott-Holland, 1847-1918, Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral
From: ‘The King of Terrors’, a sermon on death delivered in St Paul’s Cathedral on Whitsunday 1910, while the body of King Edward VII was lying in state at Westminster:
Dear Keith: Though I do not know you, my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Thank you too for sharing what you and your family have experienced during the course of your father’s illness. Your Special Comments about “Life Panels” and Living Wills are a much needed public service.
I hope you find some comfort during this time.
I am a former Legal Services for the Elderly attorney and hospice volunteer. It really is an honor to hear you speak out on these issues. Please keep up all your incredible work.
Thank you again. And, as my good friends say, be gentle with yourself.
Sincerely,
Amy Kurtz
Evanston, Illinois
Keith, I am so sorry to hear of your lose. The memories that you have will always be with you. My dad passed in 1975. I can still remember things we did together. As time passes the memories will become more clear. Best wishes to you and your family.
Keith:
I’ve had my thoughts on you and your sister in these past few weeks with the knowledge that your loving father could be leaving you. What a lovely tribute you’ve shown to him and you mother at such difficult times. After things quiet down and you have time to reflect, there will be little, subtle reminders in your daily life, that your folks are somehow still with us. I lost my beloved mother in ’04. She was an avid Dodger fan to the end. When things got quiet and everyone had said their goodbyes, I came home to her house and the radio was on with the dulcet tones of Vin Scully calling another Dodger broadcast. I cried like a baby. But they were tears of joy because Vinnie’s voice represented to me so many lovely summer evenings, drinking an ice tea or coffee and enjoying another pennant race that had brought us so close together. I get the same impression with you and your folks, Keith.
My deepest condolences go out to you and Jann and congratulations to both your folks for creating two wonderful, caring, compassionate kids to carry on. That first game you hear without your Pop by your side will be tough, but embrace it. Its perfection between a father and son that words cannot express. With respect and love to you and the Olbermann clan, godspeed to Pops. Well Done,
David Perez
355 S. Madison Ave#309
Pasadena, CA 91101
7243767531
dodgermex34@yahoo.com
Deepest sympathies from my wife and I, Keith. We are both great fans and supporters. When my father was lying in bed in the same situation and I did what I could to comfort him, one day he leaned over, looked at me and said “You’re a good son”. I’m sure your father felt the exact same way about you. You were lucky to have the time to talk to him and read to him and do what you could to comfort him. In retrospect, you’ll probably realize that those were the most special hours of your life. Keep fighting the good fight in your father’s honor. You have a lot of friends our there.
My deepest sympathies Keith. I lost my dad just over two years ago now and it’s tough but all I can say is that my dad was proud of me just like your dad was proud of you. Keep the cycle going.
-jcp
Because of the way you have handled the illnesses and deaths of your parents, your compassion, kindness and generous sharing of your experiences, and your love for them, your family has grown over the past two years to include all your viewers. Your love for both your parents is exemplary, and has made them known to all of us who would never have known them. Thank you.
Keith,
Another of your fans wanting to express my sympathy for your loss. Your parents must have been awesome to raise their son to be so compassionate and full of heart. Thank you for your very honest show — I watch it every night.
Sincerely,
Tennessee/Virginia fan
Condolences and prayers from Camp Bondsteel here in Kosovo, Mr. Olbermann. As I learned long ago, every new grief brings up every old one. Grief is not, then, a mental illness — it just feels like one. May your grief be holy.
Fr. Tim
My condolences for your loss. You sir, have been an inspiration to many over the last several months with your relentless comments and support of health insurance reform. You have made your audience a part of your struggles in a way that translates the universality of the issues concerning this all important debate that will be the earmark of how we view ourselves as a society. Thank you for inviting us into your personal life during this most trying time. Your Mom and Dad are very proud of you! May you be blessed with many wonderful memories.
Keith,
Thank you for sharing your Mom and Dad with us. With parents like that it is no wonder that you turned out to be a national treasure.
Mitch
Keith:
It is with deepest regrets that I hear of the loss of your father especially after hearing of the loss of your mother not that long ago. Only time can make things better for you and I wish you all the best. You are probably the most honest and honorable personality TV has to offer and that is a tribute to both your parents.
Joel B.
Keith,
I know from experience that there are no words that can offer comfort in the face of such a loss. But please know that I am holding you and your sister in my thoughts, and hoping that the many fond memories you have of your father, and the knowledge you have of how very proud of you he was, will make this time a little easier for you.
Just as he was a hero to you, you are a hero to me. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the good of this country, including sharing with us the story of your father.
Our deepest condalences.
Keith: I am so, so sorry. The best solace, I guess, is that you were very much there for your Dad, fighting for him and nurturing him. My Dad handed down to me the Yankee fan “mantle” (intended) — For better or worse — For the most part, better. In 1965 we made a pilgrimage to a dormant Yankee Stadium, while visiting the New York World’s Fair. We visited a kid-Mecca — “Manny’ Baseball Land”. I remember my Dad paying enthusiastically for my Mickey Mantle bobble-head, my Yankee logo T-shirt, a Yankee 1964 American League Champions pennant and a coin bank encircled by small plastic bats, representing each major league team. Mom was ebullient in my moment of ecstasy and asked Manny (?) — “Doesn’t my son look like Mickey Mantle?” My blush was a tape-measure flush. Keith — thanks for the courage to share your story — and God bless you and your Dad and your Mom and your family. We lost my Mom & Dad 26 days apart in 1994. What I wouldn’t give for one more Yankee yarn from my Dad — or even one long blush in the Bronx. If everything in your career has just led to this point in your life, so that you could care-take and support your parents in their hour of most urgent need, it all, despite the inevitable vicissitudes of life, somehow might make a little more sense. What gifts your Dad & Mom gave you! And I can only ask humbly, that you keep on giving. Their light and lightness shines on in you. I will be thinking and praying for you. Doug Stevenson – Chicago, IL
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Keith.
Cheryl
Dear Keith and Jenna,
Thank you for sharing your father and your family’s experiences through his passing, and your mother’s. You have performed a great public service in showing others the way to say goodbye with dignity.
My sincere condolences.
Andrea
Youngstown, Ohio