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.
Baseball Nerd 
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
My deep condolences to you and your family Keith. May you find peace this day, knowing your Mom & Dad are back together. Thank you so very much for sharing with us while you were going through this most difficult of times. God Bless You.
Chris
West Allis, WI.
Keith,
My wife and I are loyal followers of your program and offer our deepest sorrow for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Thank you for our passion, compassion, and wisdom.
Edwin & Dianne May
Keith,
Not Knowing your Dad I feel and know If He Was Anything like You He Was A Great Man! My Heartfelt Sympathy and Prayers Go out to you and your Sister! We Love You Keith And Know his Spirit will always be with you…
Ken DiCarlo
Keith:
Sorry to hear your Dad. I know you were very close and you will miss him dearly.
Just remember the good times and he will be with you forever in your heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, KO. This June will be another sad anniversary, for me: My mom left us 5 years ago and my dad, four (almost to the day–love story, indeed). What time has taught me is that, though the pain never leaves, the good memories make that pain more bearable.
Hang in.
Greg and Linda
Woodland Hills, CA
Keith,
I am so sorry for your loss. We have had your entire family in our prayers this past month. I am so glad that you were able to spend so much time with him these last few weeks. Peace be with you in the following days to come.
All best,
Jenny Peters
Hi Keith,
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved dad. I’ve been watching Countdown ever since you started, and of course, have watched your updates on your dad. I feel I got to know a bit about his spirit as a human being through your narratives. I’m also sorry for the loss of your your mom, last year. It is never easy losing your parents, especially when they have loved you so well and been heroes and best friends for so long. I lost my mom on St. Patrick’s Day six years ago, so I understand well where your heart and head is now.
Thanks for all you do on Countdown…keep up the good work. You give voice to us “average” people who are being drowned out by the powers that be, and the crazies.
You have a lot of people here pulling for you and empathizing with you during this difficult time.
Godspeed.
Aileen
Dear Keith….
My heart is hurting for you and your family. In a small way I share your loss.
But I know that you are very lucky to have had such a wonderful father.
Not all of us are that lucky.
I know that you know that…. and that you are grateful.
Be glad in your gratefulness.
Richard Clark
Dear Mr. Oberman,
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your dear father.
Cynthia Lambert
Keith,
My husband and I send our deepest condolences. May your wonderful father rest in peace and his spirit reunited with your mother’s somewhere ‘out there’. May every parent have as a wonderful and devoted child as you have been to your parents. We look forward to your return to Countdown. The world needs millions more like you, and fewer Billos, Palins, and Orly Taints Limbaughs. Peace be with you.
All the Best,
Julie Frey
I am very sad to hear about your dad. My condolences to you and your family.
Doris Brady
Keith,
Thank you for allowing us in on this sad event. Your what a son should be. Comfort to all in your family.
Thank you for your work and sanity.
Dear Mr. Olberman, I am not a sports fan so I don’t know you from sportscasting, however I do watch you every day on Countdown and I want to express my condolences for your loss. It is obvious from your sorrow during the trying times that you have gone through and I hope that in time the pain will subside. Wish you and your family the best.
Keith,
My heart is heavy as I type this because I know how much your father meant to you. You are my hero and I know the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I really appreciate you reading that short story on Countdown at your father’s request. It was a hit. You and your family are in our prayers.
Love,
Chaquita Slater and family
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Dad.
What a wonderful Dad he was. As a geriatric nurse, I have been very moved by your commentary throughout his illness.
You have done an outstanding job of bringing attention to the health care debate, especially end of life issues,
and I thank you and your Dad for that.
Keith,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I lost mine Nov 29th of last year. I know that both of you folks are smiling as they watch you from above. Stay strong and keep up the great work. I wish you nothing but peace and sweet memories.
C.J. Ross
So sorry about your dad. My dad was the best part of at least half my life.
sue
Keith,
My sympathy is extended to you and your family. May you find comfort and joy in the wornderful memories of your father. I too lost my father on 2/1/10…so I can also empathize with you.
Thank you for ALL you do…you too are a hero! Keep your head up!!!
Keith, please know that your fans hold you and your sister in a giant hug of love during this difficult time.
Keith,
My deepest sympathies. Thanks for sharing.
Keith,
We are very sorry for your loss. Keep fighting the good fight.
Jean and Bill Leventhal
Stickney IL
Your Father entered his rest in peace, that is without a doubt. Take great comfort that your Mother has a long lost friend at her side. All the best in moments of reflection to you and your family, Keith.
Dear Keith,
My condolences to you and your family. I applaud your courage in allowing all of us your viewers into your life during this trying time. Your passion for your Dad is every bit as much as your passion on trying to fix this crazy world.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Sister.
Jack Benton
Bolingbrook, IL
Your Father entered his rest in peace, that is without a doubt. Take great comfort that your Mother has a long lost friend at her side. All the best in moments of reflection to you and your family, Keith.
May your grief be brief and your memories warm and enduring. Your deference, respect and affection for your parents is truly laudable. Condolences and best wishes.
unclesmedley
Keith:
I am so sorry. Thank you for all you have tried to communicate now, and in the past. We miss you.
Keith:
I am so sorry. Thank you for all you have tried to communicate now, and in the past. We miss you.
I am very sorry to hear that your Father has passed. I have been following his progress closely through Countdown. The emotion of you reports remind men of the inevitable with my Father. I have tried to get him to make preparation but there are many thing he will not do. He does at least have a living will and your advise of making those decisions is invaluable. Thank you for your professional service and once again, my condolences.
Dear Keith,
My deepest sympathies for you and your family. I lost my father 65 years ago and think of him every day. May your father rest in peace.
Terry
Dear Keith,
God Bless each Soul of the wonderful Theodore Olbermann family on this side … 3D … and the Other Side …5D … of the ever thinning Golden Veil.
Keith, your words of Truth, Justice, Equality, Freedom, Compassion and Deep Love … mean everything to so many millions of people … thank you Eternally….
Keith,
My deepest sympathies to you and Jenna in the loss of your dear father. The stories you have shared with us about both your mom and dad will long be remembered. You have honored them well.
For those of us who have cared for aging parents and mourned their loss, it was especially poignant to be on this journey with you. Thank you for sharing it with such dignity and respect.
Dear Keith:
Warm thoughts to you and your sister to help see you through your loss. Thank you for being so open and sharing about your father and the love he had for you and his family.
Cheryl Washer
Dearest keith,
I am so sorry for your loss. Death is a sad thing. But even harder..to witness someone you love in pain. I’m happy your father is not in pain and suffering anymore.
He shone his light. He did his job. May he rest in peace.
Amen
Keith, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I want to thank both you and your father for sharing the story of his struggle in the past few months and bringing awareness to this country of the reality of end-of-life issues and the need to plan so the patient and family’s needs are met. I am a health care worker and see so many who do not understand that talking about what measures are desired by the patient prior to the end crisis is so necessary for good and appropriate care. THANK YOU for all you have done to address the health care problem in this country and in supporting health care reform. I am sure your Dad was so proud of you.
Sincerely, Barbara Dietrich
Keith –
I don’t know if you read these comments, but my deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your father. I watched your special comment about your father’s illness, and I shared it with my own aging parents, whom I am lucky to have still with me. I want you to know that your words matter and they resonate…and we have had the end of life conversation you talked about.
Keep fighting the good fight. Its clear your father raised a good man.
Dear Keith,
My husband and I have been fans since your days in LA. We’ve watched “Countdown” for almost 3 years, enjoying every installment. We have been especially thankful for your comments as your father has been hospitalized. We’re humbled that you would allow your fans in to what some would say is a ‘personal matter’.
We have prayed for your father’s health, hoping beyond hope that he would somehow recover but also knowing he had a tough fight. We also appreciate your words about his care and the absolute need for ‘life’ discussions – this was especially important for one of our families at this juncture.
Your dad is at peace now, and we pray that you and your sister will be at peace as well. We look forward to your eventual return to “Countdown”.
Blessings to you!
My condolences on your loss.
I am so very sorry. I know from experience that even when a loss is expected, it’s difficult.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dear Keith and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I watch your show everyday after work on line. I lost my Dad at 16.
Thank you for the truth in your reporting. I have missed you. Again my sympathies to you and your family.
Cynthia
Dear Keith,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved father. Thanks you for all of the grace with which you have been willing to share your experience of his last weeks in the hopes of humanizing the discussion on health care for our nation. This conversation becomes part of the lasting tribute to your father.
Sincerely, N. DV
Keith,
I know your dad Ted is looking down on you and is happy and in a much better place. His spirit remains in your heart. My prayers and good thoughts are with you and your family. I know how much you love your Dad. I want to say thank you for sharing with us on Countdown what your father and you have been going through with his illness at the hospital. God bless and remember your Dad is at peace!
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. He seemed like a great man. A wonderful father and husband. One can’t help but see and feel the love you had for your parents.
Thank you for sharing your deepest feelings not only for the love of your parents but for the love of your country.
All the best.
A fan,
Peter
My sincerest condolences for your lost and my admiration for all you and your family, especially you dad, have been through which such style a grace.
We watch you every night and delight in your humor and share, at times, in your outrage.
Thanks for all you do, especially sharing this very personal time with all of us.
Dot
Keith, I’m so sorry to hear you lost your dad. Thank you for introducing him to us and sharing his, and your, struggle. My dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor last December, and the news wasn’t good. He’s ok for now, but the odds aren’t in his favor. I’ve worked in health care for nearly 40 years…please keep up your efforts to make our health care system work better, for everyone. You are inspiring.
I am very sorry to hear that your Father has passed. I have been following his progress closely through Countdown. The emotion of you reports remind men of the inevitable with my Father. I have tried to get him to make preparation but there are many thing he will not do. He does at least have a living will and your advise of making those decisions is invaluable. Thank you for your professional service and once again, my condolences.
A bittersweet welcome to the ranks of the orphans, Keith… it’s not so bad, knowing the folks had a good long run. May strength and good guidance grace all future endeavors.
Hi Keith,
I’m sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. I’ll just echo all the heartfelt sentiments from everyone above.
I had the great experience of joining your friends Kit and Pepito on the Cubaball tour last month. It was a trip of a lifetime, and much, much more than baseball. We were looking forward to meeting you, and I hope you get the chance to go next time.
John Moist, Co-Chair, Sacramento SABR
Keith,
There is no doubt your father was proud of his children. He sounds like the sort of person I would have loved to know… and the sort of person who made a positive impression on each life he touched.
Sometime, when the pain has quieted, I would love to know which Thurber story was your father’s favorite. “In the Catbird Seat”? “The Greatest Man in the World”? Something from the Columbus Days series like “College days”? I teared up at that line in your comments. Something as simple as a cute, humorous story shared from father to son and then from son to father tells me of the deep love and affection there was in the Olbermann family.
God bless you all.
Fred
To the Olberman Family, We have been following the progress of your dad’s struggle and have been deeply moved by the love of his son. There would be times when I would be watching and my family will come in just to see that segment. We always whispered a prayer for him. Now we will for you. All our love, The Peshkepia Family
Keith, I send you my condolences. You don’t know me but I watch your show regularly and have appreciated you sharing your heart with us both in regards to your father and your passionate fight for health care and for the American people. If you father has a big heart then it is clearly seen in you. May he continue to live through you. My wife and I hope the best for you and your family. Take care, take your time and we’ll welcome you back when the time is right. Best wishes from just an average American.
James R. Ure
Loveland, CO
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I am sure your father was as proud of you as you are of him. May he rest peacefully, and may you have peace.
Janice in Illinois
And the “House That Ruth Built” meets the wrecking ball.
A strange parallel.
God Bless you and your family.
A good man raised a good son. I thank you for the good work you do, and thank your dad for the word he did with you.
May your awareness of the peace that surpasses all undersanding be with you and your family. Our hearts and prayers unite with yours during this time of sadness. Know that though your dad has gone from this physical realm, his soul lives forever and is always around you. Sit in the silence of those special moments and feel his loving energy ever so gently enfolding and embracing you.
Thanks to you and this extraordinary man you call Dad for your contributions to the greater good of humity.
The Abrahams family.
Keith,
You and Jenna have our family’s deepest condolences.
Eventually, if you can,please tell us about your best times and memories as you both heal a bit, as you can..a book would be nice..
We want to thank you as well, for taking us along on this incredibly painful journey. It took great courage and commitment to both your Dad and us..We appreciate it more than words can say.
With love and respect,
Pam and Glen Vlies and Family
Antioch, Chicago, Zion, Waukegan Illinois
and Wisconsin
We are so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, Keith. Thank you for sharing some of his and your family’s struggle in these last few weeks. We will be much better prepared for our own difficult times with our loved ones. Bless your Mom and Dad and hugs to you and your sister.
Hi Keith, Please accept the heartfelt condolences of the Cunningham family. We have followed your dad’s struggles via Countdown these last several months. We can certainly relate to your situation as I lost my dad, Charlie, on March 13 , 2007. Your plight reminded me of the difficult decisions that I had to make as my once strong and powerful dad slipped away with each passing day. That you were able to use your situation to help inform all of us about health care in this country was extremely helpful and unselfish. Like your dad, my pop was my rock and my biggest booster. When one of my students loses someone dear to them, I remind them that as long as they walk on this planet, and breathe the air, that a part of their loved one is still alive. I hope this helps. Dave Cunningham
Dear Mr. Olbermann:
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. I can’t imagine the pain of losing both parents in a year’s time, but the stories you have shared about them on “Countdown” have been inspiring and touching. As someone who has elderly parents with health problems, I’m very grateful that you have shared these with us. They remind us that every day we have with our parents is a blessing and should be cherished.
God bless you, sir!
Keith,
We have watched “Countdown” since the beginning and think of you as our advocate. We were saddened to read that your father passed away as you seemed a bit hopeful when last you spoke of him. You have set an example for all of us in the care and consolation of the very sick and discussion of end of life concerns. Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family.
Joan Yeckel
St. Louis, Missouri
Keith,
My mom and I watch Countdown every night together. You are in both of our thoughts. Thank you for sharing such a personal part of your life. We both wish you the best. Jennifer and Carol
Vancouver, WA
I was so sorry to hear about the death of your beloved father, I am certain you are feeling very upset and emotional right now but I would ask you to remember that your father would never want to leave you feeling the way you do right now, you have so many people praying for you and him so pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back into the zone.
I was so sorry to hear about the death of your beloved father, I am certain you are feeling very upset and emotional right now but I would ask you to remember that your father would never want to leave you feeling the way you do right now, you have so many people praying for you and him so pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back into the zone.
Londoncalling
You and your family have been in our thoughts the past few weeks. My teenage daughter has asked every night when I sit down to watch your show if you were back yet and if your dad was doing alright. We were all concerned about you and sending our good thoughts your way. We were all very sad to hear that you lost your dad. Jeanne
Dear Keith and Jenna,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. I am much saddened by this news. We have watched and heard you talk about your mother and father for the whole time you have been broadcasting about them, and have been impressed by your sincerity and diligence in coping with these difficult situations. What was a happy day for me was a very sad day for you. It was my birthday yesterday, and this news made my day less enjoyable.
My father passed on two years ago on 3/7, a week before my birthday, and, like you and Jenna, I tended to his needs as he was experiencing a long, protracted illness. It is probably the most stressful and difficult task that a child has to do for a parent. But to this day, I sleep better knowing that, like both of you, I did everything humanly possible to help ease his pain. I know nothing about an after life, but I somehow feel fully confident that your father will be at your side and looking after you, even though he is not physically present. I don’t know how I know this, and have read much about an after life since Dad’s exit from the physical plane, but I know in my heart he is still with you both, and will never leave you.
Know that your devoted Countdown viewers like us love you, support you, and send good thoughts even from afar, here in the ether. We are all out here thinking of you.
With warm regards,
Christine and Brad
Keith,
Our deepest condolences to you and your Family.
Keith,
My heartfelt condolences.
You’ve done your father proud.
Victor
Dear Mr. Olbermann, You were blessed to have such a wonderful dad, and I’m sorry for your father’s passing.
Thank you for exemplifying courage and loving devotion during this very difficult time, for all of us to witness, and thank you for giving your grieving to voice championing improved health care, and to the need for preparation by families before this time comes. And finally, thank you for sharing with us your thoughts about your dad’s life, and giving us a glimpse at your strong relationship and respect for him. A good lesson for all sons and daughters.
Dear Keith:
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Thank you from my heart for all you have done for us, and for sharing yourself with us so fully. True healthcare reform will always be a part of your father’s legacy through you. I’m sure he was so very proud of you – as are we all.
Stay strong.
From the heart ~
Kate
hopefully, you know how lucky you have been to have such wonderful parents. not all of us have been that lucky. we think of you often,wish you peace and love.
Keith,
This is a sad day for all of us out here that love you, but having said that, I do realize that our sadness is nothing compared to what you and your family are feeling. Please know that our love and heartfelt sympathies are with you and your sister. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing dad Theodore with us.
Also, please know that although Lawrence is doing a stellar job at holding down the fort, you are missed. When the time is right and you come back “home”, we’ll be here waiting for ya.
We love you Keith,
Sheilah in Oregon
Keith – My deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved father. I lost my wonderful father in 1983. I still miss him. I don’t think the feeling of loss ever leaves us. My mother died in 2000 after 4-1/2 years in a vegetating coma. You can be comforted by the fact that you were with him until the end of his earthy life. You are strong. After all, look at who your father was.
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
My husband and I extend our most heartfelt sympathy to you and to your sister on the death of your beloved, loving and devoted Dad. And, please accept our belated sympathy on the death of your Mom.
My hospital is also NYPH and I know that they gave your Dad the best care possible.
As an old time Yankee fan, my Dad – who passed in ’91 – took me to Yankee Stadium even though he was a Giant fan whose heart was broken when they moved to SF.
Keep up the wonderful work on health care issues.
Don’t let the crazies get you down!!
Peace to both of you and may the wonderful memories of your parents sustain you in these very difficult days. And, know that you have many, many supporters who are with you and are keeping you and your sister in their prayers.
Maddalena
Midtown West – Manhattan
So sorry for your loss Keith. Everyone could see how much you loved your father. Our prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
Deborah Jones
Louisiana
Keith, my sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. My dad, who made his transition nearly 4 years ago, was my hero, too. May your family find peace and comfort in the knowledge that so many people care. I thank you, too, as a physician, for your personalized commentary on the real need for meaningful healthcare reform.
Keith,
My condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. I’ve been following your father’s story as you’ve shared it with us on Countdown and I admire and respect how you’ve been willing to share personal pain in order to make the necessary points in the Health Care Reform debate.
I’ve joined this site, just to have the opportunity to say this to you.
Keith,
I’m very saddened to learn of the passing of your father, especially coming only a year after losing your mother. It has to be a very difficult emotional journey for you and your sister right now. Losing parents is never easy, no matter your age or under what circumstances. I’m sure your constant support made his transition much easier. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know how much you are missed and needed as a voice of reason and compassion (and occasional outrage) on those things that matter on a much larger scale for all of us. For now, take care of yourself and your family. We’ll be ready when you are.
Sincerely,
Kathy Vokes
Harrison Twp., MI
Our condolences to you and your family, Keith. We’re fans of your program and have been with you in spirit these past months.
San Jose, CA
Dear Keith and family:
My husband and I are thinking of you and yours during this very difficult time as it was quite apparent that your dad [and mom] were both your ‘heroes’. They raised a wonderfully intelligent and compassionate boy who developed into a terrific man; of that you can be especially proud. Your parents were so proud of you and it is evident that you felt the same about them both. May God grant you the peace that will come with time. The loss will not leave, but your wonderful memories of then will make life easier to bear. You were so very blessed to have such fabulous parents. God bless you and yours.
With love from your friends, The Bradfords
Well, he seemed like a nice guy.
/and his son is a good news source
Keith, I would like to add my name to the long list of those who offer condolences from the perspective of having been there recently.
I lost my mother, two weeks shy of her 91st birthday, this past summer after several medical issues in a row weakened her to the point of collapse. It’s not easy losing a parent, and you are in the unfortunate position of losing both within a relatively short period of time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Also, count me among the many loyal “Countdown” viewers who have, with understanding, easily forgiven your extended absence from that broadcast. While I look forward to your return, I do not expect you to do so until your mindset returns to the place where you will be comfortable doing so.
We, your viewers, are an extended family of sorts. I hope that our presence is a comfort to you.
Kymberleigh Richards
Van Nuys, California
I couldn’t be sadder to hear of the passing of your dad. I was truly hoping he was going to recover.
My sincerest condolences, Keith. I lost my dear father, almost 27 years ago, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him, and miss him terribly. He passed suddenly and I think it was a blessing. I can’t imagine how difficult it would have been to see him slowly slip away.
You’re dad was so fortunate to have such a wonderful son.
Dear Keith,
My deepest condolences to you and your family upon hearing of your father’s passing, and my heart goes out to you. Your grace and courage during his illness have inspired me and I’m sure countless Countdown fans. May you find peace in knowing that so many of us have been thinking of you during this difficult and precious time. You have been missed, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Carmen in NYC
I am a great fan of yours. My husband and I watch Countdown all the time. I am so sorry to hear about your father.
You and your father have been so courageous, not only in the fight for his health, but in sharing with the public his struggles with healthcare- and how the healthcare system works – in order to educate us to the need for healthcare reform.
I really enjoyed reading about your father on the blog. He sounds like a great dad and a wonderful man.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Shaw-Gove
Bloomfield, New Jersey
I joined this site just to extend my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. I have been a viewer of your MSNBC Countdown program and have followed your journey with your father and his medical condition. Thank you for being strong enough to make your personal story a message to us who have follwed the healthcare debate.
Keith,
The saying “The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree” is evident. Your father and your mother produced a great man. You obviously had some great parents..
So sorry for you loss.
Duke in las vegas
Keith,
You and your family are in our prayers. Stay strong and remember that it’s all part of the journey.
With condolences,
Kerry and Beth Ramsey
Strongsville, OH
Keith,
Your impassioned, reasoned call for all Americans to have that talk about end of life care with their love ones resonated with me.
Your father, your hero taught you a lot, including courage, critical thinking and empathy. For that we are eternally grateful to him.
Your family has my hearfelt sympathy and my prayers during this saddest of times.
I am so sorry Keith. I am a big fan and I know how much your parents meant to you. My sympathy to your sister too. I hope
you both can help each other recover from this loss.
Sincerely, Bernadette
Dear Keith
Thank you for sharing the memories and accolades of your father. The words you have shared through this journey have been an inspiration.
My heart walks with you and your family – as much as I thought i was prepared for the deaths of my parents – one can never really know those feelings until the actual moment. Walk gently with yourselves, Karen Dunham
kEITH, OUR SYMPATHIES TO YOU AND ALL YOUR FAMILY. We have been with you thru this. Thank you for all you do,I was in tears. Be well our thoughts are with you at this time. Gina Dadomo & Linda Smalley Rehoboth, MA
Dear Keith–
(That may seem overly familiar, but you visit my living room each evening, so it’s how I think of you.)
I have listened to you wrestling with your father’s illness, and expressing your gratitude for the fact that the two of you had had the vital conversation about what he would want done for his physical care when he could not speak for himself.
As I watched, I thought what an amazing gift the two of you gave each other–and the rest of us. You put a very personal face on an issue we all will deal with at one time or another. You and your Dad invited us into your dad’s hospital room, shared those precious, terrible moments that we wish would end because they hurt so much–and wish would continue forever, because we know they will not come again.
Through you, your dad’s illness became more than just one family’s walking through the valley of the shadow; you turned your experience into a story–you made it count for something. It becomes your remarkable father’s gift to millions of people he never knew.
Thank you for your courage helping him do that.
My condolences to you, Keith, and your family. thoughts are with you and yours.. being a long time Dodger fan, Go Mets!!
Dear Keith,
My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family at the loss of your wonderful Father. What memories you have of this incredible man and Father!
You and your sister were truly blessed to have been with him as he passed. Your reading his favorite James Thurber stories, brought tears to my eyes…
I am a Nurse, and when my 94 year Mom died, my husband and I sat in the ICU by her bedside. The time came when we & the saw no good prognosis. We DC’d the IV’s,etc. that morning and sat all day with her. Toward the end, I lay next to her in her bed and read the Psalms & her favorite Bible passages. Even tho I am a ‘Medical Professional’ and have held many family members when their loved ones died, when my Mom really started ‘to go’, I ‘lost it’ and was calling for the ‘crash cart’ – as I didn’t want to loose her…
I know the pain you and you sister are feeling now..
.Know that your Dad’s Spirit will always be with you and you are so blessed for having known him and have him as your Father and a part of your life… [and having him so proud of you]…. Peace….
sincerely, judith
Keith you have my deepest sympathies. Stories of your father’s struggle have been heart warming and heart wrenching. Thank you for sharing it. To experience the loss of both parents in such a short time seems terribly unfair and I wish you comfort. Your father’s contribution by giving you inspiration for honesty and willingness to speak out will continue as a part of his legacy. May you have peace.
Oh Keith! My deepest condolences. I shed some tears and yet I know that your dad is in a better place. Your folks raised a fine gentleman – a man with foresight and a man who speaks for all. This is why I mourn with you all the way from Bulawayo , Zimbabwe
Oh Keith! My deepest condolences. I shed some tears and yet I know that your dad is in a better place. Your folks raised a fine gentleman – a man with foresight and a man who speaks for all. This is why I mourn with you all the way from Bulawayo , Zimbabwe
Keith,
My sincere condolences. May your Dad rest in peace. Your Dad’s legacy will forever remain in you. You are the voice of reason, fairness and justice. The voice of the people.
Like you, I lost a father I most admired and I would not have been me without his him. Carry his legacy and his power and strength will be for the greater good in perpetuity. I watch your show every evening and I thank the Lord for someone like you.
Thanks to your Dad, you and your family.
Daniel E Jimenez MD
Oh Keith! My deepest condolences. I shed some tears and yet I know that your dad is in a better place. Your folks raised a fine gentleman – a man with foresight and a man who speaks for all. This is why I mourn with you all the way from Bulawayo , Zimbabwe
Mr. Olbermann, you’ve been my hero for a number of years now. You’ve spoken out when there were few who would. I was proud to quote you and to think of you in moments when I thought our country was under a dark cloud. I am so happy to have been introduced to the two people who shaped your life and made you into the great man you are today. I wish you and your family comfort in this time of grief.
Dear Keith,
I am a big fan of your Countdown program and I want to tell you how sorry I am for your father’s passing. You were certainly a devoted son and I know you will miss him greatly.
i am so sorry. i have been following your series of comments on healthcare and your father with great interest and sympathy, and although it is far from being a silver lining, i think that hearing your dad’s story has been very helpful to a lot of people. the legacy of your father is now more than the individual legacy of what he leaves to you and his family–it’s now a piece in the jigsaw puzzle of our political process, and has made many people across the nation think in ways they might not have before. so please keep preaching, and continue your good work as a memorial to your dad. if your words impel one person to make a living will, that is no small thing.
blessings and admiration,
valerie walker
san francisco, CA
Dear Keith,
My deepest and sincerest condolences to you and your family during this time. My heart hurts for you guys during this time. Losing a parent is never easy. Also, I want to thank you for sharing the details of your father’s struggles and his brave fight. Also thank you for stressing the importance of discussing end of life care with your loved ones. These situations are so deeply personal and yet effect everyone.
Hang in there, the pain will ease over time, even though it might not seem like it right now. When you come back home to Countdown, we will be there for you.
Much love and respect,
Kathleen
Our sincerest condolences to you Keith and your family from our family.
Rich and Sally Berger and children
We are so sorry, Keith. Having just watched my mom go thru the same anguish, in the same time frame, I felt your pain every night. My mom fell, broke her arm, turned out to be bone cancer. We had the “talk” many years before, and we were prepared for what was to follow. Like your father, my Mom will always be my hero.
I walk with you in sympathy,
Ria
Keith, may many good and positive thoughts continue to come your way on this melancholy day. You have shared your life and your family with us, your fans, many times over the years and for that, we have felt enriched. Take the time you need to settle your affairs and face your life moving forward, as we all must do. You have always demonstrated public dignity and I know you shall continue to do so. I know in my heart that your father’s passing shall add even more depth and insight into your worldviews and I look forward to hearing more of those thoughts in the coming years. God bless your family, each and every one of them. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry Keith. Best wishes to you and your family. Thanks for all you do.
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences Keith. I am your greatest fan sir and I am very sorry for your loss.
Dear Keith and Family,
Through your grief please remember that a long life well lived is a reason celebrate and congratulate those who were fortunate to have participated in the journey just completed. Take care.
Mr. Olbermann,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the death of your father. I have a great deal of personal respect for you and the principled work that you do. We have an unwanted personal connection as I lost my father some 29 years ago due to a long protracted illness. As someone who has suffered many of the same emotions that you have felt and are just beginning to feel, know that it is possible to emerge from this dark time of inconsolable grief. The pain never really goes away, but eventually, it does somehow become manageable.
There will come a time when memories of your father are far happier than sad. Cling to your family and to those cherished memories. From what you have written, it is clear that your father was immensely proud of his son.
Godspeed and goodbye Theodore C. Olbermann.
Keith, my heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. My wife and I lost her mother a month ago and I know what you are going through.
I have watched your show all through the elections and this health care fiasco and you along with Rachel Maddow have been shining lights in the wilderness of TV news. You have been absolutely spot on right about health care and I hope you keep up the good fight. Thanks.
Wesley Westmaas
Keith,
My condolences. Your special comment re your dad’s wish to die was unforgettable. May you find a measure of comfort in the memories of both your mom and dad. And know that while your family has grown infinitely smaller, you are still in the embrace of the many of us who admire and respect you.
ge
So sorry for your loss…
Hugs, K.O.
Oh, Keith, I am so sorry to hear that your father has passed away. I knew that you were not hosting your show that and Lawrence was sitting in for you, and that was probably because of your dad. I don’t watch your show every night, but I had seen the special comment you had concerning your father. I know he was having a terrible time with infections, but I was hoping that he would make it. So sorry for your loss. It’s good that you were so close to your father and there for him when he needed you the most.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Keith.
Like many, I have followed along these past many months as you have offered your audience details about your father’s health. In some small way we came to know and admire him through your stories, through your clear and abundant display of love and respect for this man. It is undeniable that he lived by a code of conduct that, in today’s world, often skips by many households. I must say, in my opinion, that one of his greatest accomplishments however, was to raise a son who holds the same attributes, who stands for the same strong beliefs about what is ‘right’ and what is so clearly wrong. As we continue to follow and watch your work Keith, we will be reminded of the greatness of your father……..for he has passed this greatness along.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family. Godspeed and blessings to Theodore C. Olberman.
Catherine Bradford
Like many, I have followed along these past many months as you have offered your audience details about your father’s health. In some small way we came to know and admire him through your stories, through your clear and abundant display of love and respect for this man. It is undeniable that he lived by a code of conduct that, in today’s world, often skips by many households. I must say, in my opinion, that one of his greatest accomplishments however, was to raise a son who holds the same attributes, who stands for the same strong beliefs about what is ‘right’ and what is so clearly wrong. As we continue to follow and watch your work Keith, we will be reminded of the greatness of your father……..for he has passed this greatness along.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family. Godspeed and blessings to Theodore C. Olberman.
Catherine Bradford
Like many, I have followed along these past many months as you have offered your audience details about your father’s health. In some small way we came to know and admire him through your stories, through your clear and abundant display of love and respect for this man. It is undeniable that he lived by a code of conduct that, in today’s world, often skips by many households. I must say, in my opinion, that one of his greatest accomplishments however, was to raise a son who holds the same attributes, who stands for the same strong beliefs about what is ‘right’ and what is so clearly wrong. As we continue to follow and watch your work Keith, we will be reminded of the greatness of your father……..for he has passed this greatness along.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family. Godspeed and blessings to Theodore C. Olberman.
Catherine Bradford
Dear Keith,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father, so soon after the loss of your mother. What wonderful people they must have been to have instilled such honor, intelligence, and courage in their son. I lost my activist mother 16 years ago and my father more recently, on March 22, 2003. My 92-year-old dad died with his boots on at the New York City antiwar demonstration three days after the Shock and Awe campaign began. He was a veteran of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade and of the Army Air Corps, but he was a pacifist at heart. He used to say that the only thing he hated more than war was a bully…and I suspect you feel the same way. The very best thing you can do for your parents, yourself, and your audience is to return to work as soon as possible. Your analysis is pitch-perfect and your indignation is inspiring. You surely will continue to make your parents proud.
Wendy Fisher
Kieth,
Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your humanity with us in this time of such deep personal meaning. Your openness has enriched us all.
Kieth,
Thank you for opening your heart and sharing your humanity with us in this time of such deep personal meaning. Your openness has enriched us all.
keith,
i’m so sorry to hear about the death of your father. you are a good man fighting a good fight and i’m sure your father was very proud of you, as you so obviously were of him. keep fighting the good fight for him, for you, and for us. we’re behind you all the way.
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. I want to let you know that your reporting on your personal experiences with our health care system has served as a continual source of inspiration and a constant call to action in combating the lies of those who take such a deeply personal matter and twist it to score political points.
I know that it must not be easy to pour your heart out to millions of strangers about a matter so deeply personal, but I want to let you know how much it meant to me and your viewers.
Again, my deepest condolences to you and your sister on your father’s passing.
Matt Goldberg
Truly Sorry Keith! I know what it is to lose a father myself.
I know you don’t know me, but I know I am not the only one in this U.S. who would give you and your sister a hug and hope it makes you feel better.
Just know that even us little people in po-dunk towns of Montana watch your show, and I am a better person because you took the time to inform us truthfully about the world! I wish I could thank your father for that!
Keith: I’ve been a devotee of your many years and enjoy your work very much. There is so much I could say about what you add to our household most weeknight, but that the humor and compassion you spread should be returned to you and your loved ones a thousand fold. Your father and mother became all of ours – thank you for sharing such personal matters – with dignity and love. It helped people like me get through the day. Our stories do that for one another. What a charming picture of you and your Dad. You guys are blessed. May he rest in peace.
a fan in Bowling Green, Ohio
My condolences, Keith. I’m sure your father would have been proud of how you have handled his illness and his passing.
When I go, I hope I’m lucky enough to have someone I love reading Thurber to me.
Ted (Theodore C.) Duffield
Mr. Olberman,
Recently my father died, about a year after Mom died. They had been married over 50 years. My father, apparently like yours,
held high standards for himself and actually lived up to them most of the time. If you feel like my siblings and I, you feel like you’ve been orphaned. I think no matter how old you are when your parents die, there is an element of being orphaned in that loss. My sincere condolences. (Is this a bad time to mention that I think you’re really hot and I love it when you are snarky? Nah, it’s probably inappropriate but my only chance to tell you. Sorry…). Your parents did a great job with you, that’s apparent,
and I hope you find comfort in your memories of them.
Thank you for sharing the love, passion and pain you have experienced with your father these last weeks. You have been in my family’s thoughts and prayers daily. I, too, lost my father to a drawn out illness. I hope you find comfort in knowing you are not alone. There is nothing quite like losing your parents, your super heroes in life. God bless you and your sister Keith.
You and your father have been in my thoughts ever since you began talking about his health issues. I have admired your strength in reporting the details as well as organizing health events. I trust that you will find peace after such a great loss.
Jaq Quanbeck
Billings MT
Me too.
I lost my dad in January of 2004, the last time I had seen him alive was at Christmas.
I said something to him that might seem awful, ? I hope you die like grandpa did.?.
But he knew what I meant and agreed that was the way he wanted to go too.
Grandpa asked Grandma when supper would be? That said he was laying down for a short nap.
He never woke up, no suffering just simply stopped living.
WE both got our wish a few days later, but the feeling of real loss did not leave so easily.
I would hear a joke and think I need to remember it and tell dad.
See something on the news and think I wanted to talk to him about it.
He always seemed to have the wisdom of Solemn and the clarity of sight beyond reason.
For father?s day one year I wrote a short called ?Blame my dad!?.
In part:
?If you find me a honest man blame my dad as he taught me how to be honest.
If you find me insightful, blame my dad as he gave me more insight then the eye can see.
It ended with: ?If you find me a good man then blame my dad for he was the one who taught me what being a man is about!?.
Keith, part of the most important job a human being and a parent does is to form and make a person that is worth the title of a ?human being?, you mom and dad accomplished that job well.
I though it was 2004 still feel your loss in me. I still talk to dad, even remember to tell him those jokes I hear. In my words and opinions I can hear his voice, if some one had not met him all they have to do to know him is to hear me. We really do turn into our parents! All and all that is not such a bad thing to be.
Keith, you and your family have my deepest condolences for this great loss. You also have my deepest gratitude for your inspirational devotion to your Dad, and for what you do every day at MSNBC. Your father showed great courage in fighting his disease, just as you show great courage through your journalism and commentary. I feel a sense of both personal and public loss because of his death.
Our condolences Keith—a small tribute over at http://www.adgitadiaries.blog-city.com
Peace, MandT
Keith,
I am so sorry to learn of the death of your father. You have my deepest sympathies. It is evident to all that you are a kind and decent person, and I would venture to think that in many ways this can be attributed to the love that both you and your father shared.
Please know how much you are appreciated and how much you are cared for. You have done so very much with your show, your wit, and your humor. I pray that you will find the strength to go on. Until then, take care of yourself and your family during this time of bereavement. Ellar
Dear Keith, As a daily MSNBC viewer, I and many have followed your “death watch” for your beloved father with sadness and admiration. I lost my own father about six years ago, and, like you, I thought he was King of the World. We get only father, and I wish that all fathers were as loved as yours and all sons as devoted.
I also want to thank you for making this occasion a chance to tell Americans about the health care crisis in the country. I am sure that you must have changed the minds and hearts of more than one in your impassioned pleas for Congress to do the right thing.
Know that you and your family will be in my prayers. God bless you, and keep up the good fight.
Sr. Rita Yeasted, Pittsburgh, PA
sorry about your dad dude.
Keith,
My sincere condolences to you and your sister for losing your beloved father.
You took us along on your father’s journey and did it with grace. You also reached out to others in your crusade to wake everyone up about our health care system.
We need your voice to continue speaking out loud and clear. You know your parents were proud of you for being such a good son. Your dad will be missed by all of us thanks to you for letting us learn about him.
We look forward to your return when you’re ready.
Sheryl Letzgus McGinnis
PS: It was my own dad, recently deceased, who had introduced me to Countdown, for which I’ll always be grateful.
Keith,
I have been thinking of you as you have gone through the final months of your dad’s life. I was in a similar position last fall as I advocated for my mom (I was her health proxy and POA). She died on December 3, 2009, in hospice care. Like you I had advanced directives in the form of a living will, and it made things so much easier on me. Thank you for sharing your experience. I found it very validating, and I’m sure you have helped many people by being so open about your experiences. Your dad was so fortunate to have a son on whom he could rely, for his health care decisions and even the reading of the James Thurber stories.
My husband and I watch Countdown every night, and I truly believe your special comments have saved our sanity. Your mom and dad must have been so proud. Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father.
Marilyn
I am so sorry to hear about your father. I lost mine almost a year ago and I think I will always mourn his loss and miss him. Your father must have been so proud of you and the work you do. I don’t even know you and I am proud. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Heartfelt sorrow grips me today as I learn of your dad’s passing. I have been listening to your special comments about the agonies you and your family have suffered over the last months. I ached along with you as you explained the trials of your dad’s illness and pain, and your pain as well. My prayers are for your dad – that he now can rest in peace, and for you and your family as you struggle to make sense of everything you’ve recently been through. I thank you also for your brilliance; you keep me captivated as you speak nightly with sincere passion for justice for our people in this country and as well for all those in need. God bless you, Keith, God bless your family. Be well.
Sandra Lindquist
Mr. Olbermann,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. I loss my Dad 20 years ago, and there isn’t a day I don’t think about him. May memories of your father comfort you and your sister in the difficult days ahead.
Kindest regards,
James Reaves
Keith,
My deepest sympathies to you and your sister for the loss of your Father. I too know the pain of losing one’s Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
I know that both your Mother and your Father were VERY proud of their son.
Yours,
Stephen in Austin
Heartfelt sorrow grips me today as I learn of your dad’s passing. I have been listening to your special comments about the agonies you and your family have suffered over the last months. I ached along with you as you explained the trials of your dad’s illness and pain, and your pain as well. My prayers are for your dad – that he now can rest in peace, and for you and your family as you struggle to make sense of everything you’ve recently been through. I thank you also for your brilliance; you keep me captivated as you speak nightly with sincere passion for justice for our people in this country and as well for all those in need. God bless you, Keith, God bless your family. Be well.
Sandi Lindquist
Mr. Keith Olbermann:
Please accept my deep sympathy over the death of your father. I send you strength for the days ahead. He must have been a great man — he taught you to speak truth to power, to admit it if you have made a mistake, and the handle power and adulation with both grace and responsibilty.
The news world is downright lucky to have you, and clearly you were lucky to have this man as your father. Sending you prayers, strength, and much goodwill at this time in you rlife.
-a longtime watcher of you on television
My deepest sympathies. The courage you have shown in helping your dad during these many months is matched only by his own courage in hanging tough against a foe that cannot be defeated.
I lost my dad thirty years ago. To this day, things come up and I wonder, “What would my dad think of this?” In time, the hurt heals. The memories, however, are there forever.
My deepest sympathies. The courage you have shown in helping your dad during these many months is matched only by his own courage in hanging tough against a foe that cannot be defeated.
I lost my dad thirty years ago. To this day, things come up and I wonder, “What would my dad think of this?” In time, the hurt heals. The memories, however, are there forever.
I am so sorry to hear this, Keith, especially coming so soon after your mother’s death. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing how proud you made both of them. My heartfelt condolences to you and your sister.
Best,
Martin Snapp
Hey Keith…having lost my father at a much younger age, I know sorry isn’t a word that helps right now.
Know there are a lot of people in your corner and we hope baseball can be even a small distraction that’ll give you some joy in this difficult time.
Hi Keith,
Jesus said: “I am my Father’s son!” May God bless you and your family.
Mike Nichols
Nashville, TN
Thank you for chronicling your father’s struggles with such passion and yet journalistic professionalism. You have done a great service by shedding light on the end-of-life challenges and decisions we all must face. I lost my wife a few years ago to an epic battle against Lupus and experienced many of the same ethical and medical decisions.
The dignity of life and death cannot be separated. Thank you for sharing your private experience with the nation so generously.
So sorry for your loss, Keith. How great you shared such a life together. Thank you for sharing it with your viewers as a human and as someone who wants better health care for all. I hope your memories give you strength.
Keith,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I know he was your hero, and you were his. You are also my hero. Keep on telling it like it is. Can’t wait to have you back on the air.
Don Kraycik
Tulsa, OK
Kieth,
Please accept my deep sense of sorrow the passing away of you dad.
Mir Khan
Keith,
Sorry to hear about your father. I still felt the need to write my own father years after he’d passed on. And, in a way, I believe he’s still out there observing what we do in some fashion.
Claude Hall
http://www.claudehallonline.com
Keith, when we first saw you on MSNBC, to us you were just another “typical-American TV talking head.” But soon, after listening to you regularly, we realized that you are a lot like those Americans I would meet as a kid in the refugee camps accross post-WWII Europe who would give us reassuring momentary attention, long term comfort with their kindness and a memorable candy bar. So I always wanted to know who you Americans are. Your mom’s demise and now your dad’s have made you a member of our family as we all wish we could reach through the screen and hold you to comfort you. Now you are, as we used to say in Europe, an orphan. Everything your parents believed in has been passed onto you and at a time when America looks more “broken” than ever. We may not all agree with all your views but one thing we all share is warmth towards you and gratitude for your reviving of our hope in America’s Americans. Perhaps in praying to God that your dad&mom be given special attention we have one good reason: THEY RAISED A GOOD AMERICAN, caring, courageous and informed. I’m a bit older than you and quite despondent since surviving 9/11 at the World Trade Center. But you have given me hope in my kids’ generation of Americans. I came half way around the world to be an American by choice, not chance, and was despaired when my Americans kids wanted to trace backwards my path because they didn’t want my grandkids raised in Bush-it America. Well, they stayed and fought….the fight still goes on, I guess as much (if not more) for you as for them.
I’ll never understand your love of baseball, nor your aversion to math and science. But I do appreciate your moral outrage and certainly your grief as I went through the same thing myself in losing my hero, my dad. No, none of our parents were perfect but they were the Granite Mountain on which stood our youthful hopes for the future.
My grief and my unity of spirit is with you, even if “spirit” to you is only the way wireless TV broadcasts reassemble in the living room TV, making it as if you are there with us. Knowing your pain, I will long share your grief as I watch you on TV and will be an ever loyal fan of your courage. Every once in a while, when you again and again say some “bon mot” to the point, I will look up and say: thank you Mr&Mrs. Olbermann for raising such a fine American who can give us old guys hope and courage when we need it most. God bless your parents and you; I’m sure He will!
DE Teodoru
Keith,
Sorry to hear about your father. I still felt the need to write my own father years after he’d passed on. And, in a way, I believe he’s still out there observing what we do in some fashion.
Claude Hall
http://www.claudehallonline.com
Keith and family-
My profoundest of condolences to you all at such a painful time. I hope you will find peace in your father’s passing and continued inspiration that his life has been for you. I know that you will keep his–and your mother’s–spirits alive as lights in your life. They are both the “Best Persons In The World” today (and always!)
Thank you for having the courage to put a personal face on a topic that is universally-difficult, the facing of end-of-life issues. The suggestion of carrying “living will” instructions with you, as one would a driver’s license or library card, was BRILLIANT and another of the incredible facts I’ve learned from you.
If you/your family has a particular preference as to where a donation might be made in your father’s name, please let us know.
tew
Blessings on you and your family, Keith. Such a difficult thing…I’ve been there. You almost seem like ‘family’ to me and many many others. So, it was very saddening to read about your Father passing… I wish you comfort and good memories. Breath deep and ..please continue with your absolutely necessary good work. He must have been so proud of you.
Sincerely,
Sam Ross
Blessings on you and your family, Keith. Such a difficult thing…I’ve been there. You almost seem like ‘family’ to me and many many others. So, it was very saddening to read about your Father passing… I wish you comfort and good memories. Breath deep and ..please continue with your absolutely necessary good work. He must have been so proud of you.
Sincerely,
Sam Ross
Keith,
I wish you the best through these tough times. You are showing great strength in the face of adversity.
My deepest condolences.
-Jason
Dear Keith,
Forgive my unearned familiarity by using your first name, but your show, your courage, your willingness to speak the truth so eloquently, have made me part of your Countdown family. After I downgraded my cable service to save money, I immediately subscribed to your iTunes podcast and never miss a show, as it gives me hope that there are still good men, and women, who will stand and be heard on behalf of the greater good.
This is the legacy that your beloved father left to us, your extended family of thousands of unknown but caring and connected strangers, united in our admiration, and love, of your work, your character.
Having let us into your very personal, heartwrenching moments with both of your parents’ passings, especially that of your father, has been a gift, through you, that is also part of their legacies.
I had hoped so very much that your father was going to get through this, but as you appeared on the show with updates & comments, I knew in my heart that it was not to be. It was truly enlightening though, to experience, albeit vicariously, the final journey you and your father were taking together. It will serve me, and many, many others, well as an example of the realities of end of life caring and ultimate love. I can only hope my daughters show the same level of compassion and courage for me when it is my time.
My heart and deepest sympathies are with you and your family in this time of profound loss and bereavement.
From CA, with love & gratitude.
Keith, I was so sorry to read that your father has lost his hard fought battle. I know he enjoyed having you by his side during his finall days, reading poems to him which you know he enjoyed hearing. My wonderful father passed away several years ago after lingering for weeks, and I know how difficult it is to make necessary decisions even when there are written instructions. I have enjoyed hearing your comments.
Jan Kossman
a faithful watcher of your show.
303-908-9220
jkoncherry@aol.com
To the Olbermann Family, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved father. Keith, the dignity and passion you have shared with us, your viewers, throughout this intensely personal saga has been both a joyous psalm in honor of your father and a PhD course on Healthcare Delivery in America.
Holding you and your family with warmth and respect.
LK Paradise
Key West, Florida
Just learned about the death of your beloved father, Keith. My heart-felt compassion for losing this wonderful man, and my sincere respect for your courageous and truthful personal sharings of your love, support and understanding about your father’s letgo, especially at this time of public political controversy and confusion about the final stages of life. You have given us great insight and encouragement to face the challenge of death and support the process of dying with dignity! Thank you so much for your service to truth. — A fellow traveler in Germany… HM
Keith–
I’m on the verge of tears. My deepest condolences to you and your sister.
It was clear you had a wonderful father. Sharing your story with us, one thing became abundantly clear to me: YOU WERE ONE HELLUVA OF A SON. I hope that gives you some comfort in the rough days ahead.
Sincerely,
Sally Morita
Keith,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family in the loss of your father. I know the pain you are going through as I too lost my father a few years ago. In reading your blog I learned one of your father’s favorite Yankees was Steve Souchock. My father grew up with Steve in Yatesboro, PA, a small W PA town. Keep up the good work, you made your father proud. God bless you and your family.
Vic
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and to your sister. Keep up the good work on Countdown. We need more guys and gals like you!
Keith,
Your strength and compassion have been an inspiration to me and I hope I can follow your lead with the care of my elderly mother. Your father sounds like a wonderful man and you both were so fortunate to have such a close bond.
Know that we’re thinking of you at this time and always.
Shayne
Keith, so sorry that his long hospital stay had to end like this.
But you have had 2 wonderful parents, and a happy life with them, that is obvious. And they created a wonderful son who has had the courage and conviction to stand up to the theft of our government by a bunch of right-wing criminals, even when you did not feel safe doing so. And you spoke for all of us, when you were alone and it was not popular to do so. What you are reflects on your wonderful parents…………you will miss him terribly, but you must thank them every day.
So sad for you. I think about you and your dad and how you are an example of families working to handle life situations which are inevitable, but for which they are never completely prepared. Keep on doing what you are doing for everyone who has a health care issue. This country desperately needs national health care.
Our deepest condolences go out to you, Mr. Olbermann.
I can only imagine what you and your sister meant to your dad. How could he have been any prouder with such a successful, honorable, and loving son who, with sister, remained alongside through his final breath.
May he live on in your memory…
Keith:
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I have listened to your comments about your Dad via your program on MSNBC and have been impressed with how you have handled his situation with such love, care and dignity. He did, also. Oh that we can all leave this earth in the same way.
Thank you for trusting us with these very personal issues at this time.
Gretchen Taylor
San Mateo, CA
Dear Keith,
Praying you and your family are somehow able to deal with your loss a little easier knowing there are thousands of people that care for you and share your pain. Your mother and father indeed could be very proud of the fine son they raised. Thank you for the great job you do looking out for us. I will be glad to see you when you are able to get back to your show. Keep up the good work Keith, we love you, and God bless.
Keith!
You have been a Champion for all of us- in Health Care, in Decency, in vivid and Timeless Commentary and in Common sense. And a great and devoted son to your father.
Someday I’d like to think both you and your Father will hear the words… “well done, my good and faithful servants”.
Dear Keith and Family,
And so the number of saints above is increased by one, leaving behind an empty space that will never be filled except through the gift of memory. We celebrate with you your beloved father?s life and the many lives he touched.
May you miss him deeply, forgive him often, and always claim the best of him in you. Our sympathies, thoughts, and prayers remain with you in your grief even as you reflect on the promises of God to provide a reunion in heaven.
Warm and cordial personal greetings, Drs. Dan & Liz Bruch
Hi Keith, just weighing in with empathy toward you and the family. I watch the program and check “BN” religiously. I’m sure your Father was very proud of you. Let’s get Kaat and Tiant into the HOF! TR
Terribly sorry for your loss, Keith… I lost my dad about 12 and 1/2 years ago… It certainly was as difficult a time for me as any I’ve ever had to go through. May God Bless You, and may God bless the memory of your beloved father!
“You never lose the one you love, if you always love the one you lose…”
Rabbi Paul Steven Reis, 1947-1997
My Condolences, Keith. I know how important my dad remains to me to this day. You sent him off well.
Mike Powers
Keith so sorry,about your dad,but now he will be with your mom.I miss you.but take your time. Go out to see the Yankees.in honor of your parents. artith bond
Keith, As so many of us know the great pain you are suffering, I join them in sending you, your sister and her family our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father.
May you find peace in the coming days.
Lola Parsons
Keith, I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, lost my father about 12 and 1/2 years ago. It was one of the toughest times of my life.
One thing that helped get me through it was a quote from my father, Rabbi Paul Stephen Reis (ZT”L), one that I hope will be helpful to you in your time of need.
“You never lose the one you love, if you always love the one you lose…”
I know how much you loved your father. May his memory be for a blessing. And may you continue to fight the good fight in his blessed memory.
I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory provide comfort and peace to you, your family, and the friends left behind.
You have been a voice for thousands of frustrated people. Thank you, and know that those people are thinking of you and mourning with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory provide comfort and peace to you, your family, and the friends left behind.
You have been a voice for thousands of frustrated people. Thank you, and know that those people are thinking of you and mourning with you.
Keith,
I mourn your loss, and I share with you the gravity, the weight of that absence. There’s no pain quite like it. When my father died ? on my birthday in 2000 ? I seemed to see him everywhere; the daily conversations I heard were edited and amplified by my mind’s consideration of what he would have said about this and that. There’s supposed to be an element of the anodyne at moments like these: his passing was part of “the natural order of things,” the thinking goes. Which does nothing to ease what you are going through now.
You were fortunate in having a father who communicated his love of baseball. We share this as well. In 1966, at the age of 11, I was gifted with a Ted Williams Signature Model fielder’s glove, which my dad ordered from a Sears catalog for maybe $8. I have that glove today; it’s bruised and battered and looks like hell. But I’m a few weeks away from playing catch with it, once again, as I did with my old man in what was, in retrospect, the happiest time I’ve ever known.
Your parents, and especially your dad, hard-wired you to a game, a tradition and a reservoir of the national identity. You were born in America, but your father, imparting his love of baseball to you, helped make you an American. Like my dad did for me. That is indelible.
Stay strong, bruh. Get your arm loose. Opening Day is right around the corner. And he’ll be there. Sure as the first pitch, the first hit, the first home run … he’ll be there.
Michael E. Ross
Seattle
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Keith. We lost my dad just a few weeks ago to prostate cancer. He was a fighter for the last year, but he knew when he needed to let go. His instructions to us were clear, as I know your dad’s were to you. I was incredibly moved by your recent commentaries on Countdown about your dad, and your eloquence helped me through these past few, very difficult weeks. Thank you for sharing, and may your dad’s love continue to shine in your heart.
Lisa
Modesto, CA
Keith, you are an excellent son of your father. I have sincerely admired your work over the years. May the gentle soul of your beloved Dad rest in perfect peace. Amen!
My sincere sympathy goes to the whole family. God loves you all, and so do I.
Keith, I am so sorry about your beloved Dad’s passing. I watch you faithfully on count down. I have followed also, as so many others ,as you updated us on your Dad. I have such respect for you that you are so caring about people that are less fortunate than you. You are there voice! This is rare today in the media.
My heart goes out to you and your family. It will be hard, but you will find the strenght. I never knew my Dad, he died when I was three weaks old, but I lost my mother a few years ago. She was an angel on earth. She raised 8 children by herself. She was one of the people you were talking about that could not afford Health insurance, but as her kids became adults she did not want for anything, she lived to be 94. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith, I hope that you and your family find comfort your memories and shared love of your father during in this mournful time. Your compassion for your father, your passion in sharing it with all has been admirable. Thanks to your father for living life fully, thanks to you for sharing unselfishly. God bless.
Keith, I hope that you and your family find comfort your memories and shared love of your father during in this mournful time. Your compassion for your father, your passion in sharing it with all has been admirable. Thanks to your father for living life fully, thanks to you for sharing unselfishly. God bless.
Feeling very empty right now, Keith. My heart aches for you.
You have so many wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing some of them with us, your fans. And best of all, you have — and will always have — the warmth of your dad’s love.
God bless you and your family. May your beloved dad rest in peace with your mom.
Mitchell Rothlein
Brooklyn
You have my condolences, Mr. Olbermann. I wish I had more to say than that but – from losing a father to lung and brain cancer – I just don’t think anything I could say could make things any easier for you. Though I wish I could. Stay strong and look to the future. For somewhere in that future your dad and mom, are waiting for you.
Take Care,
Vincent
Dear Keith
My Mother passed 3 months ago at the age of 98. i was grateful to have her for as long as i did. To the end our parents were an inspiration for their faith, love, devotion and courage. my love to you and your family.
ron muntean
Dear Keith
My Mother passed 3 months ago at the age of 98. i was grateful to have her for as long as i did. To the end our parents were an inspiration for their faith, love, devotion and courage. my love to you and your family.
ron muntean
I’m sorry, Keith. I appreciate you keeping us all posted. I’m certain that we will continue to hear him with the moral imperative that guides your principles and mission. My thanks to him for that. Your own, Dan
Have thought about you often and wondered how your dad was doing (and your family) while watching Countdown the last few weeks. You have my sincerest condolences. May the memory of your father bring you comfort.
Take care,
Lisa
I’m sorry, Keith. I appreciate you keeping us all posted. I’m certain that we will continue to hear him with the moral imperative that guides your principles and mission. My thanks to him for that.
My condolences to you and your family, Keith Olbermann.
You are never alone, brother. You’re blessed simply by having the power and the ability to properly remember your father’s legacy
I’m sorry, Keith. I appreciate you keeping us all posted. I’m certain that we will continue to hear him with the moral imperative that guides your principles and mission. My thanks to him for that.
Keith, I am one of the many who have been taking this very emotional journey with you as you and your father faced his last months. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your sister at this most difficult time. Thanks for always sharing so much of your life and family , and always being an authentic person to us, your fans. Your parents must have been wonderful people because you surely are a testiment to their values and moral compass! Take care, and be well…………come back to us when the time is right, O.K.?…….we miss you like crazy!
b.j. in Oregon
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your parents did an amazing job with you and of course they must have been very proud to have a son like you. I know how much you will miss them. My father passed away a few months ago, and sometimes it is difficult to believe even now.
Take care of yourself. You remain in my thoughts.
Deborah
Keith,
I have always admired you professionally, and watch Countdown nightly.
Now, I have even more admiration for you personally. You have handled your dad’s illness and passing with grace, compassion, and (when necessary) with passionate anger.
My thoughts go out to you and your sister: no matter what age, it’s hard to all of a sudden become an orphan.
Dear Keith,
My husband and I watch you every night. You are part of our family. We have had your dad, you and your family in our hearts and minds. We are so sorry to hear this sad news. My husband lost his father in September of terminal cancer. I am with my mother at this moment who is in her last days with terminal cancer. When I heard you speaking about what you and your family were going through, it really hit home. Please take comfort in the fact that he is not suffering any more. Really can’t wait to see you so life can feel a little normal again. Bianca
Dear Keith,
When i look at the picture of you as a boy with your dad, you look so much like him, and it’s obvious that his values are instilled in you as well – through and through! Believe that he lives on in you, in your caring heart, and in your thoughts, and in some space i believe he is with your mom again, holding her close once more. I lost my beloved dad, who was a hero to me, five years ago, and i miss him still. I still talk to him, whenever i’m missing him, and in some way i believe those words reach him somewhere. I know you’ll continue to make him proud: your courage and integrity are surely inspirational! It’s because of you in part (as well as Rachel, who i know you promoted tirelessly as a commentator) that i have gotten back into activism, even though my MS has put me on crutches. I will not let that stop me! It is my intention to work for the good of all those of us who are dismissed by the “corporate giants” as not worthy of consideration, or valuation. I will “fight the good fight” for the same principles that we all hold dear!
Keep on being who you are!
Peace and Blessings, Rylin Hansen
Keith, you and your family are a true class act…my heart goes out to you, and thanks for letting us in…Tony T in San Diego
I wouldn’t miss your show, Keith, so your losing your father is almost like losing a family member of my own. Hearing you tell his stoyr reminded me of when I lost my own father to pancreatic cancer in 2000. Just know that you’re in our thoughts.
Keith,
I’m so proud to see children caring for their parents like you and your sister did with your parents. Condolences to you and your sister. For the last few weeks we knew that things were not going to well, when we did not see you on Count Down. Be strong! We need you back on Count Down. Lawrence did an outstanding job, however, we want you back. I am sure your Dad and your Mom were proud of all you’re doing! Keep up the good work! May you continue with your fine work on reporting. It appears that you are the only person that is fighting for the little guy. Wishing you well!
Ray
Keith,
I’m so proud to see children caring for their parents like you and your sister did with your parents. Condolences to you and your sister. For the last few weeks we knew that things were not going to well, when we did not see you on Count Down. Be strong! We need you back on Count Down. Lawrence did an outstanding job, however, we want you back. I am sure your Dad and your Mom were proud of all you’re doing! Keep up the good work! May you continue with your fine work on reporting. It appears that you are the only person that is fighting for the little guy. Wishing you well!
Ray
Keith,
I lost my beloved father when I was only 23 so you have my sympathy and I envy you your years with your father. Thank you for sharing this journey with us all and giving us your perspective on the relevance to the health care reform debate. You sir, are my hero, and I appreciate your show more than words can say. Thank you for standing up for those who often feel we have no voice and few champions. You are in a league of your own and I am very grateful that your devotion to baseball also allows for your devotion to the true American ideals I also value. My sincere sympathy for your loss and my deepest thanks for all you do for us.
Dear Keith,
Following your dad’s health problems on Countdown has made you both feel like members of my own family. My heartfelt condolences to you on your great loss.
John Duvall
San Rafael, CA
Keith,
You and your sister’s love and support for your Father during his illness has been inspirational. Ye are testament to a good and caring upbringing. I offer my condolences to you, your sister and your wide circle of friends whom knew your parents well. God bless ye during this sad period of your lives. Hold firmly on to those special memories when ye reach back in time and it will be like as if they never left.
Yours sincerly
Patrick Fulham
Ireland.
Your father was an amazing man. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you right now. I lost my mother last year and it is such a difficult journey. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your support and dedication to and for your father this past year warmed my heart and gave me hope that senior issues could be properly addressed in this nation – and that honesty and respect could return to the public discourse about health care. I have spent the better part of five years dealing with hospitals, nursing homes and social workers as I tried to improve my mother’s life and care and I can only imagine all you have done for your Dad – the love in your eyes and your voice as you spoke of him on your show, the wisdom you shared from your experiences, and the fight you won’t give up in his name all mean so much. What you have shared here about your father’s life here is so special. Stay strong, take care of yourself and know that many of us are thinking of you right now with love and admiration.
Hey, I don’t know if one more comment matters after the 900 you’ve already gotten. But I lost my grandma to cancer earlier this year and my mom from cancer in 1997 (two day before Christmas) and would just like to offer my condolences and sympathies. Hope to see you back on TV soon, but take the time you need.
I watch Countdown every night & when I can’t watch I record it. I’ve followed your father’s story as often as you’ve shared it with us and held my breath in the hopes that you were just taking time off to be with him and not saying goodbye everytime you were absent from your show.
I really believe that your father was just as lucky to have you as his son as you were to have him as your father.
I’m sorry for the loss of both of your parents in such a short time.
I watch Countdown every night & when I can’t watch I record it. I’ve followed your father’s story as often as you’ve shared it with us and held my breath in the hopes that you were just taking time off to be with him and not saying goodbye everytime you were absent from your show.
I really believe that your father was just as lucky to have you as his son as you were to have him as your father.
I’m sorry for the loss of both of your parents in such a short time.
I watch Countdown every night & when I can’t watch I record it. I’ve followed your father’s story as often as you’ve shared it with us and held my breath in the hopes that you were just taking time off to be with him and not saying goodbye everytime you were absent from your show.
I really believe that your father was just as lucky to have you as his son as you were to have him as your father.
I’m sorry for the loss of both of your parents in such a short time.
I watch Countdown every night & when I can’t watch I record it. I’ve followed your father’s story as often as you’ve shared it with us and held my breath in the hopes that you were just taking time off to be with him and not saying goodbye everytime you were absent from your show.
I really believe that your father was just as lucky to have you as his son as you were to have him as your father.
I’m sorry for the loss of both of your parents in such a short time.
I watch Countdown every night & when I can’t watch I record it. I’ve followed your father’s story as often as you’ve shared it with us and held my breath in the hopes that you were just taking time off to be with him and not saying goodbye everytime you were absent from your show.
I really believe that your father was just as lucky to have you as his son as you were to have him as your father.
I’m sorry for the loss of both of your parents in such a short time.
I watch Countdown every night & when I can’t watch I record it. I’ve followed your father’s story as often as you’ve shared it with us and held my breath in the hopes that you were just taking time off to be with him and not saying goodbye everytime you were absent from your show.
I really believe that your father was just as lucky to have you as his son as you were to have him as your father.
I’m sorry for the loss of both of your parents in such a short time.
I watch Countdown every night & when I can’t watch I record it. I’ve followed your father’s story as often as you’ve shared it with us and held my breath in the hopes that you were just taking time off to be with him and not saying goodbye everytime you were absent from your show.
I really believe that your father was just as lucky to have you as his son as you were to have him as your father.
I’m sorry for the loss of both of your parents in such a short time.
Keith I am deeply sad to hear the news that your Dad passed away. I still feel the pain for having lost my sister, last December, to colon cancer. I can say to you that we learn to live with the pain but it never goes away.
I admire you for your strenght and professionalism.
Thank you.
Dear Keith,
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of sorrow. Your father, you and your family fought the hard fight. It’s been 21 years since I went through critical health issues with my father. Thank the Lord, he had excellent health benefits and received outstanding care for the eight months he was ill before he passed away. My hope is that we will win this health care battle, so everyone can have excellent health benefits. I watch Countdown every night and appreciate the thought and care you bring to the progressive issues of the day, week, month and year. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Susan Jackson
My wife and my thoughts go out to you and your family. My wife recently lost her father to cancer so we sympathize with the kind of emotional difficulties you must be going through. I hope the approaching season brings smiles and fond memories in place of the grief you experience now.
Kind Regards,
Alex and Jessica
My sincerest, deepest condolences to you and your sister, Keith. I’ve lost both my parents as well and I know the pain only subsides a bit-it never really goes away.
Your father was a good man and you have made him proud. You are a hero to me and to all of us who yearn for justice and truth. Thank you for all you do–your family is in my prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father passing. You were a good son to both parents and I sure they were so proud of you. Please give yourself time to grieve. This is something that helps me I read this everday. In God’s Plan, Every Life is Long Enough. God Bless you and your family.
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
Our deepest condolences for your family’s loss. I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you. Please know that your family is in our family’s thoughts and prayers in your time of sorrow.
The Koch Family
Fort Worth, Texas
(See? Even Republicans can be nice!)
My condolences as well. While it’s sad and unfortunate
to lose a parent at any age, as with my mother, at age 82, yet she saw me grow up and become an adult and saw me go through a lot of my life. My father, on the other hand, died when I was 7, and never saw me after I was a little kid. It is hard, and a shame, to lose a parent at an advanced age, when you’re an adult when you’re in your forties and fifties, but I consider it exteremely tragic indeed, to lose a parent as a small child. In hope you find comfort that your father saw your success and the many good things you have done for all Americans and Canadians like me.
Keith, I have been following the story of your Dad these last months and it was almost like I knew him.
My condolences are with you and your sister in this time of difficulty.
Imagine All the People Living Life in Peace.
– John Lennon
God speed to your Dad!!!
We miss you on Countdown.
Cheryl Dexter
Please know that you have our heartfelt sympathy. My husband and I have lost our parents and recently lost an aunt of mine who had lived with us for nearly 10 years. We. as Democrats, truly do value life and the dignity that is owed to all people. You deliver that message in a human way, and we can only hope that some people might “get it”.
We have been blessed by your willingness to open up your dad’s plight to all of us. Although we certainly don’t know you in a personal sense, we feel proud to know the person you are. Your parents had to have done something right.
Be comforted in knowing you followed his wishes and you were there for him in his greatest hour of need.
God bless you and your family.
Dear Keith,
I’d like to offer my condolences on the loss of your father….and thank you for everything you’ve done to help bring the healthcare crisis to the US. May you find some peace knowing that your parents are back together again.
Sincerely,
Kay Jenson – Madison, WI
Keith, although my husband & I missed watching you these pass weeks, I admire that you stayed by your dads side and gave him as much of your time as you could…there isn’t a better tribute that a son can give.
Peace to you & your family,
Susan in FL.
I want to thank you for your comment on where are the people of color at the tea parties. I know your father must have had a hand in who you have become. I contacted many of my Sundance family and last night there were many of us that raised Pipes and offered smoke for your father. I thank you so much for reminding us of the need for Health Care Reform.
May the gitchii manidoo watch over you and your family and find the fire for your father.
Keith, my deepest condolences on the passing of your father, and belatedly, your mother as well. Our parents hold unique places in our lives, in that they’re our greatest fans, and also our singular heroes.
My mom, Lillian, died on Jan. 19, 2009, one day before Pees. Obama took office. As an African-American, you can imagine how my emotions were then. So I know what it’s like to lose a parent you so deeply loved and cherished.
I am a committed fan of your work and program (love Rachel too). Please continue the excellence both your beloved mother and father were so proud of.
God bless.
Keith, You did everything right under very tough and emotional circumstances. Even thinking of us, to express the importance of life panels in the midst of your most dificult time. You are a very kind, brave and strong person and no wonder – you had such great parents.
Many Blessings,
Joyce
We love you, Keith. All our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We’re with you, friend.
Terence J. Miles
Sutherland, Iowa (Steve King Country)
Keith, You did everything right under very tough and emotional circumstances. Even thinking of us, to express the importance of life panels in the midst of your most dificult time. You are a very kind, brave and strong person and no wonder – you had such great parents.
Many Blessings,
Joyce
Keith, You did everything right under very tough and emotional circumstances. Even thinking of us, to express the importance of life panels in the midst of your most dificult time. You are a very kind, brave and strong person and no wonder – you had such great parents.
Many Blessings,
Joyce
Keith, You did everything right under very tough and emotional circumstances. Even thinking of us, to express the importance of life panels in the midst of your most dificult time. You are a very kind, brave and strong person and no wonder – you had such great parents.
Many Blessings,
Joyce
Sorry about the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Keith and family: Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. From your various comments about him, we knew he was a great man and a wonderful human being, full of the love of life. It is obvious that you are the apple that has not fallen far from the tree. Our thoughts are with you. Debora and Michael, Indiana
Keith, You did every thing right in the midst of a very tough and emotional time. Even thinking of us, explaining the importance of life panels while experiencing your own difficulties. You are a very kind, brave and strong person and no wonder – you had such great parents! They will always be a part of you where ever you go.
Many Blessings,
Joyce
Keith, You did every thing right in the midst of a very tough and emotional time. Even thinking of us, explaining the importance of life panels while experiencing your own difficulties. You are a very kind, brave and strong person and no wonder – you had such great parents! They will always be a part of you where ever you go.
Many Blessings,
Joyce
Keith, You did every thing right in the midst of a very tough and emotional time. Even thinking of us, explaining the importance of life panels while experiencing your own difficulties. You are a very kind, brave and strong person and no wonder – you had such great parents! They will always be a part of you where ever you go.
Many Blessings,
Joyce
Keith, You did every thing right in the midst of a very tough and emotional time. Even thinking of us, explaining the importance of life panels while experiencing your own difficulties. You are a very kind, brave and strong person and no wonder – you had such great parents! They will always be a part of you where ever you go.
Many Blessings,
Joyce
Keith, You did every thing right in the midst of a very tough and emotional time. Even thinking of us, explaining the importance of life panels while experiencing your own difficulties. You are a very kind, brave and strong person and no wonder – you had such great parents! They will always be a part of you where ever you go.
Many Blessings,
Joyce
Your father left you with such a gift. You’ve been blessed. At least you have so many wonderful memories of him but at this time the pain was be astounding. You have touched so many, most especially in health care. I’d like to convey my most heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. You and Jenna reading that story to him made my eyes well up with tears. God bless you all.
Keith,
Sorry to hear about your loss. But thanks for sharing your father’s experience with all of us and teaching us how to manage our love one’s passing, as well as prepare for the inevitable.
Best wishes!
Keith,
Sorry to hear about your loss. But thanks for sharing your father’s experience with all of us and teaching us how to manage our love one’s passing, as well as prepare for the inevitable.
Best wishes!
Deepest condolences to you and your family. The measure of a man is the legacy he leaves behind. You dad has left quite a legacy. Thank you for sharing the journey.
Keith, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your sister. You did all you could to comfort your dad in his last days. Obviously, he was very proud of you, the spirit of which will be with you as you forge ahead doing what you do so well. And thank you for Countdown, and for your encouragement of your now colleague Rachel Maddow. Rest now, knowing that you have been most fortunate to have known the love of a wonderful dad.
Perry
Keith
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father. My husband and I watch your show faithfully every evening. Thank you for your commentary on living wills — the message is so important. I lost my father in May of 2002. Daddy did not have a living will, so the decision on what types of care he would (or would not) receive fell to his loving wife and my sisters and I. We would have been greatly comforted to have his wishes written down so we could have followed his wishes. My mother died five short months later. Keep up the good work. You will be comforted in future months by your wonderful memories of your remarkable parents. God bless you and your family. Sandy from Colorado
Keith…I just wanted to add by condolences to you and your loved ones at the passing of your father.
Both of my parents are about the same age your Dad was at his passing….and you have walked that path that I inevitably shall sometime in the future.
The dignity and and compassion in which you’ve conducted yourself all these weeks while in the public eye has been an inspiration and a model for me to draw on when those days come. And for that, I’ll always be in your debt.
Good night….and God bless.
Mr. Olbermann,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones in this sad time. Your father was such a wonderful man and it shows in how he supported you. Thank you for sharing him with us.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. I know that I am one of thousands of people that will either post or express in some way their sympathies to you and your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. I know that I am one of thousands of people that will either post or express in some way their sympathies to you and your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
So sorry to hear it, though it was not an easy passing. You did well by them both. You and yours are in my thoughts.
Keith
So sorry to hear about your loss. Please extend my condolences to your sister Jenna as well. It is difficult losing anyone in your life but you and your sister did everything right. You should be comforted that you did everything you could for your father, but most of all loved him and were with him to provide whatever comfort you could to see him onto his next journey. RIP Theodore C Olberman.
Keith (to hell with formality, you’ve been an honorary member of our family for years, whether you knew it or not, so by rights I get to call you “Keith”), I can only echo what pretty much all 900 commenters have said — I’m so sorry … through your stories over the years, & especially lately, you’ve made your father seem so very real it’s as if he’s a member of all our families. We can’t experience his loss as deeply as you & your sister & the rest of your family do, but I know that I, as well as thousands of others, feel his loss very keenly.
I hope your spirits are in some small way buoyed by all the posts here — Keith, just look at how much you and your dad are loved!
But I’m mainly here to reach other commenters here …
about an hour ago, Newsweek’s Howard Fineman noted in his blog that …”In lieu of flowers the (Olbermann) family is encouraging donations to the National Association of Free Clinics.”
So, let’s get to it, folks — there’s work to be done in honor of Keith and his pop. The secure ‘donation’ link is on the NAFC’s home page.
Don’t hurry back, KO; take all the time you need. We’ll all be here, God willing, when you get back.
–TribeGal (but since we’re all family, you can call me “Kelly”)
What a beautiful tribute to your amazing father! Yet, as someone who has jumped from her chair cheering at some of your Special Comments, I am not at all surprised by your ability to articulate your perceptions in this pitch-perfect fashion. My own father is still with me, albeit I lost my mother 3 years ago. I remember just before she died she was adamant that I not mourn too long, that I think of her with love and happiness, and I keep every precious memory in my heart. She felt that would be the best legacy I could give her. I miss her every day, but just as when I was a little kid, I make sure I mind her words!
Your father obviously gave you much love and instilled you with great principles. His legacy lives on in you, and you are a son any dad would be proud of. So Keith, Good Night and Good Luck to you and your family.
Anja in San Francisco
Dear Keith,
I am saddened to learn of the death of your beloved father. Know that there are many who love you and love what you do who have followed the course of your father’s illness and have been there for your dad, for you and your family. You have turned a particularly difficult time with your father into a learning experience for the rest of us. Thank you for doing what you do and my heart and the hearts of many go out to you.
God bless you and your family today and always,
Florence Pepper
Keith…….My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the passing of your beloved father. I watch your show everyday and saw you have been gone for awhile due to your father’s illness. I know you just lost your mother last year and now your dad. You are a wonderful person and son and my thoughts and prayers are with you…Denise
Our thoughts are with you at this time. I have enjoyed the wonderful family stories shared by you, thank you. You have many wonderful memories of your parents to keep you smiling now, and forever.
Keith and Jenna,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. My heart is with you tonight along with my prayers.
God Bless.
Joni Hough
Dear Keith
Our deepest condolences. Loosing a parent is the most painful part of being a human being. My Father died on March 13, 1974 and I still miss him. I am so glad that you spent s these last days with him and that you and your sister were there together, still reading Thurber.
We have missed you these past weeks. Laurence has done a good job “but it isn’t Keith” says my husband.
Blessings on you and your family and this wonderful man you called Father.
Rev. Arthur and Anne Perkins, Petersham, MA
Keith,
Please accept my condolenses on your loss. You made your fathers fight become a National cry for Health Care Reform. You and your father have been able to reach out to your viewers like no other media outlet has been able to. Your grasp of the issues that face this country and your willingness to put your heart and soul into every thing that you do, is a compliment to your father and mother for instilling that work ethic into you.
Know that your father past in peace and knowing that his children have succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.
God Bless You and your family,
Ken Janis, Bethlehem, Pa.
My condolences to Keith, Jenna, the entire Olbermann family and those near and dear to them.
It is always hard to say farewell to someone that you love. However, having lost my own father after an extended illness, you learn to rejoice in the good memories. May Theodore C. Olbermann’s memory always be a strength and comfort to those who loved and knew him. May they be comforted in their time of sorrow by their love of a good man and love for each other. Peace.
Keith;
It was not hard to tell this was coming. Thank you for sharing this time with us, your devoted fans. Your tasteful and genuine sharing of your father’s final days on this plane have allowed all of us to feel close to you during this time. Normally, I would find this notion absurd, but there is something about the way you put it out there… well, you have changed many of my own perspectives about end of life care, living wills (I now have one), and have found myself having the same discussion with my father, who is beginning to slip from us gradually due to the combination of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and prostate cancer. You have shown me what it looks like to have grace in the face of losing my last parent… and facing down the panic of being an “orphan”. Thank you for sharing your life and strength with us.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dad. You are a good man raised by excellent parents. I know they had to be very proud of you and the work you do. This has been and will continue to be a very hard time for you losing both parents in so short a period of time. I’m sure you and your sister were of great comfort to both of them during their illnesses. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
A Great Dad you have had ….what a gift
My Dad is just a few years older, (Marine Vet) and great dad and alot more
also a big fan of yours
our condolences
Keith:
I watch Countdown whenever I can and have turned my daughter and husband to it as well. Your father should have been very proud of you.
Today I said a Requiem for his soul. God give you peace.
E. Collins
What an amazing, months-long tribute to your beloved father, Keith. Your dad left an example of courage and humanity that has left a mark on so many, many people. And your contribution to the national conversation about health care for our citizens was moving and absolutely essential. Thank you Keith, for sharing this most personal, most human process with us, and my heartfelt condolences to you and your sister.
Keith
You have the condolences of many people around the world. Your mother and father seemed very proud of you. Keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing you on Countdown again when you are ready to come back.
Glenn Scott
Perth, Western Australia
Dear Keith,
My condolescences; although we know that everyone dies – no exceptions – it is exceptionally tragic in these times that your father’s death should exceed upon you the exigence to propel your brethren to a more humane and populist world-view of taking care of our own. Such are the times we live in….
The loss of a father – albeit a fore-gone conclusion -, is still a milestone in the life of a son, especially one as well-spoken and ituperative as yourself. Your father is proud; be America’s voice of reason, wither that may lead…You, and your father, have my vote of thanks. Good people, and true!
Keith –
My deepest, most sincerest condolences.
Keith…
You and your father have shown us courage and strength — and a deep love between father and son, so rarely seen these days. My deepest condolences to you and your family on this terrible loss, and my thanks for sharing with us some of the trials you and he overcame. Both your parents would be so proud of you, as they should be. You’re the icon we all respect because of your parents and how they raised you. You’re a fine man because your father was, and because he expected you to be. His suffering is over now. Please know that you are in the hearts of millions of people right now.
Nancy Taylor
Greenville, SC
WOW, Keith,
Excuse my using your first name, as I never had the pleasure of meeting you personally to know you on a first name basis.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I extend my condolences to you and your sister and family.
Please take comfort in knowing that your dad is in a place more beautiful thae you or I could EVER magine!
He is with your mom now also. they’re together again.
I lost my father some time ago.
I’ve been a fan of you for a long time and love the show.
Trust me Sir, BOTH your mother and father are proud of you.
Keep up the great work, and we’re looking foreward to seeing you on the show when you feel up to it.
Kip G. Mitchell, Richmond, VA
Hi Keith,
What a good son you have been- thank you for sharing the intimacy of this time with us. We have been rooting for you and your family—and while death is an inevitable part of our life, you made such a concerted effort to be there when you needed to be. What a thank you to your dad for what he did for you as a young lad. You have used the media to teach-family bonds, love and also the importance of such things as advance directives and living wills. So much appreciated for using the media to make a difference and to do good things…..
Our thoughts are with you, your sister and your family.
Sheila Brillson, Bellingham, WA
Thank you for being in my home EVERY night !!!! I am so sorry for your loss. You have given so much to all of us every day, I hope you find comfort with knowing that all your fans are thinking of you.
Mr. Olberman;
I work as a nurse, and on behalf of everyone who works at that job, thank you for your gratitude.
Although you and I disagree about many things, on this subject no one can disagree: My condolences to you and your family are heartfelt; And it still is painful to lose a parent. I am sorry that he has gone, but I believe his memory will be with you forever, and I also believe he had good reason to be very proud of you, just as you were proud to be his son.
Having been at the bedside of many elderly people who go into that great good night for the last time, I tell you that it is not an easy thing to do, but however difficult it is for the staff, it is with orders of magnitude greater difficulty to watch, helplessly, as someone whom you clearly idolized, and dearly loved and respected drifts away, the feelings are agonizing at the very least.
I am hopeful that you have the time you need to grieve, and the support of family to offer what comfort can be had in this dark time.
I look forward to the time when I can once again have that one sided argument with you on your program, when I can yell at just how wrong you are about this or that.
Until then, I send only my best wishes to you and your family, and hope that some time soon you can once more think of your father, and smile, maybe laugh at some joke he told, and maybe the tears you shed will be the tears of joy you feel for the very good fortune that you, my dear sir, are the son of Theodore C. Olberman, may he rest in peace.
And may peace be with you and yours.
Patrick Garrett RN
My thoughts and prayers go to both you Keith and your sister. I know what it is like to sit endlessly day and night by a love one’s bed side. The peace it brings can not be described. That time is the most precious and memories you can share with your love one wll help you through the coming days. They won’t be easy. It took me almost 2 years to get over the loss of my Dear Mother.
There are 7 stages of grief and it may take some time to accept them but as time goes by you will. Maybe not in the
exact order and maybe not all 7 but at least some of them and don’t be afraid to express them to others. Anger was my hardest one to deal with. for me.
You have many freinds, such as I who do not know you personally but feel you are a part of our world because you come into our homes every night willingly. You are an invited guest that I look forward to that makes my day.
I somehow knew something was wrong when you hadn’t been on your show in a while and I said to my husband that Keith’s Father must be worse and we prayed for him and you. But now Ted is in that great MLB heaven with the likes of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, etc. What could be better- oh yeah he’s now with the love of his life Marie.
Marilyn Lackey
Statesville, NC
My thoughts and prayers go to both you Keith and your sister. I know what it is like to sit endlessly day and night by a love one’s bed side. The peace it brings can not be described. That time is the most precious and memories you can share with your love one wll help you through the coming days. They won’t be easy. It took me almost 2 years to get over the loss of my Dear Mother.
There are 7 stages of grief and it may take some time to accept them but as time goes by you will. Maybe not in the
exact order and maybe not all 7 but at least some of them and don’t be afraid to express them to others. Anger was my hardest one to deal with. for me.
You have many freinds, such as I who do not know you personally but feel you are a part of our world because you come into our homes every night willingly. You are an invited guest that I look forward to that makes my day.
I somehow knew something was wrong when you hadn’t been on your show in a while and I said to my husband that Keith’s Father must be worse and we prayed for him and you. But now Ted is in that great MLB heaven with the likes of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, etc. What could be better- oh yeah he’s now with the love of his life Marie.
Marilyn Lackey
Statesville, NC
Keith,
I am so sorry to hear that your father has passed.
My mother died in February 2009 and my father died in November 2009. They were married over 60 years. So I know what it’s like to lose your parents in less than a year’s time. Take care of yourself and understand that the terrible ache you are feeling is grief.
A Countdown fan,
Carol Weis
St Louis, MO
Keith,
My thoughts go out to you and your family at this time. I lost my dad 10 years ago after a long illness, so I understand what you have all been though. Thank you for the work you do, and for being so open and honest. I thought your Special Comment about his fight was especially touching.
Best,
Daria
Keith, sorry for your loss. My parents are both gone. I love baseball and your show! I also love my wife and kids. Martin
Keith,
My sincerest, heartfelt condolences to you and your family. As an only child who is taking care of my remaining parent, I’ve followed your journey with your father’s illness, and have been able to relate to so many things you’ve shared, as well as your anger and frustrations with so much of the heathcare reform situation. I admire you for sharing your story, and relating it to the current need for healthcare change. Personal stories are the best examples. I appreciate you sharing your story, and for taking such a vocal stand, especially at what is such a difficult time for you and your family.
May time and memories bring you peace.
John Nooney
Keith, watching your damn good reporting on your Dad and the health care system, I felt like I knew him. He seemed like a very special man and you, a very, very good son. I’m sure his heart overflowed with pride and his soul was filled with peace knowing you were there every step of the way.
Good on you. With my deepest condolences.
Keith, watching your damn good reporting on your Dad and the health care system, I felt like I knew him. He seemed like a very special man and you, a very, very good son. I’m sure his heart overflowed with pride and his soul was filled with peace knowing you were there every step of the way.
Good on you. With my deepest condolences.
Dear Keith,
This must be a difficult time for you. I am a big countdown fan. I work as a certified food service manager in Hyattsville, Md. On behalf of my friends, please receive our deepest condeleances. I lost my Dad in 1998 after a long sickness. I know what is like to lose your parent. Words can’t bring him back, but We r praying for let him repose in peace. Amen . May God bless him
Abdoul D
BURTONSVILLE, Md
My husband Barry and I are great fans of your show and the principles you stand for. We are deeply saddened by the loss of your father Theodore and offer our sincere condolences. Your father’s life (as seen through you) and his courageous fight to live are testament to the greatness of the man. He was very fortunate to have you as his son. You must have made him a very proud father indeed!
Carol & Barry Saltzman
As others have noted, Keith, through your several public iterations, I have come to admire and enjoy your humor, intensity and eloquence. You’ve done both your folks proud with your devotion and you and your sister have our sympathy and we wish you a peaceful transition to the next phases of your family’s lives.
Your increasing eloquence and appropriate indignation about the health care reform process specifically and the loss of civility in public life have been reassuring and helpful for me in coping with my own sense of outrage. Keep up the fine work.
Thank you for sharing your family, inner thoughts and genuineness with us. Be well,
Howard Mangel
My husband Barry and I are great fans of your show and the principles you stand for. We are deeply saddened by the loss of your father Theodore and offer our sincere condolences. Your father’s life (as seen through you) and his courageous fight to live are testament to the greatness of the man. He was very fortunate to have you as his son. You must have made him a very proud father indeed!
Carol & Barry Saltzman
Keith, my thoughts are with you and your family. Your love for your dad has been inspiring and I appreciate your various commentary on him and his life. Peace, love, and great memories.
Keith, I cannot even imagine the pain you and your family are going through. A twenty year old guy may not be so quick to admit this, but: I cried when I watched you relay the heartbreaking story of your father’s unbearable pain in his last days. Just know, Keith, he suffers no more – He is at peace. I haven’t prayed in a while, but I pray tonight – I pray for your father’s eternal peace, and for courage and comfort to you and your family.
I can only reiterate what everyone else has said.
I have been touched by the way you tied the disaster of the health care system to the illnesses of both your parents, and amazed at the way you used the energy of your sorrow and caring to raise the money for those free health care clinics. I contributed the little that I could in the name of my friend, who couldn’t. I only wish I was healthy and could do more.
I know how sad it is to lose your parents, even knowing they had a long, full and happy life. I know, only too well, the finality of it.
I also know the sadness of business not completed that never leaves you when you don’t have a chance to say your goodbyes. I don’t know if your father spoke again before he died, but you said he opened his eyes. YOU had a chance to look into them and to say goodbye to him. In so doing he gave you a very precious gift.
My condolences to your sister and your family.
Keith,
We send you our condolences. We listened to you telling about your dad and his condition. We know that you are correct in your messages on the current state of the health care situation in this country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Wally and Liz Borland
Keith,
We send you our condolences. We listened to you telling about your dad and his condition. We know that you are correct in your messages on the current state of the health care situation in this country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Wally and Liz Borland
Keith, my condolences go out to you. I lost my father a while ago, and it’s not easy, whether you knew it was coming or if it happened suddenly.
I have to ask, however, Jacquie Gleason used to use names from his real lives for characters on his show. One episode of “The Honeymooners”, Ralph substituted his pal Norton with his “Good Friend, Teddy Olbermann”. That was either the same man or an incredible coincidence. Your thoughts?
=Stan
Keith, my condolences go out to you. I lost my father a while ago, and it’s not easy, whether you knew it was coming or if it happened suddenly.
I have to ask, however, Jacquie Gleason used to use names from his real lives for characters on his show. One episode of “The Honeymooners”, Ralph substituted his pal Norton with his “Good Friend, Teddy Olbermann”. That was either the same man or an incredible coincidence. Your thoughts?
=Stan
Keith,
Thank you for sharing the raw and completely authentic experience of your fathers contribution to you as a young man and as an adult and your reporting of his failing health and eventual death. I would love to hear the sort of appreciation you have bestowed upon you parents from my children….you have been blessed and I extend my sorry for your loss.
Be well good man.
John Reynolds
I can’t even begin to imagine what it must have felt like to lose both your parents this past year. I lost my mother when I was very young, and my father and I don’t know each other very well, but I can’t even conceive of what it must be like to have had both of your parents beside you your whole life, to have had their love and support and physical presence with you for so many years, and then to lose them both so fast. I am so sorry, I hope you are all right. Take care…my thoughts and blessings are with you.
Keith,
Thank you for sharing the raw and completely authentic experience of your fathers contribution to you as a young man and as an adult and your reporting of his failing health and eventual death. I would love to hear the sort of appreciation you have bestowed upon you parents from my children….you have been blessed and I extend my sorry for your loss.
Be well good man.
John Reynolds
Keith…my prayers are with you and your family. I know how much you will miss your father. I only knew my father until I was 10 years old…then he left the family…I mean he left out the door and never looked back. I am told he passed on but I never got the chance to have the kind of relationship you had with yours…nor did I ever see him again or get to visit with him during those last days.
You and your father are very lucky to have spent so much great time with each other. He will always be with you and you with him…I know this to be true…because you told me so and the picture of you with him is filled with the love and joy that a father and son should enjoy.
He will be with you every spring training, every ball game at the park and everytime you are on the air…he is you and you are very much like him…what a legacy he has left. I will be thinking of you both.
Well done Theodore. Well done.
My prayers are with you and your family Keith
Keith, I’m so sorry about your father. 😦 I love your show and I hope to see you back on there soon. Please take care. xxx
-Heather
Keith, my condolences for the loss of your dad. I hope you and your siblings are well and feel some comfort that you were there for your dad when he most needed you.
I’m a yanks fan, too, because Babe Ruth autographed a baseball for my grandma when she was little….of course that ball is long lost, but she told me stories.
Maybe your dad is now in the field of dreams.
Best wishes, and keep up your good work. We need you.
George
Dear Keith, I will never forget your urgent pleas, while tending to your father’s hospital bedside, for the need to pass this bill for nationalized health care. There has been no more passionate voice than yours in this vitriolic debate, and none more clearly driven by a personal experience of the reality of our health care system for those struggling for a little dignity as they approach death’s door. I have been a steady, regular viewer of your nightly show, looking forward to your special commentary segments that bring sanity and compassion to events in our lives that have been spun out by the politics of hate and partisanship. However,when I heard your father’s plea to “smother him with a pillow” to save him from further suffering, my God, the tears streamed down. My God! What has become of this society? when profiteering overwhelms the common good. What has become of this country’s ideals, hijacked by extremists, and cynics. In your father’s memory, Keith, I hope and pray, that your words were not uttered in vain. May you find comfort in knowing how much you mean to so many, and that your father is smiling about still. You fight the good fight for all that is right, and may no one silence you. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Kevin Ryan, Brooklyn
My condolences to you and your sister. I’m lucky to have a 79 year old mother and 82 year old father to enjoy still at this time. Thank you for taking excellent care of your father until his time. I’ve learned to appreciate them more every day and hope I can be there for them like they were there for me. I’ll miss those updates on your dad. May his soul rest in peace now.
Keith,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your sister and the rest of your family on the passing of your father. On television and here on your blog, we’ve followed his fight, and your loss is felt by everyone who has been touched by your updates and the passionate way you’ve expressed your love for him in these final days.
As someone who lost his own father two years ago, I grieve with you, and yet celebrate with you too. My hope for us and for everyone when they lose a parent is that we let their character live on through us, and that we continue to try and live up to the standards they left for us– Ron S.
Keith , I doubt you’ll get all the way down to my remarks, but I’d be remiss if I did not offer my condolences to you & yours in your time of great distress. I understand your feelings & hope that in this trying time you at least feel some comfort in knowing that there are many of us who feel for you. Again I am truly sorry.
Keith I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Every time you talked of your Mom and Dad taking you to Yankee games always reminds me of my Dad’s love of the White Sox. The late Johnny Mostil was a boyhood friend of my Dad’s and always, always got us great Sox tickets. We (Mom, Dad, and three sons) always went to sold out White Sox/Yankee games and back then they were so very close. Ford vs. Pierce. Mantle, Berra, Fox, Aparicio, Wynn, Kubeck, Skowron, Lollar, Big Klu, Staley. What great times. What great memories. My Dad is gone but my 95 year old Mother is still here. Every once in awhile she’ll remember one of those baseball games or an ND or Northwestern football game. You now have your memories and the knowledge of a job well done. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. George, Whiting, IN
Having gone through something similar, Keith, you have my deepest sympathy. No matter what age our parents are, or how relieved we are they are free from sickness and suffering, you will miss them dearly as they are your connection to the universe. Take time to grieve and know that your devoted fans are thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
Keith,
I doubt that with this many well wishers you will even get around to seeing this post. I, like so many others here appreciate your loss.
My father died in 1992, my mother in 1994. Like yours, my parents did not die suddenly but over a period of months and the waiting was agonizing. It is completely believable that your and our sister saw his passing as a blessing considering the curse of his suffering.
The big lesson I took from my parents’ passing is that our parents’ primary job is to be our life teachers with the final lesson being how we should die. This is their chance to demonstrate strength, dignity, bravery, and all the ideals and attributes with which we carry in our daily lives.
From the sound of your Special comment about when your dad cried for help asking you to tell the doctors to stop it seems he showed you the best of his character. His strength is now yours and your sister’s. Learn this lesson well. Chances are you now know everything your mother and father could teach you. The burden belongs to you.
I mourn with you for your parents, mine and all those others who breathed their last knowing they were loved and shall be missed.
Get some rest. You’ve earned it.
Brian, Fort Worth, Tx.
I want to add my condolences to this ever growing list – heartfelt and sincerely felt. Your passionate advocacy for healthcare in the US during the time of your father’s illness was remarkable and my thoughts and prayers for you and the entire country.
I want to add my condolences to this ever growing list – heartfelt and sincerely felt. Your passionate advocacy for healthcare in the US during the time of your father’s illness was remarkable and my thoughts and prayers for you and the entire country.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father……..and keep up your good work on Countdown……….
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dedication to your father speaks volumes about your family and your personal values. I lost both of my parents when I was in my twenties, caring for young children while learning through trial and error about the healthcare system. I remember how the experience touched every intimate aspect of my life.
Thank you for sharing your journey, in the hope that you can have a positive influence on the current healthcare debate. I think you are very brave.
Prayers and good wishes,
Patricia Irwin
Beaverton, Oregon
Keith,
You’ll be rewarded for the love and dedication to your father.
My condolences to you and your family.
Wow Keith my family is very sadden by your Dad’s passing!
We hope that you are more driven to speak truth to power
and to the people who depend on your generosity by telling
us the truth as well!
Your Dad is gone to a better place however george bush
and darth cheney are still around here making are lives a
living hell! It’s hard to swallow wonderful folks leave us
and the rats are still here breathing! Scratch your head!
Oh well Keith God Bless you / family and the Lord’s work
that you do!
The Pollard’s
Like many people here, I have followed your career since the very old days of Sportscenter. I read your blog regularly and watch Countdown religiously. I feel like I know you and this is because you wear your heart on your sleeve. As a man who is also without his mom and dad, I feel your enormous loss today. Our parents are irreplaceable; we can only hope to carry forward their legacies and if we are lucky enough to have our own children, share onto them all we learned from our parents. Be well Keith. Best wishes to you and your family during this difficult time. Millions of fans support you on this day and every day.
The Xiongs
May your Dad rest in peace and may you find comfort in happy memories of him.
I do remember you during your early days in LA and must say that I am a longtime fan of yours. Countdown came at the right time for this country.
My prayers and sorrow are with you and your family. Your father now rests in peace while his spirit lives on. Go walk in peace knowing that the spirit of your father lives within you forever…
Keith – So very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Thank you for sharing your deeply personal story about your dad’s influence on your becoming the person you are, and for describing some of the importance of having candid discussions NOW with our parents and doctors via “Life Panels” (and not “Death Panels”, as the Party of No likes to falsely claim) so that difficult care decisions can be made knowing the real wishes of our incapacitated parents and loved ones really are.
You have done a great service to all Americans by opening up this dialogue, and pointing out how far we still have to go. You have inspired me to have this conversation with my own aging parent, and for that, I thank you. I’m certain your father was (and is) rightfully proud of the important work you are doing to put a spotlight on so many key issues of our time. God bless you and your family at this difficult time. Telling his story over and over will keep him alive in your heart for years and years to come!
Keith,
My Family and I are very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill Slaughter
Dallas, GA
I’ve been following you and your family’s heroic walk, Keith, through the last few months of your father’s illness and decline. It has been inspiring to observe how much you loved your father, and how this critical time in your life has fueled much of your show’s message about the need for quallity health care. Your viewers knew this week that time was short…and we are so, so, sorry for your great loss. Somewhere, a great fan, and a great man, is enjoyng anew the smell of turf, the crack of a hickory bat, and the smack of the ball in a glove.
Oh Keith, what an inspiration you and your entire family have become. When I was 8.5 yrs old, I lost my father in a heartbeat; no good loving,,,,, see you later.
Wonderously my 89.5 yr old mother is still kicking, with a salt shake of Alzheimer’s. Loving her, being with her “memory” is truly an act of love for my brother and me and the rest of our family members. We will stay there forever and ever amen!!
Your bravery in staying with your dad and “all of us” is just beyond imagination. Yours’ is a story of love and fear and again UNCONDITIONAL LOVE in the face of “bigga loss.”
Now the gains start to come into focus. You have given the health care issues a direct “yes, we can” moment.
Thanking you when words will never actually work, Our CAFLMN family members
Dear Keith-
My husband, Marc, and I were so sad to hear of your dad’s passing. He was so lucky to have you and your sister there with him (and James Thurber). My heart goes out to you. That was so special of you to share yours and your dad’s journey through the health system. You are all so lucky to have each other–and apparently know it.Sounds like your folks were quite proud of you. As they should be.
You were so much on my mind this past year for another reason. My mom died suddenly last March at the age of 82 from COPD shortly before your dear mom did. I almost felt like we were grieving together. My prayers are always with you.
Thank you for having the courage to be yourself and say what you feel on your show. As a mental health advocate, I am always moved and inspired by your comments and your passion.
As it was hard enough losing my mom this year, I can’t imagine how wrenching it must have been to lose both parents in the same year. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. And I hope that you do think of us viewers as part of your family, too.
Fondly,
Wendy Ginsberg-Ducker
East Norwich, LI, NY
It is never easy to become an orphan — whether you’re five or 50. But I know that after the sting, the devastation, of loss matures and heals, the true value of parents in shaping your character becomes evident to yourself, and to those around you. The true tribute to parents is the person they leave behind in their child. You will have grief, and you will have great grief. You will always have a sense of loss thinking about your parents. But more and more, your thoughts will turn to your joy of them, and the character they kindled in you and your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Remember what your parents obviously taught you (though I put them in the words of The Gladiator): Strength and Honor.
Tom McDonald
Wheeler, Wisconsin
Godspeed Theodore Olbermann! Condolences to you and yours Keith…
Keith,
I know that the sadness and sense of loss must be overwhelming at this time. But I hope you realise that we are here for you–millions of us whose lives you enrich. Your father was a very special man. His works, teachings, and life lessons are alive in you, and you share them with us every day. I bet your father never imagined while raising you that he was passing your family’s traditions on not just to *a son*, but to tens of millions of good people whose lives will be the better because of his goodness and efforts as a father and as a man. He now lives on in the compassionate heart of this great nation.
All of the best,
Tobias
Dear Keith,
I’m so sorry for your loss. One comfort is the certainty of a life well lived both in his own accomplishments and the raising of a son that he could be so proud of.
Jack McManus
Durango, CO
Keith, when I spotted the news on my Yahoo RSS feed, then told my husband and mother-in-law, we were all deeply saddened. An hour after I told them, my mother-in-law noted that she felt like she was sitting shiva for a man she only knew from his son, on TV. The affection which with you spoke of both your parents touched us deeply. Know that they are together, watching your show, looking after your family and take comfort in the knowledge that they are out of pain. It is obvious that they were Good People, to have raised such compassionate and passionate people. We have been loyal viewers of your show since Day One and we will continue to watch. We’ll be here when you’re ready to come back.
In deep sympathy,
Amy Etkind
Hal Klein
Paula Klein
Keith,
My condolences on the loss of your father. I’ve recently been through the same thing with my grandmother. She was hospitalized for three weeks before she passed. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Karla
Sorry to hear, of your lost of your father. I have never seen just love between father and son. Your devotion to your father is truly out standing. So many of us never enjoyed a relationship like you have with a father. Your family was truly blessed to have each other. A love you had for your father was truly great. You displayed your love, in your family, to the world. Thank You for showing the world what love surely can be.
To paraphrase from “The Sound of Music:”
“Somewhere in your youth or childhood,
Your Dad must have done something good.”
I’ve followed your reporting — no sharing — about your father and mother closely.
Thank you,
Lee Whitlock
I feel like I knew your father for a long time. Thanks for sharing his story with us. Please accept my condolences and may he rest in peace.
Stay strong.
Mohamed Redissi
Ann Arbor, MI
Dear Keith, Though I never had the Honor of meeting your Dad..I’m pretty sure I did through his son. I’m a Hopice nurse and nurse educator..your discussion of End-of Life decision making, comfort care and family has pulled at my heart these last weeks. I’ve cried after several of you discussion especially this last 2 weeks. I follow you on MSNBC faithfully. I know your Dad had to be so very proud of you. OUr Hospice we have this Poem on a cared we give to families:
I am standing on 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,
and I stand and watch until at last she hangs
like a speck of white cloud
just where the sea and the sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says,
‘There she’s goes!’
Gone where?
Gone from sight…that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side
and just as able to bear the load of living freight
to the place of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment
when someone at my side says,
‘There she goes!’
there are other eyes watching her coming…
and other ready voices ready to take up the glad shout…
‘ Here she come!’
My heart felt condolences to you and your family Keith. And keep talking of End-of -Life Directives….people need to know.
Peggy Mitchell
dear keith,
please accept my sincere sorrow for the loss of your father. you are quite the son keith and i have great admiration for you. your father would be very proud of you as i am sure he always was.
sincerely, judy
Dear Keith,
My condolences on the death of your father. I pray that your memories will console and heal you.
A long-time fan of your work, I have great admiration of your excellent care for your dad, and your passion for health care reform, and your passion for the truth and seeing that it is proclaimed.
As so many before me have communicated, please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you live through this difficult time. Experiencing the death of both parents in so short a time is a great blow.
Thanx again for all you do to communicate so well with us “out here in TVland.”
Shalom,
Beverlee Everett
My deepest condolences to you and yours, Keith.
Sincerely, Benjamin
I have followed the journey with your Dad and know how many ups and downs it has. My father is still with me as my hero after 11 years, and while I pass along my condolences, I also know what satisfaction comes from being there helping with the journey.
All the best to your family.
Dear Keith,
This message is to your father.
“Godspeed and thanks for Keith”
Dear Keith,
I wept when I read that your beloved father had died. May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in your beautiful memories of him and the knowledge that you did everything possible for him. Know that the best of him lives in you forever. Thank you for having shared this precious part of your life with us, your grateful viewers. Deepest condolences to you and your family as you navigate this profound loss.
Ashaki Taha-Cisse
Bronx, New York
Dear Keith,
I wept when I read that your beloved father had died. May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in your beautiful memories of him and the knowledge that you did everything possible for him. Know that the best of him lives in you forever. Thank you for having shared this precious part of your life with us, your grateful viewers. Deepest condolences to you and your family as you navigate this profound loss.
Ashaki Taha-Cisse
Bronx, New York
Dear Kieth,
My sincere condolences to you and your family during your bereavement. I truly enjoy your show and your presence has been missed. But I understand why you must be absent. You’ve been an inspiration to me and my family just by watching your show. After watching other shows on a daily basis, sometimes I feel frustrated, and even angry at times. But when your show comes on and I watch it, you have a special way of putting things into perspective for me. I admire you for that. Thank you.
My deepest sympathy. God bless.
Gladys
Keith,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your dad & mom may be gone, but their influence is alive in you. My mom died in 2002 of Alzheimer’s so I’m glad you had the past few months to interact with him.
Salisbury,MD
Sir.
Thank You for letting us into your life through this time. The lessons that your parents taught you as to how to be a human have come through clear over the years. The lessons of the last year Will Not Be Forgotten. –
HaMakom yenachem et’chem b’toch shar avay’lay Tzion. – May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion.
Keith,
Your mastery of the written word has brought this reader closer to your family memories. When it comes down to it, I guess all any of us have are the memories. Sorry for the passing of your dad.
~SAM~
Keith,
My condolences. And instead of saying “Your father is in a better place now”, I’d rather state and hope that you are in a better place.
-John Bouchard
-Clifton Park, NY
Dear Keith,
I have just finished reading all the posts above, and I was so impressed by the number of heartfelt condolences from people like me who don’t know you personally. I sincerely hope these messages offer you comfort in the days and weeks to come as you, your sister, and extended family grieve the loss of both your mom and your dad within such a brief period of time. So many people in professions such as yours are too self-important to take the time off to be with a sick parent. You could just as easily let your sister handle it, but that’s not who you are or what you’re about as far as I can tell. Thank you for sharing these most personal experiences with your viewers. Through them, we have all been given pause for thought with regard to how we treat those we love and what an honor it is to be with them in their final days and hours. You have touched our hearts by exhibiting such compassion for not only your family, but for the common man and the downtrodden. Now I pray your heart will be touched and comforted by your “Countdown” viewer family.
With deepest sympathy,
Susan Quinton – GA
Keith, my heart truly aches for your loss. Thank you for sharing your stories about your parents. Can you imagine, they’re playing a pick-up game of stickball with Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle and Martin.
Deepest sympathies to you and your sister. I know your father was more proud of you than you would ever admit. He was blessed by your love and commitment as you were blessed by his. I pray for your strength and healing. Know that people care for you as you have made it clear you care for others. God bless you and your family.
Keith,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your dad. To lose your dad & mom within one year must be so hard. And yet you speak for people like me (I am disabled) every night. I often cheer/yell at the TV. Come back soon but not too soon – take some well-deserved time for YOU.
Lorraine
A father who loved both baseball and James Thurber had no alternative but to be a great guy. I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for writing about it.
Keith,
My heartfelt sympathies go out to you & your sister during this time of great personal loss. Hang on to your memories of your dad & may he now rest in peace.
FranK
We are so sorry to hear that your father has passed. Before sending this, I had the privilege of reading through many of the other postings and I don’t think that I have ever seen a more eloquent display of personal sympathy. I think that you and your sister have a huge, if not exactly blood-related family who feel your loss deeply. You have touched so many other hearts and lives, your dad must truly have been proud. Most of us hope and try to have meaningful lives regardless of circumstance and it seems that your father was fortunate to find a direction and passion both in vocation and avocation. I’m sure that you both you and your sister have many happy memories.
Sue and Fred
My heart is with you right now, I know how you loved your dad. I lost my mom two years ago and with that, my best friend. My father is 76 and one of your biggest fans. I bet he would have liked your dad, we’re all baseball crazy in this family too.
I think you and I are the same age, it’s a tough time – a parent’s death is the full realization of our own mortality. My husband and I look forward to your return, he’s disappointed every night when it’s not you but a host. But I hope you can take some time to just reflect on your dad’s life and to fully understand how lucky people like you and I are having the love of two wonderful parents.
Thank you for all your intelligent discussion on the health-care reform issue. I just don’t know how we would keep our sanity without you and Rachel.
You are an inspiring broadcaster and a wonderful son. I sincerely hope that the love and appreciation of all your fans and friends will sustain you in this terrible time. You and your father have changed the world for the better; thank you for your unwavering courage and for setting such a tremendous example of filial love and devotion.
I am very sorry for your loss. As a dedicated follower of your program, I kno whow much you spoke of your dad and how much he meant to you and helped shape the man you are today.
Hopefully you will find solace in the wonderful memories you had in your times together.
I am very sorry for your loss. As a dedicated follower of your program, I kno whow much you spoke of your dad and how much he meant to you and helped shape the man you are today.
Hopefully you will find solace in the wonderful memories you had in your times together.
So sorry to hear this, Keith. We’ll be praying for your family. I’ve really appreciated how open you’ve been with such a personal situation and I hope the good comes back to you 100-fold. My condolences for your loss.
Keith, You are our hero. We appreciate your telling the truth even when it is painful to hear. It take courage to speak truth to power. We have been long supporters of Medicare for all and as nurse and physician know how vital it is. Thank you for speaking to the need for universal healthcare. Having healthcare shouldn’t be only for those who have the money to buy it. Healthcare should be a right not a privilege. Our condolences on your father’s death. He was a lucky man to have children who loved and appreciated him and you were lucky to have a loving father. May your memories be happy ones. Dr. and Mrs. Jack Ciliberti
My very deepest sympathies go out to you and your family, Keith. You are great force for good in this world, promoting activism for the less fortunate through your voice and generosity. All of your many fans sincerely appreciate you sharing this struggle with us, your parents were phenomenal human beings. We’ll see you soon, please take all the time you need. Your show is in great interim hands with Lawrence.
Dear Keith,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister. It feels as if I have gotten to know just a bit about you, your father and your mother, it seems like you all have had a very loving and wonderfully close family life. Through you and your fathers last months of battling with his illness, I also feel that it was a truly special relationship and showing the world that the ending of life can be very special, and at times, very trying. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that many of us have been through times like this in our own ways, but I know that it must have been very hard to do so in such a public way and appreciate the way you have handled it… Just as you and your family chose this way, please know that I felt it was very important and helpful to share with us all your thoughts and feelings during this difficult and very emotional time. I hope that people well continue to see the need for Health Care Reform.
My Deepest Smypathy to you and yours,
Bea (a fan) from WA State
It sounds like your dad was everything a dad should be, just as your mom was all a mom could be. I know you’ve had a tough year, and I’m sure you know that your fans love you so much and feel for your loss. Remember that a large part of why we love you is the wonderful character you got from your parents, as well as the good genes for smarts and good looks.
Your situation was made ours because you had the sense and the courage to tell us about it, and about how the health care reform would make it all easier. I know how gut-wrenching such times can be, but you used it well to help others, and we all thank you for that.
Keith
You have done all that a son could do and you were there for him. Take solice in knowing that you were his hero too.
Take care, and Godspeed.
Garrett K. Sanders
Queens, NY
Keith
You have done all that a son could do and you were there for him. Take solice in knowing that you were his hero too.
Take care, and Godspeed.
Garrett K. Sanders
Queens, NY
Dear Keith,
Our family sends prayers and good wishes to your family. It is heartbreaking having to watch loved ones move on and you now have two of the best guardian angels that one could hope for.
Take care and may your wonderful father rest in peace….
Patty
Keith, my deepest sympathies on the passing of your Father, I know he was as proud of you as you were of him. I know that he is in a better place and will always be at your side watching over you with a smile on his face saying to the other Angels. “That’s my Boy”. I wtach your show daily and can’t go a day without hearing what you have to say on the latest politics. God Bless
Keith-
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Father to both you and your sister.
While I did not know your Dad personally, I feel I did thru your stories. He was a great man…He had to be great in order to raise a son as fine as you.
My deepest condolences, Keith, on the loss of your Dad. Dads are often the heroes of our lives who shine their lights on us. Your father could not have asked for a finer son (and daught, too, I am sure). I hope the prayers and support of your many fans are a comfort to you in this most difficult time.
Keith, I am sooooo sorry for your loss of your father. We loyal fans have been praying for both you and your sister as you went thru his illness.
Love and prayers. a fan from the left coast
Dear Keith,
Although I already left a personal post of my deep condolences for you on Sunday, I continue to read through the new ones. I hope you are coping and taking care of yourself. Be assured that Lawrence is doing a fine job in your stead, and in honor of you.
What I want you, and others who are reading along as I am, to know is that I have 100% certainty that you will read each and every one of these posts, and be touched by the outpouring from your very extended’ family’.
I have no parents, but it gives me such hope to know that there were good, no, great ones, such as yours, who cared so much to raise such a fine son. It has inspired me to become an even more involved ‘grandma’ in my own family, as I now can see that it really does make a difference; I can hopefully leave them a legacy of love and caring that will enrich their lives. This is just a part of the legacy that is already being passed on to so many others by your father, through you.
They will never truly leave you…just look into your heart and your memories to find them.
Thank-you for all you do.
Alexis, Woodside, CA
Dear Keith,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your father sounds like a very special man, and he must have been a superb Dad to have produced a son like you.
Two years ago, we traveled a similar journey with my Dad, who died of (detected-too-late) cancer in 2008. He, too, asked for our help to end his suffering. Every night, like clockwork, he would watch your broadcast. He so enjoyed hearing your commentary on current events. It pleased him immensely to have someone in his political-moral-ethical corner after decades of living in an anti-intellectual, right-wing community. Thanks to you, he got to at least contemplate the possibility of a Democratic presidency and some hope for the world’s future, as he had none for his own.
You are in our hearts, now and always. Thank you for all you do. May you find some comfort in your loving memories of your Dad (and Mom).
All our best,
Susan, Andrew and Jonathan (Markowitz)
Dear Keith, I am so terribly sorry about your wonderful father. I had an equally wonderful father whom I lost 4 years ago. I cried when I heard your newscasts and updates about your Dad because I went through the same thing with both my parents. Your father was so proud of you and you did everything possible to help him and he knew that. I know what you went through these last mos. because I did the same thing and it about killed me. Your father died on his own terms and he is not suffering anymore and neither is mine. Thank God for that. Grieve for him and know that everyone else is grieving with you. I am so terribly sorry. I had such hopes he would make it. S.G.
No matter how “grown up” we become, it is always hard to lose a parent and you have lost both in a very short time. My sympathy.
Keep doing what you do, you do it well and it means much to all of us who watch Countdown.
My heartfelt prayers to you and your sister.
Ginger Resch
Birnamwood, WI
Dear Keith: I was so sad to hear about your Dad’s passing as I was your Mom’s last year. They sounded like really wonderful people. Thank you so much for your voice of reason since I started watching Countdown roughly two years ago. I never miss your show. If I’m out, I record it. Hope to see you back soon. Really miss you when your are not hosting.
3/15/10
Keith, thanks for sharing this journey with your Dad with us. I was appreciative that you got out the message about “life panels” and durable power of attorney in the midst of your own intense family experience. I’m a nurse. God bless you and your family. My parents both died within six weeks of each other during the Holidays in 2000–they had their Hospice beds pushed together. I’m sorry for your loss.
The fruit doesn’t fall too far from the tree….you & your staff do great work. I look forward to your MSNBC show and appreciate your advocacy, especially all that you have done for the health care movement. Sincerely, Jeanne Templeman, RN, CNS, LCSW
Keith,
If they measure a man and woman’s life by the content of the character of their children, then Ted and Marie were as truly special as you describe.
We are lucky that we know we are lucky.
Sincerely, Marty Callahan and family
My condolences Keith. I lost my dad Sept.11 2002, he did of a heart attack at 89 years old, He survived stomach cancer surgery at 86. 3 months after he got out of the hospital he so proudly walked my wife down the aisle at my wedding. His wife of 51 years had a serve case dementia going right into Alzheimer?s. The man never questioned his love or faith for his wife. The day before he died he met me at the front door using a walking Cain, (he hated that dam thing) I was to bring him to his doctor for his weekly shot to help fight off any infection since his blood count at times would skyrocket. ?I don?t want to go Joe not today? No problem. (at 89 he has rights) Instead I made him breakfast ?Pancakes? I still see him smiling from ear to ear, midway though he asked me
?How much more do you want me to do Joe?? You have done enough dad rest for God sakes, I replied. 2 hours later on my way home I called my brother Michael, and told him about the question dad had asked me. ?..So when the phone rang at 7:15am on Tuesday Sept. 11, 2002
I knew without anybody telling me that my father was gone
Keith let me tell you now there won?t be a day or a two hour stretch in any given day that ?YOUR DAD? isn?t in your thoughts. I figure dads up there with mom having a hell of good time looking down at us saying ?We went though that remember?? Keith God bless you and your dad, and your whole family keep him in your prayers, like you will be in ours
Dear Keith,
We are so saddened to hear of your father’s passing. He put up a valiant struggle. You were his advocate all through the process and I know he depended on you. I lost my mother in January after a month’s struggle after traumatic brain injury at age 95. We dealt with hospitals and nursing facilities and had to make decisions about feeding tube or not, more therapy or not and where she would be most comfortable. She had a living will and my brother had authorization for health decisions. You are so right about the need for these instruments. God bless you and your family and thanks for all the information you have provided your viewers. Sincerely, Julie & Bill
Dear Keith,
We are so saddened to hear of your father’s passing. He put up a valiant struggle. You were his advocate all through the process and I know he depended on you. I lost my mother in January after a month’s struggle after traumatic brain injury at age 95. We dealt with hospitals and nursing facilities and had to make decisions about feeding tube or not, more therapy or not and where she would be most comfortable. She had a living will and my brother had authorization for health decisions. You are so right about the need for these instruments. God bless you and your family and thanks for all the information you have provided your viewers. Sincerely, Julie & Bill
Keith
Please know that all of us that have been touched by your compassion for the little guy offer our condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May your sorry for the physical loss of your Dad be quickly replaced by the many loving memories you had with him.
Bob D
Cave Creek,AZ.
Dear Keith,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss; having heard your passionate comments on your show it was very apparent as to how important your father was to you and how deeply you loved him. Sometimes the struggles that we experience result in unnecessary suffering but at other times they become opportunities for something positive: you have, through the generosity of your spirit and your carefully planned comments, managed to turn a tragedy into what can best be called a ‘teaching moment’ for the entire nation (and those outside of the United States, as I live in Canada).
By discussing your father’s case in context with the discussion taking place in the United States you have managed to add a human angle to the obfuscations and lies being told by those intent on derailing health care reform. While your father’s struggle has ended and he is no longer in pain the sad fact remains that there are millions of Americans who find themselves in similar situations – or worse – than that of your dad … a nightmare existence from which death may be seen as a preferred deliverance, if one can imagine that as a positive thing.
I hope you and your family take comfort in the knowledge that the silence in the room represents the peace of no pain, the end of agony, and the end of suffering. As much as he loved you all and hated to leave, at some point it comes to the time when the spirit surrenders and the body shuts down. Don’t think of your father as dead for he isn’t; he lives on in your heart, in your memory, and in the memories of all who knew him – if only through the stories that you have told.
His spirit has become part of his children; the best part of him remained behind.
God bless you, and don’t worry – Lawrence is holding down the fort for now … take the time you need.
Rev. Peter Amsel,
Ottawa, Canada
Keith,
I love your sports comments much more than I’ll ever like your political comments. Having said that, the above piece about your father is incredible and, as others have said, it is something that he would have been truly proud of.
I should be so fortunate to have that impact on my children.
I wish you the best during these trying times and I will be praying for you and your family.
Regards,
SJS
Keith
My heart is with you at this time of loss. The loss of both parents so close together is hard on the heart, at least it was for me.
Keith,
Sorry about the loss of your dad. It’s never easy. I lost my folks eight months apart.
Know they’re at rest. Know they’re at peace. Know they are part of something greater than we’ll ever understand.
Know they’re proud of what you do.
Peace
Mike J
Wallkill, NY
We would like to extend our condolences on the passing of your father, Theodore. Thank you for all your insight into end of life issues during this difficult time. Because of your comments we have made an appointment with our Dr. to have that difficut conversation.
Thank you and God Bless,
Bill and Teresa
We would like to extend our condolences on the passing of your father, Theodore. Thank you for all your insight into end of life issues during this difficult time. Because of your comments we have made an appointment with our Dr. to have that difficut conversation.
Thank you and God Bless,
Bill and Teresa
Dear Keith,
Your father was your hero, and you are ours. He leaves a great legacy.
Dear Keith,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father. You are a great man and an inspiration in not so inspiring times. I can only imagine how proud your father was of you, and you of him. Your father will continue to live on through you and your belief in doing what is right and just.
Thank you?thank you?thank you?
Bryan Follmer
Highlands Ranch, CO
Mr> Olbermann, you are my hero, the Renaissance man, penultimate writer and news person today, the funniest and most brilliant man I can think of. All of the things you are and the profound body of your work are the direct reflection of the incredible parents t hat you were blessed with. Your loving, amusing and reverent comments regarding them over the years are a testament to the inestimable influence they had over your life and rightfully so, I am sure they are the proudest parents in heaven today. You are so loved by your audience and we share in our own small way with you in the midst of your loss. Thank you, Keith and thank God for the parents who brought you to us.
Rhiannon Rede Little Rock, AR
Dear Keith,
I have been following the saga of your father since I watch Countdown every night. I was particularly interested in his interest in Thurber since he is one of my favorite authors.
I saw your latest update where it looked more encouraging. I’m soooooo sorry to read this news and can not imagine the grief you must be feeling at this point — particularly after losing your mother last year.
I no nothing can ease your pain at this point. I just hope that soon, you be able to take some comfort in all the joy and happiness you brought to both of your parents. You and your sister were their greatest joy and success. And from the sounds of it, you were everything they could have ever wanted as a son. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your sister and the rest of your family. I just wish there was more I could do or say.
Sincerest regards, Nancy C from Wake Forest, NC
When someone in their 50s has lost both parents no one thinks of them as an orphan, but we are with all the sadness that goes with it. Hopefully the stories about your parents will help people make living wills, give guidelines to their loved ones. How lucky your family was that they had health insurance, how lucky they were that they had loving children.
Courage in adaption to your lost.
Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Keith, on the loss of your beloved father. We thank you for fighting the good fight with and for your dad. We wish you time to honor him and grieve a little, too. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
All best,
Jim and Rachel Roche
Dear Keith,
I am very sorry to hear about your father’s passing. You’ve written a beautiful tribute to his life; this and your on-air comments have touched many people. Deepest condolences and prayers for your family.
Keith I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My uncle was Harry Gumbert (Gunboat) a relief Pitcher for the Giants in the 30’s and 40’s Since your Dad was such a great baseball fan I am sure he will receive a great warm welcome from Uncle Harry. I have always wished I could meet you but alas that is not to be. My deepest condolences to you and your family Just know that where he is now there is no pain no tears only joy. I watch your show every night because I know I am getting the truth.
May God bless you and your family
Tiffany C from St. Louis
Keith I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My uncle was Harry Gumbert (Gunboat) a relief Pitcher for the Giants in the 30’s and 40’s Since your Dad was such a great baseball fan I am sure he will receive a great warm welcome from Uncle Harry. I have always wished I could meet you but alas that is not to be. My deepest condolences to you and your family Just know that where he is now there is no pain no tears only joy. I watch your show every night because I know I am getting the truth.
To The Olbermann Family:
My wife and I have listened intently over the weeks and months as Keith visited with our nation about the heartbreak of losing mother and father and the myriad of healthcare issues involved. My wife and I lost our battle with my father’s kidney failure on Dec. 2, 2009. He was 91 years old. Thank you so much, Keith Olbermann, for sharing the truth about real “life panel” discussions that each of us must have with those we love. Please know our hearts are with you and your family during this time of sadness. Regards, Mike & Sheri England.
Hi Keith, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Since Lawrence has been sitting in for you I was afraid that your dad was struggling. Thanks for all have done for using your situation to educate us. I was a care giver to my 83 year old mother and lost her last June. My best to you and your family. claudiatucsonaz
Dear Keith..
My heart goes out to you and I’d like to send my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Your dad sounds like a really great person and so are you; again, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Take care..Wanda
Dear Mr. Olbermann-
We send our heartfelt sympathies at the loss of your dear and magnificent father. We thank you more than we can say for sharing him and his life and strength with all of us. He was the kind of human being we all want to be, and your stories of him filled us with hope and joy. What a wonderful man he was.
And we thank you for sharing your profound insights into what happened to him and you through his last journey. Your ability to link your personal experience to the national concern over all those who did not have your resources has been both brilliant and courageous. Your generosity of spirit in letting us consider how different that journey is for most Americans is a real gift to us all. You are your father’s son indeed.
You are and will be in our thoughts and prayers, now and for years to come. You both gave unselfishly to this nation, and we hold you in our hearts. We hope that the memories of your father and the strength of your own integrity help you through these sad days. We hope the gratitude of your viewers for all you have given us will also give you ease through this sad and sorrowful time.
Thank you. Peace be with you.
Dear Keith,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved father. Your tribute to him was wonderful, thank you for sharing his story. Also many thanks for encouraging others to have “life panel” discussions and setting the record straight on what healthcare reform means to situations like you and your family has just been through.
I am certain that your father was very proud of you, you are an inspiration to so many of us. Take care of yourself.
Cathy in Seattle
My heart goes out to you and your family at the loss of your father.
Please know that, while you do not know me, you remain in my thoughts. I have been repeatedly inspired and educated by you as you became a regular fixture in our home.
It is my most sincere hope that you will find solace and comfort in the warm love of your family and the everlasting memories of your father.
~ Nicole Schilling
Keith,
My thoughts and prayers are with your dad (not that he needs them) you and your family. Your coverage of his illness and death has been a tribute to the love that you two share. It has brought great understanding and insight to many and I believe, has brought much needed truth to the health care debate. May you rest in the knowledge that you did everything to make your dad’s last chapter of his earthly journey filled with love, respect and dignity.
Denny Martin
Pittsburgh, PA
I’m happy you had a close and loving relationship with your father and sorry for the inevitable pain that missing him will bring. Know that he will live in your memories, your heart, your tribute.
Keith; I am very sorry for your loss. It was so painfully clear to me how much you loved your dad and he loved you. May he now be in a better place out of his pain. Take one day at a time. You will have a lifetime of his memories to guide you. Jim
Keith, You and your family have my support and prayers during this difficult time Even after 13 years, Istill talk to my dad. The difference is he agrees with me more in my mind. You have been so couageous by educating your viewers with your real examples of our health care system. Your dad will continue to look down on you and smile.
Keith, I too, knew by your recent absence from Countdown that the end must be near for your beloved Dad. My sincerest condolences to you and your sister. I’m quite certain both your Dad and Mom couldn’t be more proud of you as a son and a man.
Your integrity, honesty and self depracation are what bring me back night after night to get the TRUTH after all the inane inaccurate blather out there.
Thank you for that, keep em honest and keep up the good fight!
Kathleen
Northern California
Dearest Keith… I hope Peace finds and comforts you.
Keith–
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Your comments on “Countdown” have brought all of your viewers closer to your personal situation, and thus, the loss is felt by us as well. Take solace in the fact that where your dad is now, there is no pain and suffering. Plus, your parents have been reunited.
A loyal “Countdown” viewer (and we really miss you!),
Tom Cunniffe
Keith–
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Your comments on “Countdown” have brought all of your viewers closer to your personal situation, and thus, the loss is felt by us as well. Take solace in the fact that where your dad is now, there is no pain and suffering. Plus, your parents have been reunited.
A loyal “Countdown” viewer (and we really miss you!),
Tom Cunniffe
Keith–
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Your comments on “Countdown” have brought all of your viewers closer to your personal situation, and thus, the loss is felt by us as well. Take solace in the fact that where your dad is now, there is no pain and suffering. Plus, your parents have been reunited.
A loyal “Countdown” viewer (and we really miss you!),
Tom Cunniffe
Dear Keith, your Father had to have been a great parent to produce a son like you. My wife and I would like to tender our condolences to you for your loss. I too lost my father after a long illness and he too was my hero I would like to tell you Mr. Olbermann that your father must have been very proud of you as you are a hero too to many of the people of this country. With much love from Las Vegas. The Littlefield Family
Dear Keith,
I am a big and proud Fan not only to your show, but also to your honorable fight to this country and honesty to put the truth out there, as opposed to most ” blanc beck” reporters who have the courage to sin their lives and families’ with lies.
Dear Keith, My family and I are heartbroken with your lose. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. My his soul rest in peace.
Keep lifting the flag of Honor.
Dear Keith,
I am a big and proud Fan not only to your show, but also to your honorable fight to this country and honesty to put the truth out there, as opposed to most ” blanc beck” reporters who have the courage to sin their lives and families’ with lies.
Dear Keith, My family and I are heartbroken with your lose. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May his soul rest in peace.
Keep lifting the flag of Honor.
My heart is breaking for you and your family. Thank you for sharing you fathers story with us. My sister and I send you our deepest condolences and prayers. God bless, Rita and Susan
Keith, words are, of course, inadequate when we lose a parent. I lost my own father May 19, 2009. These many months that you’ve been missing from your show, I felt a kinship knowing you were cheering on, holding on, saying goodbye. You were fortunate to have parents like you had and hopefully, one day, you’ll pass that on.
My sincere condolences to you and Jenna and to all those lives your father undoubtedly touched.
Keith,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.We lost dad 10 years ago,under circumstances not unlike yours,except I was not able to be with him,something I’ll always regret.I have found that,while you never get over it,it does get better in time.Someone told me this at the time and I’d like to pass it on to you. “God only lets us have them for a short time.” My sincere condolences to you and yours.
Joe Ott
Dear Keith,
Having watched your experiences with you father, I was reminded of losing my father. From what I can see, you were a good son and you did your very best with him. I wish you comfort and peace. I trust he has already found the same.
Chris Carfizzi
Keith,
I’ve learned so much about you, the man, from the wonderful stories you’ve shared about your dad during the past months. I watch you faithfully because I agree with what you have to say, always balanced and loyal to the truth and fearless in pointing out the hypocrisy of others. But today, after reading your poignant tribute, you touched my heart in a way no other public person has ever done so. I am now not only a fan of yours but of your dad. May he rest in eternity free of illness, disease and may he join the other angels who are pushing for healthcare reform. How can we lose with such powerful wings fanning a just cause? My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Keith,
I’ve learned so much about you, the man, from the wonderful stories you’ve shared about your dad during the past months. I watch you faithfully because I agree with what you have to say, always balanced and loyal to the truth and fearless in pointing out the hypocrisy of others. But today, after reading your poignant tribute, you touched my heart in a way no other public person has ever done so. I am now not only a fan of yours but of your dad. May he rest in eternity free of illness, disease and may he join the other angels who are pushing for healthcare reform. How can we lose with such powerful wings fanning a just cause? My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Keith,
I’ve learned so much about you, the man, from the wonderful stories you’ve shared about your dad during the past months. I watch you faithfully because I agree with what you have to say, always balanced and loyal to the truth and fearless in pointing out the hypocrisy of others. But today, after reading your poignant tribute, you touched my heart in a way no other public person has ever done so. I am now not only a fan of yours but of your dad. May he rest in eternity free of illness, disease and may he join the other angels who are pushing for healthcare reform. How can we lose with such powerful wings fanning a just cause? My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Thanks Dad.You and Marie did good,real good.Keith does good,and we’re ‘good-er’ for it. You had much to be proud of,and we thank-you.Again,thank-you. Blessings to All.
You are your dad’s magnificent legacy. He now gets to journey from Glory to even greater Glory!! Peace be with you and your family at this time and always.
The greatest tribute a son can give to his father is to love him.I know that is so true with you Kieth. I know because I
loved my father too. Sorry for this great mans passing. Happy to know of the wonderful life you had with him. Bless you
both.
John Millnitz , Tucson, Arizona
Dear Keith,
My deepest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Aflowa
My prayers are right there with you and your sister. You’re a good son.
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
May the kind and sincere thoughts expressed in most of these posts provide some comfort to you and your sister in the loss of both of your parents in such a short time. As difficult and heart-wrenching as this must be, it is a blessing to have parents who are worth missing.
I so admire your taking the time out of your busy life to spend the past several weeks of your life at your father’s side. He obviously earned your love and dedication. Please take good care of yourself now; you’ve been through a great.
You’ll be in my heart, mind, and prayers. After you’ve had a chance to rest and recover, I look forward to welcoming your back into our family room so that we can continue hearing your parents’ values reflected in the ethical stands that you take on the issues of our time.
God bless you,
K Price
Denver, CO
Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Keith. Also, thank you for sharing this most intimate and painful of crossroads in your life. By sharing your and your father’s experiences, you’ve given all of us a greater insight into the bonds between a loving, courageous father and son. You also shined the spotlight on the life panels, as you call them. My father is 87 years “young”, and because of you, I have invested more of myself in each of his days. Each day is a gift, and all the dearer given your poignant experiences. Please know that you are very much appreciated by your viewers. I shall always remember your loving tributes to your father in his final days. May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in our thoughts, prayers and best wishes. Debra Eisenberg
Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Keith. Also, thank you for sharing this most intimate and painful of crossroads in your life. By sharing your and your father’s experiences, you’ve given all of us a greater insight into the bonds between a loving, courageous father and son. You also shined the spotlight on the life panels, as you call them. My father is 87 years “young”, and because of you, I have invested more of myself in each of his days. Each day is a gift, and all the dearer given your poignant experiences. Please know that you are very much appreciated by your viewers. I shall always remember your loving tributes to your father in his final days. May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in our thoughts, prayers and best wishes. Debra Eisenberg
I watch you and Rachel every night and was very moved by your coverage of your father’s illness in his final days and your impassioned comments on the healthcare crisis our nation faces. Healthcare reform cannot wait. It needs to happen NOW. My father died six years ago and I miss him very much. Like your father, he also loved James Thurber. He used to read aloud to me and my siblings from Thurber Carnival when we were growing up.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Ann Bethune
Keith/ Your mom and dad loved you and your sister beyond description … it shows. They also taught you, well beyond the limits of educational institutions and varying ways of the proverbial street … it shows.
I offer my sincere condolences for the losses of both your parents, while congratulating you on the pride and honor you have exuded because of them. Keith, every time you sit at your desk @MSNBC and ask what will be talking about tomorrow … it shows? Whether you’re telling the truth or interrogating it s counterpart, I can now comfortably applaud your dad and your mom for a job well done. It shows.
Keep Smiling,
Keep It Real,
Chris Jones,
A Fan for All Seasons
Dear Keith:
My wife and I would like to express our most heartfelt condolences for the your loss of your Father. I know it must have been very difficult for you to talk about your Father’s situation on Countdown. We wanted to say “Thank You” for doing so. And Thank You for taking up the cause of wanting to see Health Reform for the country.
And it is our most fervent prayer that God, Family & Friends provide you with all the comfort that the world can offer to help you deal with your loss.
Our Deepest Sympathies:
Brandon Cato & Fannelle Collette
I am not a fan of baseball whatsoever (football is another story), but I can’t deny how much it brings parents and their children – everyone, really – together.
But mostly I want to express my condolences to you, your sister, and to your other friends and family who are going through this right now. I’m not religious and don’t believe in any of its tenets about life and death, but I do know that our loved ones live forever in our memories and stories, and we should all feel privileged to have shared the story of your father today. You didn’t have to do that. Maybe it’s helping you to heal, to pour your feelings out and share them with us, and I hope that it is. It’s impossible to deal with losing the people we love so much, but know that there are so many people whom you will never even meet wishing you and your loved ones nothing but our sincerest prayers.
My best wishes,
Jamie
Dear Keith,
My son and I would like to express our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Just so you knw, you have made a huge difference in our lives.
Thank you for everything you do.
Monica and Carlos Mondragon
Dear Keith, My heartfelt condolences to you at the loss of your father. He was so fortunate to have you, and you him. My heartfelt thanks as well for your show, which somehow holds me together through all the political craziness.
I wish you peace at this difficult time. From a true admirer, Susan
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
I am sorry to hear this news, albeit 2 days late. Your love and devotion to your father was heartening and heart-breaking at the same time. I will say a prayer for you, your sister and your sister’s family.
Take care.
Dear Keith, My wife and I are so very sad today, we feel as though you are a part of our family, we watch your show everynight which is why we know how much your Father meant to you. You are a great son and I am certain that Father was comforted to the end by the pride that he felt for the man that you are. I hope that my children feel as proud of me as you have shown to be of your Father.
Please continue doing what you do for us and our country, thank you also for bringing Rachel into our lives.
Or Deepest Sympathies, Dan and Jan Disabato
Dear Keith, My wife and I are so very sad today, we feel as though you are a part of our family, we watch your show everynight which is why we know how much your Father meant to you. You are a great son and I am certain that Father was comforted to the end by the pride that he felt for the man that you are. I hope that my children feel as proud of me as you have shown to be of your Father.
Please continue doing what you do for us and our country, thank you also for bringing Rachel into our lives.
Or Deepest Sympathies, Dan and Jan Disabato
Keith-
My wife just gave me the news. I am so sorry. We are so sorry. You and I are the same age. I lost my parents years ago. One to cigarettes, the other to a broken heart. When I hear you speak of the heart rending decisions you have had to make, and I think of the very same things we had to do with my father and my mother later on, my heart just goes out to you man. I’ve been there, now you have too. Its very tough. And all these 20 years later makes it no easier. I miss my folks with all my heart. I want to ask them questions and advise. All I get are ghostly old conversations. You and your family stay strong, you will get through this, I know it for a fact.
Bright Blessings
Bill Wheaton and Susan Nease
Liberals from Decatur, Georgia
Please except our sympathy. We know you inspired your dad as you do us. Be comforted by God and know that your father is comforted too.
So sorry to hear about your Dad, Keith. I feel like I knew him as you were so gracious to share so much of what he, and the rest of your family, was going through. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences. I have lost both of my parents, and know how difficult that is. My prayers and best wishes are with you and your family at this time of great loss.
My sincere condolences to you and your family Keith. He was a good man that lived a good life. I appreciate your work on the air, particularly your special attention/advice on health care issues, especially your personalization of it, as it related to your father’s illness, and you mother’s passing last year.
God be with you and your family during your hour of mourning.
We look forward to you getting back on the air, delivering commentary designed to help improve life here in this great country of ours.
Best wishes!
Keith, you and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers. It is heartwarming to hear about such a wonderful father, a model for everyone. I am sorry this sadness had to come so quickly after your mother’s passing. Remaining a fan of yours, Claudia Baggerly
From NW Ohio:
Our Deepest Condolences.
May the rain cry your tears,
the sun lift your heart.
May the wind give sorrow flight,
your mind ease to reflect matter.
Know this, that today, as it were then,
matter envelops you always.
Keith, your one of my heroes and a true mensch. That’s no accident, and your parents are responsible for your heroic character, because of their own. So, I mourn their loss, right with you.
You’re probably not in the mood for advice, but here goes, from someone who not that long ago lost his parents, too.
When you lose your parents, it takes a while for the physical impact to subside. It’s not rational, and you simply cannot rationalize it away. In the meantime, you just have to hang in there until the visceral earthquake stops shaking your life to its core, and that can take a long time. What I mean to say, is this: don’t make any life-changing moves for a while, if you can avoid those kinds of decisions.
And if you do anyway, run with it, because it’s coming from them, like a final boost phase. Best of luck! Whatever you choose to do, I’m a supporter, so make it good. – Charlie …
Keith, My father left me when I was three years old. He returned when I was fourteen and left again that next day to be never heard from again…..What I would give to have such a loving relationship like the one you had with your Dad…. He was a great Man and God bless him as well as the rest of your Family…Your True Fan as well as Fan of your Loving Dad, Patrick Jackson….
Keith, My father left me when I was three years old. He returned when I was fourteen and left again that next day to be never heard from again…..What I would give to have such a loving relationship like the one you had with your Dad…. He was a great Man and God bless him as well as the rest of your Family…Your True Fan as well as Fan of your Loving Dad, Patrick Jackson….
Keith, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. There are no words for me to tell you how much I appreciate the service you have performed for all of us viewers by speaking out about his illness and the decisions you and your family had to make and how you all coped with the situation. I was moved to tears many nights by your comments, especially the life panel discussion. It hit home in more ways than one. Thank you and God bless.
Keith,
So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. You and I were both born in ’59. I lost my dad to lung cancer last October. You do have friends out here. Friends you’ve never met, but we care. Thank you for everything you do. I hope your memories of your dad’s life will bring you comfort.
Pete
Keith;
All of us in this African-american family wish you well. Your story is so much like many stories in our community. Our fathers are precious and have lifted us all up. Your voice is a blessing for the health of Americans. May your journey continue with kindness and great memories of your father and the many fathers in our communities. With honor we salute the continuation of your father’s journey, Peace
Keith, My father left me when I was three years old. He returned when I was fourteen and left again that next day to be never heard from again…..What I would give to have such a loving relationship like the one you had with your Dad…. He was a great Man and God bless him as well as the rest of your Family…Your True Fan as well as Fan of your Loving Dad, Patrick Jackson….
Keith,
My wife Liz and I wish you and your family the best.
Liz Vugrinecz
Pat Warnock
Redwood City CA
From the number of postings I know you are aware of how much you and your family mean to all of us. So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
Keith, my heart aches for you tonight as I just learned about the death of your father. I lost my father 15 months ago and he was my hero, as your father was to you. I cherish the fact that I was able to be at my Daddy’s side as he left us and that he knew we were all with him. It was evident in your broadcasts how much you loved your father – I know he will be missed. I’m glad you were able to have the end of life discussions with him. You and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep on fighting the good fight, Keith – you have thousands upon thousands on your side.
Dear Keith,
I was very saddened to hear of the death of your father. Im very sorry for your loss. Just know the Count Down Nation is with you during this difficult time. I’m sure your father was and will continue to be very proud of your work to help Americans with no health insurance. Please take the time to heal and greave and we look forward to you coming back to Count Down as you are missed. Best Wishes, Chris
Keith, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was lucky to have had you for a son, just as I know you feel lucky that he was your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts today. Hold each other close and cherish all the wonderful memories that time can’t take away. My husband and I send our sincere condolences along with appreciation for the work you have done, even amid this latest struggle, to shed light on the importance of “life panels”. We have also been in this position and such discussions should never have been distorted simply to score cheap political points. We miss you, but please take all the time you need. Again, our deepest condolences.
Keith your family is in my prayers. I want to thank you and your Father for the work and sacrifice you and he put into trying to make our health care better. He may be gone but because he allowed you to comment on his life, his pain he will live on, he has made a real difference and I and many others thank him.
Keith,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing on Sat. Just remember, you have many years of wonderful memories of the times you and your dad shared. My sympathies to you and your sister, and the rest of your family. I would love to be able to make a donation, in your father’s name, to the “Free Clinics”, but, I have been out of work since August, 2008. So, I hope my prayers for your father, and the family he leaves behind, will be appreciated!
My God bless you and your family! Knowing that your father will rest in Peace!
Keith,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing on Sat. Just remember, you have many years of wonderful memories of the times you and your dad shared. My sympathies to you and your sister, and the rest of your family. I would love to be able to make a donation, in your father’s name, to the “Free Clinics”, but, I have been out of work since August, 2008. So, I hope my prayers for your father, and the family he leaves behind, will be appreciated!
My God bless you and your family! Knowing that your father will rest in Peace!
Keith,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing on Sat. Just remember, you have many years of wonderful memories of the times you and your dad shared. My sympathies to you and your sister, and the rest of your family. I would love to be able to make a donation, in your father’s name, to the “Free Clinics”, but, I have been out of work since August, 2008. So, I hope my prayers for your father, and the family he leaves behind, will be appreciated!
My God bless you and your family! Knowing that your father will rest in Peace!
Keith – I am so sorry to hear about your dad passing. You and your family are in our prayers.
God Bless
Dear Keith,
I wish to extend my sincerest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Keith – I make it a point to watch your show. I am so very,very sorry. For you lost.We miss you Hang in there. May god bless you and your family. and all the best. I’m praying for you. Ms.Vanetta Taylor
Keith,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great loss. Your father was a strong, brave man……How do I know this? Because he sounds very like my own father-in-law who is also battling devaststing illness, one right on top of the other all the while wanting to come over to my house to fix things like he’s done for the 12 years my husband and I have been together or engage me in political dialogue in which we essentially agree, but he will DISAGREE just because he loves a good argument and I’m the only one who will still argue with him because it makes him happy. Your father can rest peacefully now.
Viya con dios, Mr. Olbermann.
Lynda Morena
Am in tears over the solidarity, the fellowship of loss. Such honor you have shown your father! How fortunate he was to have a truthteller of a son.
Keith –
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. Please know that you and your family are in all our thoughts and prayers.
– Patrick Springer, Columbus Ohio
Dear Keith,
This is my first time to write you, but I wanted to extend my sincerest condolences for the loss of your father. I also wanted to thank you for sharing your personal story with your viewers. Thank you also for your heartfelt passion that you show when it comes to health care reform and many other issues that affect mainstream America. You do inspire me. Thanks.
Sharon Mitchell
I don’t know if you will ever get to this Keith, but if you do, please know that my heart goes out to you and your sister. I have watched you for years and knew you came from good stock and your Dad was a fighter to the end. Always be thankful that you had him for so very many years. What lessons you learned from a very fine man whose soul is blessed. How lucky you were to have him and what wonderful memories you have. Never forget them as they are prescious. My dad died when I was 13 and I still cherish all the memories. They keep me happy. My heart goes out to you and you will be comforted by many prayers from many people. It was a long road but now he suffers no more. Long roads often lead to the top of mountains. I wish you blessings, comfort, healing and thanks for sharing so much with us all.
Be at peace,
Ruth Fisher
Acushnet, MA
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Each of us should learn from your inspirational devotion to your dad. Thank you for your unyielding and unwavering support for real health care reform.
Keith, you and your sister are in my thoughts and prayers. It is heartwarming to hear about such a wonderful father, a model for everyone. I am sorry this sadness had to come so quickly after your mother’s passing. Remaining a fan of yours, Claudia Baggerly
My gratitude to you AND your father – thanks for sharing his story with all of us and thank you for doing what you do – PLEASE keep being the voice for those without a voice. May he rest in peace – I will make a contribution, as you and your sister have asked, to the http://www.freeclinics.us.
I am so sorry for your loss, Keith. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers,
Shelley Cates
Your father was your hero and you are ours. How proud he must have been for the exceptional human being he called his son. A father could not wish for more.
My sincere condolences to you and your family Keith. He was a good man that lived a good life. I appreciate your work on the air, particularly your special attention/advice on health care issues, especially your personalization of it, as it related to your father’s illness, and you mother’s passing last year.
God be with you and your family during your hour of mourning.
We look forward to you getting back on the air, delivering commentary designed to help improve life here in this great country of ours.
Best wishes!
I just wanted to pass on my condolences.
I live in the UK and have been following your podcasts for nearly a year now. Over the last few months I have been genuinely touched by the pride and love with which you have spoken about your father and I am truly sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family all the best.
Dear Keith,
My mom and I would like to express our sincere sympathy to you and your family upon the loss of your daddy. I know he heard every word you said, every word you read. You surrounded him with love and humor. He and your mama knew how much you love them, and they know still. And they have every reason to be proud of you.
You said your dad is your hero, and I think you are a chip off the old block. You are a hero too. Isn’t it funny how we become our parents?
We watch Countdown all the time, and we miss your twinkly-eyed smile very much. Lawrence is nice, but he isn’t you. You take your time, though. We’ll be here when you get back.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Barbara & Rebecca (mom)
Keith – I wanted to leave a note to acknowledge your loss on Saturday. It’s never easy to lose a parent no matter how old we are. We are always their kids and they are always our Mom & Dad. Always! You know that you and your sisters presence meant everything. My parents both died in their 60’s but I remember my dad squeezing my hand as he was leaving and said “we have nothing to feel guilty about…we always showed our love for eachother in everything we did our whole lives”…and so did you Keith. There’s a great Indian poem that we used for his memorium that is too long to post here…..but you can send email if you want it…. “do not stand at my grave and weep….I am not here… I do not sleep….I am the birds that sing…the stars that shine… “…… thanks for all you do and are Keith. maleary@earthlink.net
Keith,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing and I fought also for my parents health care. I personally I went to the insurance corporation and stayed for hours needless to say by then it was too late. I wanted someone to listen to me and begged them to approve the tests my mother that she needed. I will be donating money to the Free Clinic as I have continued to do on behalf of your father. I pray for your family and will continue to fight for health care reform. I am willing to be taxed more so that others can have health care and hope this passes.
R Shares
My family’s deepest condolences to your family.
our sincere condolences to the olbermann family from the duffy family.
My wife and I send you our condolences on the passing of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
our sincere & deepest condolences to the olbermann family from the duffy family
our sincere condolences to the olbermann family from the duffy family.
We love you Kieth, Our deepest sympathy reaches you from a distance. We live in Eritrea (east africa). We know you love your father. You have done everything to make your father’s last moment great. We hope we all should learn from that. Family comes first before anything. Our parents deserve our care and respect because they have given us everything they could.
Dear Keith, My thoughts are with you during this time. I know you have many rich memories to sustain you through this time and it is good to know that you were able to remain with your father. Your father’s life and legacy was important to this country. Your life and voice has given much to this country also. Best Wishes.
Mr. Olbermann,
I send my condolences and greatest sympathies for your great loss. I had hoped and prayed for a better outcome for your father, for it was obvious that he was getting the best possible care thanks in large part to your diligence. It is with great sadness that I learned the news of his demise.
Thank you for your sharing with us, your viewers, during this obviously difficult time. It was one of the most selfless acts I have ever seen for you to come out and talk with us about your Life Panel discussions, and about how much of a difference it made for you during the weeks when your father relied on you to make decisions for him.
Please know that my heart goes out to you, and that you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve for your father, and for the obviously wonderful relationship you shared.
Kathy Berger
Keith,
My heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry for your loss. My father died the day after Christmas four years ago and I still miss him.
Your love and dedication to your dad was inspiring, touching and personally moving.
I know he was proud of you, and so are we. Your Special Comments about your dad brought me to tears, and they are day in and day out reflect the best traditions of real journalism. You are a champion!
Clarence Moriwaki
Keith,
My heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry for your loss. My father died the day after Christmas four years ago and I still miss him.
Your love and dedication to your dad was inspiring, touching and personally moving.
I know he was proud of you, and so are we. Your Special Comments about your dad brought me to tears, and they are day in and day out reflect the best traditions of real journalism. You are a champion!
Clarence Moriwaki
Keith,
I just learned of the unbearable trauma of losing your beloved father. Wish there were words to lessen your pain.
Godspeed Ted Olbermann. We need more people like your son in this world. Keith we need you back! Lawrence is doing a great job under the cicumstances.
Dear Keith,
My husband Jeffrey and I extend to you and your family
heartfelt sympathy! Thanks for sharing your beloved mom and dad with us on Countdown!
Warmest regards
Gladys Davenport-Smith
Sagle Idaho
Thanks for Keith, Mr Olberman Sr
Thanks for fighting The Good Fight, Keith.
–Mark
Helen in Minneapolis
wishes to express her deepest condolences to Keith and his family. Know that millions of us love and appreciate you for your speaking out to help those less fortunate than yourself. We know your father was exceptionally proud of your compassionate selflessness. He must have known he had a direct influence on your character. You will be in our thoughts dailly.
My condolences for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family.
I too have had to make the life decisions for my father just 11 months after losing my mother to cancer. It seems as if you are orphaned overnight, but the love of your family and friends will help.
Angela and Ron Lawless
Bullhead City, AZ
Keith – my husband and I watch Countdown nearly every evening & have done so for several years. we appreciate your commitment to speaking truth to power & especially your commitment to keeping the need for health care reform in the spotlight.
I also appreciate the way you have shared your personal story & experiences with the health care system during these past few months of your beloved father’s illness. please know that you and your family are in our thoughts & prayers during this time after your father’s death. may you and your sister know God’s healing, loving and comforting presence now and in the days ahead.
Sherrill Page
Keith,
As I’m sure you will likely not be able to read all of these messages, I’m sure you understand that all of us who have followed your work and who look to you as one honest voice in a sea of nonsense, share in this loss with you. I and I imagine many others have followed your updates about your father’s condition with hopeful attention. It pains me to read this when your most recent update that I was able to hear was positive. I wish you all the strength and peace you deserve during this time.
-Billy
Keith,
You and your family are in my family’s prayers on this day of loss.
We would also like to thank you for your never-ending efforts to get universal healthcare for all of us. We are forever grateful to you.
Thank You,
June
Dear Keith,
On behalf of both my Father and I we would like to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family, for the loss of your Father. We both love watching your show. I too am very close to my Father and don’t know what life would be like without him. We wish you and your family all the best during this sad time and may the warm and happy memories of both your Parents help you through this time
Rosemarie Danforth And Thomas E. Scanlon USN. (Ret.)
Prescott Valley AZ
I am so sorry, Keith. Anyone could see how much you loved your father. Your attempt to make his story help all Americans was inspiring. Sincerely, Susanne
Dear Keith,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. And thank you for your courage in sharing your love and loss with your viewers. Your heartfelt, impassioned message was exactly what the opponents of health care reform needed to hear. Let’s hope some were listening.
In time you will discover that what you loved most about your father lives on–it has become a part of you.
Dear Keith,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. And thank you for your courage in sharing your love and loss with your viewers. Your heartfelt, impassioned message was exactly what the opponents of health care reform needed to hear. Let’s hope some were listening.
In time you will discover that what you loved most about your father lives on–it has become a part of you.
Im very sorry for your loss Keith. My thoughts and Prayers are with you as are everyones in the Count Down Nation.
Sincerely, Chris
My condolences to you and your family, sir. Thank you for taking something so personal, so private, and making it so public to illustrate the need for real Health Care Reform. Peace be unto you, sir.
Keith, although the end of your father’s life was evident, that doesn’t take the pain away. But the fact that you and your family was there must have been comforting for your loved one’s end. May you continue to inspire all of us, as your father did, with your own battles to bring sanity to our health care system as well as the strange world we have come to live in. Sincerely, Fredrik
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD KIETH……KEEP FIGHTING FOR HIM AND ALL US LITTLE PEOPLE……….THANK YOU FOR YOUR SHOW WHICH I WATCH EVERYYY DAYYYYY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please accept my heart felt condolences. I watch your show religiously, and I can’t tell you how much I admire the way you have handled this very difficult phase of life that we must all endure. God grant you peace.
My deepest condolences Keith. No matter how much you think you are prepared when you can be when you loose a parent you truly never are, even if you have already been through it once. I too have lost both of mine and miss them dearly. The greatest thing someone said to me I will pass onto you. Anyone’s best legacy and proof that they did their best in life is to have children that are proud of them and better than they were. It’s not a matter of ego or hubris but a matter of life. You are their estate left to the world to carry on their work and make it even better. If you can be proud of yourself then you can be proud of them. They did their job, now it’s your turn. Keep making them proud.
Brian J
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for your loss, but deeply grateful for your
speaking about your father’s struggle and health care issues during the last six months.
Having watched my dad fight and succumb 3 years ago in March, I understood your family’s vigil, how difficult it was.
Sharing your family’s ordeal has made us all more human.
Our meditations are with you and your family, Keith.
Jane
Keith,
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. My mom was my best friend so I know how it feels to lose a parent. May your dad rest in peace knowing that he lived a full life and raised a wonderful son.
Cherish your memories and thanks for sharing your dad with us.
A. Stanford
Keith – I am so sorry to hear about your dad passing. I know he has not been feeling well but because of some personal problems that I am having myself, I was not able to tune into you, I just heard today and I am truly sorry.
You family are in me and my family prayers.
God Bless
Guytre D.
Dear Keith, Jenna, Olbermann family & extended family and friends, We are so sorry for the loss of your father. Like you, I was privileged to sit vigil with my sister when she died in May 2008. I sang her softly into a peaceful, sacred place, singing to the music that she personally requested for this time. I felt purity (closer than I’d ever felt to sacredness and God), release (with each breath farther and farther apart, I felt her release from her body), sadness (as I released her into the arms of her Heavenly Father), relief (her physical suffering was coming to an end), and deep, deep grief (there will never be another sister or friend like my Susan). I am grateful you and your sister were there to share this extraordinarily sacred time with your father, in a space of deep love and devotion. Love never dies, it lives on in the lives of everyone who’s been touched and your father’s life has touched millions of us who have been praying for you and your family these past months. May God Bless & Comfort you all in your fathers loving memories xoxox With love always xooxox
Keith,
I want to tell how sorry my family and I for the loss of your Dad today. I fully understand your feelings and memories of your Dad. If sounds an awful lot like how I feel about my Dad and I hope my son will feel about me one day. While we all miss having you in our homes every night, please take all the time you need before you come back.
The Cadek Family
Dear Kieth,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of you Father.
I also want to thank you so much for all you’re doing to get health care for all Americans.
You’re my hero.
Laurie
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My wife and I are loyal fans of your show and think you do a fantastic job. I know your father was probably your biggest fan. Just know that you have many more who are thinking of you tonight.
Scott S.
My Father’s Son
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your father, Keith. As one who has lost my mother, both in-laws and even my 20 year old daughter to a brain aneurysm, I can tell you it is the memories that will stay with you and help you through the ‘dark hours’. There are times I ask myself, “what would Emily do?”. It helps keep me focused upon that which is important. I hope you find this helpful.
Kind regards,
Michael Picco
Keith and family
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We all felt close to him in that you shared some the struggles along with the health care issues during the past six months.
Rest assured you are in everyones thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Blessings to you and your family
The Clark family
Florida
Dear Keith – we just heard Laurence give the sad news of your dad’s passing. Our thoughts have been with him, and you and your family, during these past weeks, and we’ve been hoping for a happy result. Maybe this is what he would want – just a chance finally to rest. When you have a chance to reflect on this tough time you’ve come through, we know your happy memories will take over and keep your dad (and your mom) alive in your heart the rest of your life. We will be donating (again) to freeclinic.com in your dad’s memory, and will be looking forward to your return to us as soon as you feel able to.
Don & Glenna Stansifer
Keith, I am so sorry about your loss. I know how much you loved your dad. Your fans love you and have missed you tremendously over the past several weeks. When you are ready to come back you will be received with loving open arms. Take time to recover and adjust and come back please. We need you almost as much as your dad did. You are a wonderful man and although we have never met I consider you a personal friend.
My best to you and your sister.
Bob
Keith,
I just learned about your loss watching the show tonight, and discovered this blog trying to find how to reach you. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my father at age 89 on February 22nd of this year. We were fortunate enough to have time with him after we learned he was terminally ill. He was strong, like your dad, and did more to help us come to terms with losing him than anyone has a right to expect. His loss leaves a gaping hole that will never be filled. I’m sure you know.
My dad was a huge fan of yours, and often argued the moral case for health reform, and of many other issues you clearly care about. He was not particularly optimistic about the outcome of much of any it, including the Obama presidency in general (he viewed Obama as a centrist at best). Nevertheless, he was always happy there was someone out there who was taking these issues head on. Keep it up, and know that we are all thinking of you and your family.
Best,
Mark L. Diana
New Orleans
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
We are saddened to learn of the passing of your father,
please know we are thinking of you and your sister and remembering
you in our prayers. We had hoped you would return to the
show with good news of your father, but that was not to be.
Please take care and return as soon as you can, we miss you.
Sincerely,
The Shelton Family
May you find solace in knowing that you and your family are thought highly of and for you to share such a sad part of your “LIFE” is incredibly Human of you to do! May you also know that as a fan of yours and have been since I lived in L. A. and watched you when you were a sportscaster for KNXT and now a fan, I wanted you to know how sorry I am for you and your family’s loss.
May your Father rest in peace.
Linda
Keith, I am so sorry for your loss, prayers to you and your family.
Sorry to hear about your dad. been trying to follow up everyday about him. may he rest in peace and may God bless you and your family. i know the family is going through a hard time right now…love you and love your show…& miss you on the show. hope to see you soon. xoxo
Keith, I am so sorry for your loss, prayers to you and your family.
Dear Keith,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of sadness. Thank you for sharing something so personal to your audience because they are a lot of people going through the same thing. I hope the thoughts and memories of your father will help ease the pain and that you will take comfort in the fact that he is at peace.
As a fan of yours, just wanted to let you know I am sorry for your loss.
Linda
Keith:
You have my deepest condolences and sympathies. God Bless you and yours. Celebrate life even in death.
Keep fighting the lying liars on the right…we need you.
Sincerely,
Steve from Anitoch Illinois
Having lost both of my parents within 18 months of each other over 30 years ago, I know your pain. But know, that the memories of joyful and happy times will resurface and you will get through the pain in your own time.
God bless you and your sister in these days of sorrow.
Mr Olbermann… thank you for sharing with us the love you and your father shared with each other. Our thoughts are with you, your sister and your family. blessings, John and Yoshi
Good Evening Keith,
I am writing to express my sympathy to you on the death of your father. My father died on December 28, 2009, and I know the pain you are in right now. My mother died in 2002, so we are now in the growing majority of “middle aged orphans.” When people said that word to describe how they felt in middle age, I scoffed until it happened to me. I feel adrift without having parents on this earth. I still dial my father’s phone number.
I just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts. I know you are aware that many, many people in this country admire and respect you, and I count myself among them.
I know you will take some time to grieve, but I look forward to seeing you on the air every night as soon as you are able.
Sincerely,
Sandy McGinnis
Bullhead City, AZ
I just wanted to pass on my condolences. I live in the UK and have been following your podcasts for nearly a year now. Over the last few months I have been genuinely touched by the pride and love with which you spoke about your father and I am truly sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family all the best.
Condolences on the loss of your dad. May your memories of him bring comfort to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your personal story and emotions; I am honored to make a donation in his memory to the free clinics.
Dear Keith,
Our family, who are all loyal followers of your show, would like to offer you our thoughts and prayers as you endure this final chapter in your dad’s life. He had a good life, well lived and he enjoyed love and laughter. That is no small fact…don’t ever forget that blessing your father shared. It will bring you some peace in the days to come. My father died last July. He was the same age as your dad. I was with him when he passed – reading him verses from the Bible. We also had to have the Living Will conversation. Keep talking about the subject….so many people have NO IDEA what is to come. Death is quick….but the dieing process is long and painful. Sometimes our best attempt at medicine makes it so….May your dad rest in peace. May you also find some healing in the good that your reporting has born. The Moss Family
Dear Keith,
I?m so sorry for your loss. I know what it?s like to watch a loved one helplessly fighting for their life. My father died of cancer in October of 1994, but he got sick 3 years before that and it was very difficult to watch him slowly die. I still get a little emotional when I think about how much he suffered before his death. 2 months before he died, the nurses at the nursing home rounded my family up so we could decide what to do, since he was not getting better with treatment and at that time he was in a coma. My family unanimously decided that it was better to take him off of life support because we knew he didn?t want to be in that kind of condition. His doctor also made sure we understood that it was no hope that he would get better. It was a very difficult decision, but we knew it was the right thing to do. I know first hand what you?ve experienced. God bless you and your family. I thank God that you were born because you make this world a better place. I want to also thank you for your honest reporting (unlike FOX Noise) when it comes down to the Health Care debates. I think it?s so shameful that the Republicans have lied about the Health Care issue. And it?s especially bad that FOX Noise followers believe the lies. I appreciate the fact that you, Chris Matthew, The Ed Show and Rachel Maddow have been reporting honest and fair coverage. Making sure we know the truth about what is really happening is why I watch all of the MSNBC programming every evening. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your return. By the way, Lawrence O?Donnell has been doing a great job during your absence, but the show is just not the same without you.
Keith,
We are very sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Thank you so much for speaking out about the health care situation and we admire you for speaking so eloquently about this issue during both of your parents illnesses. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Lisa & Steve
Our deepest sympathy to you and your sister, Keith. We could so easily see how much you loved your father and your mother who you lost not that long ago also. What wonderful parents you had and what a terrific son you were to them. May the angels surround you and your sister and hold you close as you go through such a tremendous loss.
A couple of your fans,
John & Roberta
I am so very sorry for your loss, Kieth. I am close to your age, and have lost both of my wonderful Parents, my Mom most recently, last year-within days of your Mom, I believe. It is very very hard.
I’ve been a fan of yours for some time, but your Special Comment concerning Health Care- and most especially Insurance Companies- endeared you to me Forever. Because, you see, MY Dad died prematurely, in 1999, at the age of 63, from complications of colon cancer-mostly due to the fact that he had no Health Insurance at the time of his illness-and THIS is what, in reality, put him in his grave.
I thank you for your continued public service in bringing these issues to the forefront, and, again, I am so very very sorry that you have lost your Dad. Patti Elsasser
Most sincere condolences, Keith. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with all of us, as well as a bit about your Dad’s life. As a daily viewer of your program, I am grateful you have (for lack of a better word) used this opportunity to educate and inspire America. God Bless you and your sister.
Best Always
Mark Lindsay
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, your friend.
Loss like this diminishes our life and alters our life utterly.
Wishing you peace, though it will take a long while,
Love,
Janet Kane Scapin
Keith,
I’ll join scores of others in expressing my condolences to your family. Thank you for inviting us all into your family’s struggle these past few months. You put a face on this issue, and you did so eloquently. As someone who has been without insurance for close to 9 years, I am indebted to you for your advocacy on this issue.
Eric C.
Toms River, NJ
(A Loyal Countdown Viewer Since Way Back When)
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for your loss but know that your memories will bring you comfort. Your words have meant a great deal to me in the recent weeks because I just lost my mother to a stroke in January. I will be making a donation in your dad’s honor to the free clinics. Thanks for keeping us informed.
A dedicated fan from Iowa, Thom
Mr Olbermann,
My heart goes out to you and your family on the recent death of your father. I know your pain all too well. I recently lost my father who suffered from two strokes. I know the fights with the insurance company with payment and benefits for my father. I like you am fighting for healthcare reform so that no other family should go thru this.
Serving Proudly,
SSG Boatwright
dear keith, sorry for your loss. your my tv hero by telling the people the truth.
DEAR KEITH FROM MY FAMILY TO YOU ,YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY..I WATCH YOUR SHOW EVERY NIGHT,AND I FEEL YOU HAVE ALL OF OUR BEST INTRESTS AT HEART,YOUR A VERY SPECIAL AND CARRING PERSON ,A BIG MAN WITH BIG HEART AND IM SURE YOUR FATHER WAS VERY PROUD OF YOU..YOUR STORY THE OTHER EVENING ABOUT THE DOCTOR CHASING YOU DOWN AND TALKING ABOUT END OF LIFE DECISIONS,TOUCHED MY HEART,BECAUSE 2 YEARS AGO MY ELDEST SISTER SUDDENLY GOT VERY ILL AND DIED..SHE SUFFERD SO MUCH IN THE END AND SINCE HER AND HER LONG TIME BOYFRIEND WERNT MARRIED WE HAD TO DECIDE WHAT WE WANTED FOR HER.WE DIDNT HAVE TO TAKE HER OFF LIFE SUPPORT BECAUSE 2 DAYS LATER SHE PASSED AWAY. BUT LIKE YOU SAID ITS SO IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR FAMILY WHAT YOU WANT IN THE END.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND GOD BLESS YOUR FATHER MAY HE REST IN PEACE. MARYKAY SUPPA & FAMILY
Keith,
We are so sorry to hear about your lossyour father. You, your famiy and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. Like many others we are a couple of your loyal followers and want to thank you for everything your doing for all of us!!
Steve and Martha
Keith,
Our deepest sympathy to you and Jenna and her family. I know what it is to lose an adored and loved parent and grandparent. Knowing that you and she did everything that you could to make his time at the end as comfortable as could be and that the decisions that where made medically had nothing to do with finances, believe me will help you both. Our prayers are for all of you. Talk long into the night with sentences starting “Do you remember”. With laughter and tears mixing together the healing from this loss will begin. He is with her again and both, I believe, will keep close watch on all of ya.
Sincerely,
Dale, Janett and Sean Helfen
Keith,
Our deepest sympathy to you and Jenna and her family. I know what it is to lose an adored and loved parent and grandparent. Knowing that you and she did everything that you could to make his time at the end as comfortable as could be and that the decisions that where made medically had nothing to do with finances, believe me will help you both. Our prayers are for all of you. Talk long into the night with sentences starting “Do you remember”. With laughter and tears mixing together the healing from this loss will begin. He is with her again and both, I believe, will keep close watch on all of ya.
Sincerely,
Dale, Janett and Sean Helfen
Keith and family, please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. I want you to know that I listened closely and took to heart your words pleading for us to get our affairs in order. As a couple we have finally sat down and had the most difficult but honest talk about end of life care and each of our wishes. Thank you for reaching out to us through the decisions you and your sister were having to make day in and day out about your father.
Keith, as short and succinct as I can be, I would like to extend my condolances to you and your family. My heart dropped when I heard the news, and I cry with you. God bless and keep your family in this difficult time will be my prayer for you tonight.
Kristie Neale
Keith, as short and succinct as I can be, I would like to extend my condolances to you and your family. My heart dropped when I heard the news, and I cry with you. God bless and keep your family in this difficult time will be my prayer for you tonight.
Kristie Neale
Keith- I enjoy your show every day and sometimes watch it twice just to make certain that I don’t miss anything. I have been following your Father’s health situation through the show and my rosary group prays for him and you every week. Both my husband and I have lost our parents and it is true for us and true for everyone: it makes no difference how old you are or your parent is – when your parent dies, you feel like an orphan. We are with you in your sorrow and will make another donation to the Free Clinics in your Dad’s honor. Kitty & David Brilliant, Butte Montana
Dear Keith..
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are so fortunate to have had a life with such a loving father. While I don’t know what it is like to have such memories, I’m so happy that you enjoy them and shared your memories with us.
I hope that your wonderful memories will be a source of comfort in the days ahead.
Condolances and much love come to you…
Edwina
Dear Keith: I am so sorry for your loss I know how much he meant to you and being a father myself I also know how proud he must have been of all you have done to bring the truth to America every night. We the people of this country love and wish you and your family the very best. You sir are a rare breed indeed. A voice of reason in a troubled time
Donald J. Clark
Dear Keith,
My husband and I watched with great sadness when Lawrence announced tonight on Countdown that your dad has passed away. Please know that we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
In the last few weeks, we’ve watched and I am grateful you shared life panels and living wills with your audience. My own dad passed away in 1999 at age 50, long before life panels and living wills were known topics. I, for my entire life, will NEVER forget the day when the insurance lady came to my dad’s bed side and told my mom and I that they would only pay for a few more days. Our family (my mom in her 40s with three kids age 17-22) had discussed and agreed that it would be in Dad’s best interest not to prolong his life just for the sake of being alive. The insurance lady talked with us after we had made the decision and had absolutely no heart or compassion for us. My mom and I both made out our living wills after Dad’s passing. I am hopeful now that many more Americans will take your advice so that they will not have to decide between life and insurance payments. Thank you again for bringing up this issue. While I understand it is truly painful to lose a loved one (let alone both parents in such a short period of time), I think you will touch many more lives and for that I am truly thankful.
Bless you and your family!
Becky Kwiatkowski
Mr. Olbermann,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your exceptional father. Thank you for sharing his story during such a personally heartbreaking time in your life. Thank you, also, for your personal comments on life panels and living wills. I have been in your situation for both parents and one in-law, and can testify personally to the absolute widsom of your advice to your viewers. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers, and that I hope you will find comfort in your memories in the days to come.
Suzanne Vasta
Keith,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. You gave your dad the greatest give a son can give a dad….you made him proud. Never, never stop fighting the just, moral and right fight!
John & Lilli
Virginia
My deepest sympathy for you and your family. You have been a staple in my life for so many years. I feel that I knew both of your parents just by the way you talked about them. You are such a wonderful son. I still have problems with the death of my father just two years ago.
Things have gotten a little better and they will for you, too.
May God bless you and Jenna and the rest of your family.
My condolences to you and your family, Keith. I watch you nightly and I have felt your sorrow since I lost my father five years ago–I know what a lost feeling you must have. My dad and I were very close, just as you and your father. Memories only grow fonder over the years and know that all of us are with you in thought and prayer.
Becky Veazey, Port Arthur Texas
My condolences to you and your family, Keith. I watch your show nightly and I have felt your sorrow since I lost my father only five years ago. We were very close, just as you and your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Becky Veazey, Port Arthur, Texas
My condolences to you and your family, Keith. I watch your show nightly and I have felt your sorrow since I lost my father only five years ago. We were very close, just as you and your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Becky Veazey, Port Arthur, Texas
Dear Keith,
We would like to convey our condolences to you and the
Olbermann family, we will continue to include you and your family in our prayers. Thank you for sharing your personal feelings with us every night.
Loyal Countdown Viewers,
Marian & Genise
Dear Keith,
Sorry for your loss. Your Dad must have been a remarkable and an honorable, hard working American and in many ways he has left us with a gift which is you and the values you stand for and your tiredless pursuit of social justice and hard work for bringing right information and the truth to your viewers. Please know that you have many viewers across the country and even in red states like Texas. We love you and I look forward to seeing you every evening. Keep up the good work. My prayers are with you and your sister and may God bring peace and love to all of you.
My thoughts are with you Keith ~ I’m glad you got to spend time with your father before he passed. Be well, and come back soon, I miss your snarky attitude.
Warmest regards, Sojourner
I don’t know if this takes or not, but…
Born the same year as my Dad…and I lost him 2 years ago. Be thankful for the time you had…for what it was worth.
My condolences.
Gary
Nasty Nats Live Here (and Everywhere)
http://go-nasty-nats.mlblogs.com
http://twitter.com/gonastynats
My condolences, Keith. Thank you for your coverage and sharing your story. I’m sure your father is very proud of you, your work and what you stand for. Warmest regards, a loyal fan.
My greatest sympathies to your and all your family.
I hope your grief and sadness is mixed with memories of how much love and joy you shared with your parents.
peace come to you
Barrett J. Scott
OHIO
Keith,
As so many others have written already, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. The courage of him and his family has been nothing short of an inspiration to the rest of us.
You have done an amazing job of sharing this final journey with us and many of us have shared your pain. I’m sure your father is proud of the children he has left behind.
You and the rest of the family will be in my prayers.
Scott Smith
Memphis, TN
Dear Keith:
What a lovely photo of you and your dad. It’s obvious that you were loved. You are very fortunte to have such a father, friend and hero.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Best
Ally
Dear Keith,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved father. It is very clear how proud he was of you.
Thank you for all you are doing to enlighten the American people about the truth behind our government’s policies. And thank you for helping your fellow Americans by spearheading the free health clinics.
It should be the responsibility of all of us to make sure our fellow Americans have equal access to basic health care. Thank you for getting the ball rolling.
The Taboh family,
Washington, DC
Keith:
My thoughts prayers, and heart go out to you and your sister. Your kind and loving comments about your father during your show 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. Take comfort in knowing that your dad is joining your precious Mother in heaven. I know they are both in heaven because they were very special parents to have raised you to be the caring and dedicated man that you are.
Dear Keith,
My thoughts are with you and your family. You were lucky to have had such an inspirational father, and he was lucky to have had such a devoted son. But then, it isn’t luck, but love that forged that bond. We’ve missed you but greatly respect your choice to spend this time with your father.
With sympathy,
Ann
Princeton, NJ
Keith:
My thoughts prayers, and heart go out to you and your sister. Your kind and loving comments about your father during your show 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. Take comfort in knowing that your dad is joining your precious Mother in heaven. I know they are both in heaven because they were very special parents to have raised you to be the caring and dedicated man that you are.
Sincerely,
Shirley
Keith and family, Your father put a face on the challenges of the people of this country who must deal with the health care system and the insurance companies who take advantage of so many. And you gave a voice to the many who are baffled by the lack of desire on the part of those in power to do anything substantive about it. May your father know peace and may you be comforted with the knowledge that you did all you could for him, and for so many others. Rev. Harold Hand, Pottsville, PA
Keith,
A huge hug to you…
Dee
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I appreciate you sharing with us the process you, and your family, have gone through in the past year, and how in the end,we are all connected by the commonality of our humanity.
God Bless You,
Tammy Moran
Keith,
I’m a regular viewer of Countdown and was saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved father. May the peace which surpasses all understanding, be with you and your entire family as you celebrate his wonderful life.
In deepest sympathy,
Kevin Goebbert
Your tender and intimate account of the last 6 months of your wonderful father’s life has filled us with awe and admiration. Watching our parents struggle to live, and die, not only brings us face-to-face with our own mortality, it challenges us to acknowledge our parents’ right to determine their own end-of-life preferences.
Heady stuff today. Your urgent message about discussing these issues among family members NOW and the importance of an ongoing dialog because things change really hit home to us nearly 60 year olds. We’ve gone through it, are going through it , will go through it and no matter how prepared we were/are for our parents’ death, it is NEVER easy or smooth or a relief. Having a clear idea of our parents’ end-of-life wishes makes it possible for us to help them right up until the end. It mitigates our feelings of helplessness and guilt because we’re doing something – often the only thing we can do.
We applaud your courage in the face of great emotional pain. Your openness about your father’s declining health and your ordeal was a gift I hope your viewers use and pass on. Our condolences on your loss.
Very sorry for your loss.
Thanks for all you do.
Peace.
Keith, you are a class act.
My father and I sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences to you and your family.
We appreciate what you do everyday on countdown and we’re inspired by your support for the free clinics.
We’ve also taken to heart, your advice on discussing end of life care with family members. You sir, are a pillar of strength,morality and reason and we wish you and your family the best of luck and strength in this dark time.
Your stories about your father we’re always very touching and through them I feel as if we were able to better know the both of you through them. You’re father was a wonderful person and he raised a wonderful son.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Matt Moufarege (and on behalf of my father, Assad Moufarege)
Mr. Olbermann,
My deepest sympathy to you and your loved ones. Keep fighting for the better America and the health care for all. We are behind you.
DEAR KEITH
IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,I TOO LOSS MY MOTHER THIS YEAR AND I FEEL MY LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME ,SHE WAS NEVER NOT THERE AND NOW I AM TRULY ALONE ,MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR SISTER, BUT PLEASE KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT DEBBIE
Mr. Olbermann,
You have my deepest sympathy. I have followed your father’s progress through your comments. It was clear you loved your dad and that he was very proud of you. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
I am so impressed that you shared the beautiful story of your family’s love. This is the first time I’ve ever seen this kind of personal connection between host and viewers–it might be the first time, ever (?). You’ve definitely raised the bar for all those who talk “at” us.
My 6 siblings and I lost both my mom and dad thru long, painful illnesses. Those experiences confirmed my parent’s lesson that love is really all there is–or needs to be.
Be very proud of the son you’ve been. My deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved dad.
Your devoted fan in San Diego, Toni McKean
Keith, I was very happy to hear that you and your sister we able to be at the side of your father as he transitioned to his next journey. It is with a heavy heart that we must say goodbye to our loved ones, but you let him leave with love and dignity. I wish your parents the best, and thank you for sharing this with America.
God’s Blessing to your family.
Please accept my condolences in the loss of your beloved Dad. Know well that he appreciated your reading to him at the moment of his passage to another dimension we can’t envision with our fragile human minds. He is still with you. Love never dies.
It’s very apparent every time you present us with your Special Comments or your rages against the injustices in the world that you inherited some very special “good stuff” from your parents. You are charged with using that for the continued good that we see in you every week night.
God bless you and your sister and your entire family in this time of great grief. You are not alone.
God WILL look kindly on your Dad’s soul.
Gerry Slaney
Washington, VT
Dear Keith,
I know what you are going through now. I spend the last two years of my father’s life helping care for him. The final four months of his life were spent in my home while my loving wife and I cared for him until the day he died. Our goal was to give him the most respectful death possible.
I believe that you and your sister have done the same for both of your parents. You should be able to wake up each day and know that you have done the very best for your father and mother. Hold your head up high and be proud of what you have done.
Respectfully,
Terry Chapman
Ourn deepest sympathy to your and your family. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. May God Bless You as you go through this difficult time. Judy & Ernie in Pueblo your biggest fans
santosoccerbabe@comcast.net
Just someone whom has had a similar experience with a beloved grandfather recently who wasn’t so lucky with the health care system I truly feel for your loss. 80 is a wonder when I know only one hundred years ago 50 was considered amazing
the science is there but the money oh the money god da** the money
I don’t remember who told me this but I do remember it
A single twig breaks but a bundle of twigs will not
A single man stands you can knock him down if he stands with his brothers you will not
This is how I see health care
Thank you
Mr. Olbermann,
I just heard the news of your father’s passing on MSNBC and had to offer my deepest sympathies. I believe I read above that out of great parents come great offspring. If this is truly the case, your dad was a great, great man. The stories you have told over the last few months have brought me back to my own Dad’s passing almost 20 years ago and have, tonight included, made me weep. These were men of, truly, The Greatest Generation and shall not be replaced. We, as their offspring, can only do our humble best. I wish you, your sister and your whole family peace. Your father’s spirit will live on through a wonderful son with a wonderful and true message….My thoughts are with you.
Dear Keith,
I send my condolences to you and your sister and your entire family. I know about the death of your Mother and have followed the sad story of your Father. I watch Countdown every single night. I loved how you spoke for your Father about health care in this country on your Special Comment. All of us hope we have as much love and care at the times of our deaths as you gave your Father. Thank you Keith for everything you do. Your devoted fan in Milwaukee, WI.
Peace,
Colleen
Dear Keith,
I send my condolences to you and your sister and your entire family. I know about the death of your Mother and have followed the sad story of your Father. I watch Countdown every single night. I loved how you spoke for your Father about health care in this country on your Special Comment. All of us hope we have as much love and care at the times of our deaths as you gave your Father. Thank you Keith for everything you do. Your devoted fan in Milwaukee, WI.
Peace,
Colleen
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry about the death of your father this past Saturday and your mother last spring. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I hope you will take comfort in knowing that your parents loved you and were very proud of you. I know you loved them, too, and were very proud of them, too.
May I also say, thank you for being you, for speaking truth to power. I wish I could tell your parents what a breath of fresh air your show is to the the political environment on TV. I so appreciate having you to watch (or listen to on my iPod).
Jean Walker
Benicia, CA
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry about the death of your father this past Saturday and your mother last spring. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I hope you will take comfort in knowing that your parents loved you and were very proud of you. I know you loved them, too, and were very proud of them, too.
May I also say, thank you for being you, for speaking truth to power. I wish I could tell your parents what a breath of fresh air your show is to the the political environment on TV. I so appreciate having you to watch (or listen to on my iPod).
Jean Walker
Benicia, CA
Zoe se sas–a wish for life that Greeks share with friends who’ve lost a loved one. Having lost my Dad, also a fellow baseball fan, a little over three years ago to cancer at the age of 81, I relate to every twist and turn taken on your journey. With courage and passion you’ve used your gifts and position to demand necessary improvements to our country’s healthcare system and as well as to remind us of the responsibilities humanity imparts to each of us and especially to those we love. Our family’s career in medicine brings us a similar forum to share same messages. Lastly, implied in the traditional Greek sentiment to grant you life, is the charge that you carry on your parents’ loving legacy for the remainder of your life. Of that, sir, I am certain you will keep the promise.
Me and my family send our condolences on the passing of your Dad. I have now also lost my parents and what helped me was knowing they lived full and happy lives. Please look at your Dad in the same way. You will never get over it, “getting it behind me” does not apply nor does “closure” our love ones always are with us in our hearts and minds and this will help, it helps me to think in that way. Just be thankful for the time you had with your Dad and that you both where your best friends. That is a level most fathers and sons never reach. You were very fortunate Keith. Yes we will help with his memory in the Freeclinics and as a loyal fan your show is must see and please do not give up your fight.
Sincerely,
Philip Vuilleumier
To Keith, You and your family will be in my prayers as you grieve for your father. Remember, he will always be looking over you from heaven and you will always have him in your heart! God Bless.
My Dear Keith,
I know that there are no words that could bring you the comfort that you so desperately need right now, however I want to extend my greatest sympathies to you and your family, for the passing of your Dearly Beloved Father!
I lost my father just over 2 years ago, and like your father, my Dad was… is.. always will be My Hero! He is why I am whom I am today, as I am sure your father has very much to do with whom you have become.
You see Keith, I am personally grateful to your father for making you who you are…because you are the voice of people such as myself.. who could not be heard… had it not been for people such as yourself! I hope in some way, this letter brings you some form of comfort… although I know from experience that although they say “time heals”, it never truly does. it is said that “it gets easier” and yes, in a sense it does.. but not really. Anyway Keith, may you find peace in your heart!
Diana S.
My wife and I extend our deepest condolences on your loss. We lost my dad four years ago January; it’s still a daily thing – he’ still my hero. As we try to, keep up the good fight.
Curt and Charlene
West Virginia
Dear Kieth,
You lost your hero! I get it so much, because I lost mine. Your dad, and my dad are so much alike. I am reaching out to you so children of builders, and architects that started with no education, but a gift for reading blue prints, and building from foundations to the highest heights means a lot. You showed courage, and great love for your daddy, and my family sends their love, and prayers to your family. Please know we are here, all of us for you. The people in this room love you, and when family calls family comes. You are family! Please never forget that. I appreciate you for making me laugh, cry, and just feel every night. I miss you very much, but I wait as long as it takes for you to get back.want you to take your time. It’s a process and it takes time. My husband Phil, and my daughter Bianca said they are so sorry, and are keeping you in prayer.
Love,
Lorraine, Phillip & Bianca
Keith ,
We love you , watch countdown Monday – Friday .
To your family from our family in Dallas, TX – we send to you our heartfelt condolences .
Take care,
Marvin & PK Bernard.
Dear Keith,
I have spent so many, many evenings with you in my home – watching you stand for all that’s good and decent about America and decrying those things that are not as good and not as decent so that I feel that I may take the liberty of calling you by your first name. Not only have you been a voice for the disenfranchised and forgotten, for the values that we once know but have begun to forget, decried great sins by “great men” (or rather puny men in great positions). But I think of you most of all as a loving, caring, engaged, and supportive son taking care of your father in his final years.
I know the pain – as well as the joy – that you must be feeling. I too had a mother who had become blind and who lived with me for eight years until I had to put her in a nursing home – something that tore me up completely but it was for her own safety.
I know that you have each given each other a wonderful, special gift that nobody else could have given either of you. Your father had a son who stayed with him, loved him, took care of him, read to him, helped him to know that he wasn’t alone going into whatever the dark night in front of him may hold. I know how much that gift must have meant to him because I saw many older people without sons like you who were alone and scared. You helped to make his most difficult hours easier, happier, and more filled with love and companionship and for that you are blessed.
However, you are also blessed in that you have a rich source of memories of him that can stay with you for as long as you live or your children live if they know those stories. I know that everyone thought that I was a wonderful son for taking care of my mother. However, truth be told, I gained FAR more from being with her – sharing her joy, her laughter, her insights, her wisdom, her memories, and her love – than I EVER received from her. I WAS the lucky one and there is nothing that I could or would ever trade for those experiences. Those are the types of things that no money could ever buy and no other types of memories could ever take the place of.
In closing, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of deep sorrow and loss. May G-d bring each and every person in your family and friends a true understanding and filling of your souls with H-s deepest shalom!!
Keith,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and know that many people are praying for you and your sister, Jenna. Thank you for opening up to all of us and showing us what caring is all about. From all the comments here, it seems you have opened the floodgates of people to share their own stories. It is as if to tell you, your not alone. We all have a lot more in common than differences in our humanity. Remember through the coming days, your father is as far away as a whisper.
May peace fill your heart with many warm memories.
JoAnn
Kieth,
My thoughts are with you and your family. You’re a good man, and a great son. With the warmest thoughts of your dad lets play two!
All the best,
Jim Luzzi
Dear Keith,
I’m very sorry to learn that your Dad didn’t make it. I know that my parents will be especially saddened to hear this news. In spite of the passing of the years, both of them do remember you well, and I’m sure that they remember having met your father and mother as well. Realistically, there is probably very little that I or anyone else can say to mitigate the pain of this loss to you and your family. Please know nonetheless, that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, as they have been for the last year, since your Mom’s passing.
As I’ve written to you before, your sharing of this very painful and personal ordeal with this nation is a genuinely heroic act of citizenship. I know first-hand how much you would prefer to distance yourself from that kind of assessment, but your willingness to use the privilige of your position in order to help others is a true expression of selflessness.
I frankly hope and expect that you will be taking some time for yourself in the weeks to come, although I know that you’ll doubtless have a great deal more to say to the rest of us about this very difficult episode of your life. I know that I speak for many when I say that I look forward to hearing what you have to say, but only when you are ready.
Until such time as you see fit to host “Countdown” again, I would simply say…be well my friend.
Very Sincerely,
C. David Kearsley
Saint Paul, MN
Keith – As a long time fan of yours, I feel deeply for your loss. I didn’t have a chance – for whatever silly reason – to really develop a close relationship with my father who’s role model life was cut short by brain cancer when he was 60. All I can do is strive to live my life as a great father for my three kids who are all too quickly entering their individual adult lives. Your comment about your Dad’s celebration of your first job as a sports caster also rings true. I got a call from my son in LA that he had just landed his first movie role. Albeit small, I am no less proud of his tenacity and personality that has helped him open doors that I would never dream possible. Come to think of it, he’s showing the same personality that my Dad had who my son never met.
All the best, and I will quickly send a donation to the National Association of Free Clinics.
Keith, you are a class act.
My father and I sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences to you and your family.
We appreciate what you do everyday on countdown and we’re inspired by your support for the free clinics.
We’ve also taken to heart, your advice on discussing end of life care with family members. You sir, are a pillar of strength,morality and reason and we wish you and your family the best of luck and strength in this dark time.
Your stories about your father we’re always very touching and through them I feel as if we were able to better know the both of you through them. You’re father was a wonderful person and he raised a wonderful son.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Matt Moufarege (and on behalf of my father, Assad Moufarege)
Sir, you have my deepest sympathy and wishes of peace. Loss of a parent- even when you expect it takes the wind out of your sails. For a while, you simply cannot catch your breath. The hole in the world that they filled seems to reach to infinity.
Still, the moments you can grin- talking about baseball, remembering how he cheered you through every step- those moments will get you through.
Until, over nothing, you’ll wish to call him and share something that would have made him laugh, and you remember that you can’t.
I know you were as proud of the man he was, as he was proud of the man you became. He did good work. He taught you well!
Blessings to you, your family, and to all whom your father touched-
Melody Polson, viewer- Las Vegas, NV.
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this but we know that my family and i are grieving along with you… tho we miss you at countdown of which i never miss regardless of where i am you take time to grieve in YOUR OWN way! may god bless you at this time..
a fervent countdown fan and baseball fanatic as well – ahem.. a met fan here…
linda grice & family
Dear Keith and Family: I would like to offer my most sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your dear father. Clearly, his influence was greatly felt in your life. Now his pain and your long battle on his behalf is behind you. We, our parents best efforts, struggle so mightily against the inevitability as their lives draw to a close, as though sheer will could keep them with us…a little longer.
My mother spent the last few months of her life in hospital/
“convalescent home/hospital. They called me one 0500 to say they were putting her back in ICU. “Just hold on”, I said. “I’ll be there in 15 minutes”. I held her, what was left of that sweet, tough woman, in my arms and told her it was OK to let go…
and she did. She loved Thurber, too.
I’ve had my nose back in “The Thurber Carnival” for the last couple of weeks. Sipping a bit of wit and wonder late at night. I was very pleased to hear he was a favourite of your Dad. It tells me a great deal about you.
Thank you for sharing a little of his life and times with us.
Thank you for taking precious time away from him to share with a grateful audience.
Gabrielle Martin-Neff (and family)
Keith,
Our condolences from our family to yours. Stay strong – you have a lot of people who wish you the best and pray for your family during these trying times.
Good night and good luck!
Orlando Velazquez – viewer – Keller, TX
Dear Keith, we watch you (or record you) every night so you have become part of our family. Therefore, it is with much sadness that we hear of your Dad’s passing. Your parents seem to have been been wonderful people (I still have the podcast of your words after your Mom passed away). As a Mom I can tell you that your parents are very, very proud of you and how wonderfully strong you have been the last couple of months. May God bless you and your family and may you find peace in the wonderful memories. A lot of us are praying/thinking about you and your family. Fondly, b’shalom,
Lilian and Casimiro Santos
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of trial, and please accept my small donation in your father’s name to NAFC.
I have watched you for many years, and value your opinions as well as your love for your family.
Chris
Orange, CA
Dear Keith Olberman,
thank you for your great work … it was because of you that I have made contributions to the free clinic, that I got involved in writing to congressman and senators… You brought us so much useful information and encouragement In that sense your father was a good man because he made you such a great son.
I am sorry for your loss.
Dear Keith,
If your father has been your hero, you have been his champion, and you are ours as well. How could we not honor a man — indeed both such parents — who left us as fine a son as you have grown to be. You do them proud, and we thank you for letting us get to know them too. You and your loved ones are very much in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers.
Two more of your legion of “Countdown” friends,
Niels W. Erickson & Carol P. Ross
Bay Saint Louis, MS
Hello Keith:
Let me offer my condolences for the passing of your father.
I just heard Michael Moore and Lawrence O’Donnell mention it. I understand it was yesterday. As these two men pointed out, your Dad must have been a great man – along with your mother – to have endowed their son, you, Keith, with the courage of your common sense and eloquence which I so look forward to hearing every day. They produced a hero in you – brave, outspoken, humorous and compassionate.
As one who cared for, and lost his Dad almost a year ago now, I want you to know you are walking a path filled with friends and support on every side.
I wish your father God Speed, and you a healing that will make your being even stronger than it was before.
You are – have been for years – a source of inspiration to me.
I will always wish the best to you and your family.
Sincerely,
– Joel from Utah
It’s the 12th anniversary of my husband’s death at 59, and soon it will be the 10th anniversary of my father’s death. One never forgets — the memory of those we have loved continue to be part of our lives.
Here’s a quote that’s given many people comfort: “Nothing can make up for the absence of someone we love, and it would be wrong to try to find a substitute; we must simply hold out and see it through. That sounds very hard at first, but at the same time it is a great consolation, for the gap, as long as it remains unfilled, preserves the bonds between us. It is nonsense to say that God fills the gap; He doesn’t fill it, but on the contrary, He keeps it empty and so helps us to keep alive our former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain… the dearer and richer our memories, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude changes the pangs of memory into tranquil joy. The beauties of the past are borne, not as a thorn in the flesh, but as a precious gift.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer – “Letters and Papers from Prison”)
It appeals to me that I could easily post a comment on this blog because I already belong to MLB.com. And thank you so much for sharing your experiences with the Countdown audience. It’s meant a lot to me and obviously to many other viewers.
Patricia Gross, Arlington MA
Hello, Keith,
We are such fans of yours, we trust your sense of things. We each have lost our fathers. And we still miss them. My dad was also my trusted and good friend. I am sure you are feeling sadness. But the deeper feeling of permanent loss may not have set in. There lives pain. And joy. I wish you all good things in your life and the capability to feel joy in the memories of your parents. Visual laughs.
Sandy Snyder and Gabriel Noriega
Keith Olbermann – It is a gift bestowed upon you to share the journey and the sadness and the knowledge with us; your listeners. On behalf of my Dad (also 80) and myself, we extend our sincere thoughts of sorrow for your loss to you and your family! Keep his beautiful being within you!
My Mom was sick for 11 years with Demensia/Altzheimer’s. We kept her home; Dad as primary take-care, I was 2nd; on sunshine patrol. Little sweet heart, greatest love of my life. Since Feb of 2001, I was her pal, with her for the journey, she died in our arms, peacefully. Don’t regret for a second leaving my job to help, unlike you, I cannot reach out to millions to help change the system we live in; please use your gift for change.
Our medical system is a nightmare at best, the abuse of medicare is apprehensible, hospitals are out-dated still using triplicate papers. I am in Marin County, one of the richest counties in the US and it is awful, scary and very sad.
Given your gift of being in the public and sharing your journey with us, I hope you are vocal about the system our parents and us soon must endure … when you recover which I hate to tell you, never will … keep the beautiful feeling all around you all the days of your life. I do, have her with me, always.
Nothing to say to make you feel any better. My best to you! Cinde Lou Delmas
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I want to thank you for sharing your father and letting us get to know him. I can relate so much.
I too took care of my mother the last years of her long and wonderful life. She passed away Dec 15, 2009. Today would have been her 89th birthday. Who knows…your Dad may have reached Heaven in time to join her birthday party the Angels are giving her!
I want you know to know that I am so proud of how you have spoken up against what the Republicans call the “death panels.” I too had the “conversion” with my mom and what her wishes were and was so happy at the end that made is so easy to do as she wished.
Keith,
As a dad, my greatest sense of accomplishment is watching my kids relate to others in a caring way. That is why I am sure that your dad was content with his time on earth and proud of you and of your good work. You provide a voice to those who cannot be heard. I am one for whom you speak.
I lost my dad last June. He also lived a good, long life and I miss him. May you find a peaceful heart in time. Thank you for your example.
Chris Foust
Bellefontaine OH
Dear Keith,
I’m terribly sorry to learn of your father’s passing.
I am a nightly viewer of your show.
We don’t know each other, yet I find many parallels with you.
I am a broadcaster who loves baseball.
I was introduced to the game by my parents.
Both my mom and dad taught me the game.
I lost my dad last year, and I found myself thinking about all the games we went to, all the games of mine he attended, all the life lessons I picked up not just from his words, but from his actions.
Like yourself, I found a way to pen a series of tributes to my dad. I posted them here:
http://jdnewsie.wordpress.com/2009/04/
Lastly, I hope that this outpouring of love and affection for you and your family is of some solace.
I am only nine months removed from the loss of my dad and am still navigating the minefields of grief.
Please accept the heartfelt sympathies from me and my family.
Warm Regards,
Jake Downey
Studio City, CA
Keith –
So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. There’s not really anything anyone can say to make the pain go away, but know that all of your viewers are thinking about you and sending their prayers your way, myself included.
I don’t have a lot of money, but I made a donation to the NAFC on your father’s behalf. Every little bit counts, right?
Know that your father’s struggle was not for nothing. Through you, he has inspired and informed all of us.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christina
Charleston, SC
Keith,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your sister. I know your dad was proud of you and the good service you do on your show.
Take care of yourself now.
Sincerely,
Melissa Martin
Patrick Springs, VA
Dear Keith,
Our family has been following your journey with your father every night as we watch the show and make lunches for the next day. Though we enjoy the show when Mr. O’Donnell has been on, I worried about your father’s health every time we didn’t hear your voice. I lost my father a little more than 3 years ago (Brooklyn Dodgers fan—-forgive me), and listening to your updates brought me right back to that time. Your story of getting your CNN job was just like when I got into medical school—–it’s hard to convey the loss of someone who you absolutely knew in your bones loved you so completely.
Please know that all of our thoughts and prayers are with you. And may your father’s memory serve as an inspiration to us all.
Diane in Albany
Keith–just to let you know we’re sending our best energy, as well as our thanks for sharing your family’s grief and experience, in an effort to support all Americans!! We, too, will keep you in our thoughts and prayers,
Cyndi and Catie
Des Moines, IA
Keith, So sorry to hear about your loss of your father. Your closeness was so apparent in your commentaries and I’m sure this is a difficult time for you and your family. A loyal Countdown viewer and supporter of your challenges to irrationality and stupidity so often displayed in our culture. Peace.
I know you’re swimming in condolences at this time but I felt the need to add my own. I have followed your trials with hope for your fathers recovery and amazement at your strength, understanding, and even your agony over making the right choices.
It is a great testament to your fathers life, and his life lessons, that you felt so strongly about following his wishes, even after he could no longer express them. I can only imagine the depth of pride he must have felt at the legacy he leaves in the form of family.
Sharing those precious last days with us all was a gift we should all be thankful for and I hope you continue to show hearts and minds what really matters.
The news of your father made me cry, just as the news of your mother did. I am fortunate to still have both my parents and you are an inspiration to be closer to them both. Sadly, they divorced when I was 8 and nothing was ever the same again; my mother worked two jobs to keep us housed and fed and my dad started a new life with a new wife.
But that is no excuse and I vow to make it better. Thank you for the inspiration and please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
With great sympathy,
Sherri Starr
Dublin, CA
The news of your father made me cry, just as the news of your mother did. I am fortunate to still have both my parents and you are an inspiration to be closer to them both. Sadly, they divorced when I was 8 and nothing was ever the same again; my mother worked two jobs to keep us housed and fed and my dad started a new life with a new wife.
But that is no excuse and I vow to make it better. Thank you for the inspiration and please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
With great sympathy,
Sherri Starr
Dublin, CA
Mr. Keith Olbermann,
My deepest condolences on your Father’s passing.
There is one more Angel in Heaven, your Beloved Father, Theodore Olbermann.
I lost my Father, four years ago, and he was my best friend, yes, it’s hard to say, Good-bye, remember, one day we will be reunited with our Loved Ones.
I pray that you’re surrounded by family and friends and be reassured that God is with you and comforting you in this time of loss.
In the Bible, it says, “Absent from the Body…Present with the Lord”.
Warmly,
Michelle L.
Most people like to believe that life has a purpose; it’s an essential part of trying to make sense of the big, seemingly chaotic universe into which we were born.
Besides the obvious: Theodore Olbermann’s marrying and fathering children, providing for his family and, I’m sure, diligently and conscientiously performing his job, his life, final illness and death have, perhaps, served a purpose bigger than any of those. In his final months he provided his son — who, fortuitously, has his own television program — an easily-understood example for all those who have not yet grasped what health-care reform is, how it will benefit them and how they have been manipulated by forces whose profits might be marginally eroded by operating responsibly. Manipulated by politicians who are the bought-and-paid-for creatures of the health-insurance industry.
If it’s any comfort in a time of bereavement, one can say with little or no self-consciousness or cynicism that Theodore Olbermann fulfilled a destiny no one could have foreseen at his birth, or at any of the other mileposts in his life, in serving as his son’s model, not just as a Dad, but as a life deserving or preservation, of comfortable decline and dignified passing. If his death will have served to change even one mind, whether in Congress or in the population at large, who then took the time and trouble to contact his or her elected representatives, so that it hastened — even by an instant — the advent of sane health care in this country, then, to paraphrase Abraham Lincoln’s memorable phrasing, “we here highly resolve that this man shall not have died in vain,” and that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall have finally begun to care for those people in the measure they deserve.
My husband and I send you our sincere condolences on the loss of both your parents. Thank you for sharing your experiences with your devoted fans. Like you, we have experienced both the best and worst of the medical community in the USA over the past two years. You have been exceeding honest with the public about the the highs and lows. Thank you for being so personal about this experience. We are honoring your request and making a small donation to the Free Clinics as we did when you first inroduced the public to this great organization.
May your memories of your parents bring you some comfort in your grief.
Patricia Lavins
Vero Beach, Fl
My sincere condolences go out to you Keith and to the rest of your family. Your willingness to share the most intimate details of your family’s experiences with the medical community have been appreciated as my husband and I have suffered our own unique frustrations with the medical community over the past two years. Like you, we have seen both the best and the worst. Therefore, we are going to donor your request and make a donation to the Free Clinics organization as we did when you first introduced America to this wonderful organization.
May you find comfort in your wonderful memories of both of your parents.
Patricia Lavins
Vero Beach, Fl.
My sincere condolences go out to you Keith and to the rest of your family. Your willingness to share the most intimate details of your family’s experiences with the medical community have been appreciated as my husband and I have suffered our own unique frustrations with the medical community over the past two years. Like you, we have seen both the best and the worst. Therefore, we are going to donor your request and make a donation to the Free Clinics organization as we did when you first introduced America to this wonderful organization.
May you find comfort in your wonderful memories of both of your parents.
Patricia Lavins
Vero Beach, Fl.
When my father died, nearly a decade after my mom, somebody compared the death of your surviving parent to feeling like they took your umbrella away. Your #1 Fan, Press Agent and BS Filter is gone, and you never get over it ? even if you?ve had time to prepare for it (or, in the cruelest of cases like yours, had doubtless hoped for it in the worst moments).
I of course extend my prayers and condolences to you, your sister and your families.
Mostly I wanted to remind you that you are his legacy, you and them. I?m sure he?s proud. God bless him, and you.
Mike Collins, Washington
Dear Keith,
Your commitment and care for your dad was beautiful and exemplary. I’m sure that both your parents did a whole lot to make you the compassionate and articulate person that you are, and will continue to watch over you.
Dave Kharbanda
San Antonio, TX
Keith:
Your father’s ordeal reminded me of the last weeks of my mother’s life, during which she was hospitalized, unable to speak and partially paralyzed, after suffering the first of two major strokes. I can imagine, based on that experience, what you and your sister have endured over the past six months. I am sure that there were times when you both wanted to turn to your father for emotional support, as you always had, only to realize that, now, he was the one who needed you. You were strong for him, and he knew it. You came through for him.
I, too, was my parent’s health care proxy. For that reason, and others, I have been sickened and enraged by the circus of lies staged over the past few months by the insurance industry and their hirelings, the members of the Republican Party. It’s more than merely offensive; it’s morally revolting. Those of us who have been there know the score.
It has been over five years since my Mom died. I still miss her every day. Yet every choice I make in life, is informed by the lessons taught to me by her and my Dad. I don’t believe in an afterlife, but I believe in good parenting. Each day, I remember them, not by mourning, but by living according to their principles.
Weren’t we fortunate to have had wonderful parents? Bless you and Jenna, both. Keep doing the work that you do; it’s by telling the truth to the American people that you enable your father’s character, principles — and love — to live on.
Peace and blessings to you and your family. I appreciate you sharing your experience, and we all will benefit from your efforts and honesty.
Keith,
How sorry I was to hear of the loss of your dear father. He was a very special person and will truly be missed. His strength, goodness and decency is obvious by the legacy he has left in your fine work which he had a great hand in forming.
Please know that many, many people in this country share your grief at the passing of this fine man.
Your friend, Dennis Ivans, Porterville, CA
Just as we are lucky to have you, Keith, so too were your parents.
You have lost two people who sound as if they were larger than life, vibrant, caring, active, intelligent, ethical, (I could go on…) and who contributed much to this world we live in. Your loss is very great.
Knowing that you have grateful and loving fans might do a bit to ease your pain, but I know that nothing, really, can take away the devastation of such a loss. Perhaps it can bring you some momentary relief to know that your audience and fans feel as if we knew your Dad well. I am so sorry that he did not recover from this difficult, often painful bout of illness. You helped make it bearable for him by being by his side and advocating for him, every chance you could.
My deep condolences to you and your sister. Please know that you are well loved, Keith, and come back to work soon.
If only we could all leave the legacy both of your parents left.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Stein
Keith,
My deepest regards to your family. My father is my hero as well. Thank you for the discussion about life panels and living wills. My parents have them both and it is an amazing sigh of relief. As I am their health care proxy. Keep up the work on fighting the good fight.
Scott M. DelleFave
Rochester, New York
Sorry for your loss, Keith. Thank you for sharing what has to be a difficult time for you. You have become, by sharing his experiences with the health care field, *his* champion and hero. I know that is little consolation to you tonight. We all share this grief with you, though in small part comparably to yours. I don’t know what to say except dear stranger, I love you, and wish you well.
Keith:
My husband and I were so terribly sorry to hear of your loss. I understand all too well the emptiness that comes from losing one’s parents, the feeling of being orphaned, no matter what your age.
I was also lucky enough to have a wonderful family who loved and supported one another. I aided my father in the decision to let my mother go when it was her time and held the medical POA for my father as well when he passed 7 years ago. I thank you for your efforts to inform people regarding health care and end of life care, especially at this most difficult time.
May you and Jenna find consolation in the memories that you share of the large events and the seemingly trivial that become so precious. Our thoughts are with you and we will all be here, whenever you feel ready to return.
Sharon
Tucson, AZ
My heart goes out to you Keith. My dad, like yours was a baseball fanatic, and I’ll never forget the first time he took me to a baseball game at Ebbets Field. The brilliant green of the grass flooded my senses after having watched games in black and white. Duke Snider stood no more than a couple of hundred feet away. And Don Drysdale hit a home run that day. Baseball was a bond we shared throughout my dad’s life and I remain a fanatic to this day. What a miraculous gift you were to your father, and I’m sure his pride remained boundless until the moment he left to be reunited with your mom. My son is now in college and aspires to be a broadcast journalist and he was inspired by watching your show. We have had many vigorous political debates as we listened to your cogent analysis of the political scene. If he could bring a tenth of the genuine humanity, integrity and caring to the profession that you do, my heart will swell with pride, much as I’m sure your father’s did each time he watched you. God bless you in this difficult period after having spent so many precious hours in his presence during his final days. I pray the fond memories of your dad will help you heal as you grieve for his loss.
Dear Keith, Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your struggles with the health care system and for turning it into such a powerful force for good. My family is also struggling with health care for elderly parents, and your family’s courageous and honest example of how to approach end of life discussions has helped us face those same discussions. The love your family shares will help you as you face the coming days. Enjoy your wonderful memories and know that many view the fine man you are as the greatest tribute to your father. Our thoughts and prayers will stay with your family. God bless.
Keith & Jenna,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved father, Theodore. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you.
I, too lost my dear father, Joseph (Ted’s cousin) at this time in 2008 and miss him greatly.
Love to both of you,
Joseph Olbermann
Dear Keith,
Please accept my thoughts and prayers for you and your family at the passing of your father. It is obvious you were loved by your parents very much, and you will have wonderful memories to encourage you in the months ahead. You are appreciated so very much for the stance you take and for giving voice to thousands who are unable to do so themselves. Thank you for continuing to stand up and make a difference. Sincerely, Deborah, Seattle, WA
Keith,
My heart goes out to you and your sister, Jenna. Tears have left my eyes for the loss of your father. I lost my dad last year and my mother 20 years before that. As you know, they will always be with you in your memories. You are their legacy. They will come to you in dreams. Dreams that sometimes make sense, and other times they are a pure mystery. I just know you are relieved that your dad is not suffering anymore. I know you want to talk him. I just wish I could speak to my dad again. He was my best friend and the one who taught me almost everything that I am. I am glad your dad got to see you shine on America like Edward Murrow did on Joseph McCarthy. He must have been so proud of you.
I have been watching you as long as I could remember since you were a sportscaster for a Los Angeles television station, I think it was KNBC. I always thought you were extremely bright and insightful, but your Count Down took my admiration for you to another level. I want to thank Theodore for developing such a great human being who has done so much to help the country, we really won’t know the extent of your greatness until your career is done. God Bless You and Jenna.
Vincent Moss
Mr. Olbermann,
My husband and I are not baseball fans, however, we have been following the struggles you have gone through with your Dad. You both have touched our lives with your heartfelt calls to the American people about the need for health care reform. We believe that there are no such things as coincidence and that we are all connected. Your dad made this all too clear with his clarity and simple common sense. We have been blessed to be given an opportunity to share in the medical events you have encountered and to witness the great courage you have exhibited to share the story with your audience as an example and a stark extreme to what most Americans face, since if we told our medical story nobody would listen. Thank you for being our voice in such a difficult time. Thank you for allowing all of us to be able to send prayers to your family. May your Father Rest in Peace.
Debra & Christopher
Mr. Olbermann,
My husband and I are not baseball fans, however, we have been following the struggles you have gone through with your Dad. You both have touched our lives with your heartfelt calls to the American people about the need for health care reform. We believe that there are no such things as coincidence and that we are all connected. Your dad made this all too clear with his clarity and simple common sense. We have been blessed to be given an opportunity to share in the medical events you have encountered and to witness the great courage you have exhibited to share the story with your audience as an example and a stark extreme to what most Americans face, since if we told our medical story nobody would listen. Thank you for being our voice in such a difficult time. Thank you for allowing all of us to be able to send prayers to your family. May your Father Rest in Peace.
Debra & Christopher
It’s a sad day for you. Three years ago on August 22, 2007, my mother, Thelma Irene Ramey, passed away in a warm bed. She was born in 1919. She suffered from Alzheimer’s, a condition that could have been treated with stem cell research, if it wasn’t for the —-ing Bush Administration.
I’m also p’d that my dad’s in-home support service (he’s 89) was cut by Herr Ahrnold Schwartze—-er. We had the chance to pass health care in 1994. That was stopped because the GOP lied to us in 1994, and continues to lie today over the dead of 9/11, the dead of every one of the Iraq War dead, and the dead of Hurricane Katrina.
The GOP needs to dissolve yesterday, and START OVER!
Keith – We’ve all been huge fans of yours for not only your bold truths, humorous approach and ability to call out the corrupt.
Your comments regarding your personal struggles with the slow loss of our father made us realize he also was not only a wonderful man from your description, but a huge influence on you and your life. I lost my father a year and a half ago and I think of him daily. I have made sure the stories about his success, huge amount of friends, antics and kindness are told again and again since he has no grandchildren to pass on the memory. I also keep a photo of him laughing – and that is how I will always remember him. I hope you will do the same. Your loss is in our hearts – and a word from my mother regarding her losing her husband, my father. “How many people can stay they got to spend 56 years with their best friend”. We are lucky and better people for having these parents in our lives. We’ll wait for you to gather together and come back to keep up the fantastic work you do in informing the people of what is happening in our world that is important. Also, put in a good word for my Cubbies – they need just one WS before I go – for my Dad and for my memories of Wrigley field as a kid thru now Thanks to him!
-JanChapin, Randall Patterson and Jodie Chapin
Keith,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your sister. I know your dad was proud that you turned his struggles into a crusade to help the less fortunate. You are lucky to have had such awesome parents and they moulded you into the amazing wonderful man that you are. WE LOVE YOU!
Nancy
Your rooftop commentary really touched me. I’ve listened to your show for the last four years but these commentaries were so personal and heartfelt that I found myself choking up with appreciation. You come across as a real person with passionate feelings about this country that we love and care for. I love you, Keith. You are a true patriot and a fine son. The last time I posted my condolences to a board was when Hal Fishman passed away. I miss his 30 second commentaries, too. You rank right up there with the prof.
I know your dad loved you. I hope to see you back on Countdown soon.
Maria Mejia
Lakewood, CA
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father Keith. I am such an admirer of yours. Both you and your father were lucky to have each other. You have showed us all how to honor our parents.
I’m so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I’ve thought many times over the past week of you reading Thurber to your father and of my last gift and visit with my father. I brought him See’s truffles and a few hats he could choose from because his head was cold in the hospital. They pleased him. He died two days later and that was 22 years ago. I still miss him but a oddly comforting memory are those silly chocolates and hats. I think you will remember the Thurber the same way. In reading some of the comments above I noticed one that made me feel a little less crazy – another of your devoted and grateful viewers watches you more than once an evening to make sure she gets everything. So do I. I’m sending $319.44 to the Free Clinics tonight. That’s the last amount I spent on July 14, 2009 on six cartons of cigarettes. I quit smoking on August 29, 2009 at 4:29pm when I learned my 42 year old son was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. I’m happy to donate it in the name of fathers and sons and brave warriors and worthy battles fought and yet to be fought. Thank you for your help in understanding some of them.
I’m so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I’ve thought many times over the past week of you reading Thurber to your father and of my last gift and visit with my father. I brought him See’s truffles and a few hats he could choose from because his head was cold in the hospital. They pleased him. He died two days later and that was 22 years ago. I still miss him but a oddly comforting memory are those silly chocolates and hats. I think you will remember the Thurber the same way. In reading some of the comments above I noticed one that made me feel a little less crazy – another of your devoted and grateful viewers watches you more than once an evening to make sure she gets everything. So do I. I’m sending $319.44 to the Free Clinics tonight. That’s the last amount I spent on July 14, 2009 on six cartons of cigarettes. I quit smoking on August 29, 2009 at 4:29pm when I learned my 42 year old son was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. I’m happy to donate it in the name of fathers and sons and brave warriors and worthy battles fought and yet to be fought. Thank you for your help in understanding some of them.
I watch your show faithfully, as do my daughter and family.
We have felt your pain during this past 2 years.
OUr thoughts and prayers are with you and Jenna.
Keep up the good fight we are with you.
Sincerely
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Your sister Jenna.
Watch you every day. Knew the more we saw Lawrence the more time you spent with your Dad.
You are a very special person please keep up the great work.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Mr. Olbermann :*o( Please know that you, your father, mother, and all your family and loved ones are in my family’s thoughts, heart, and prayers. Thank you all for your bravery, for your compassion, and for your tireless advocating for ordinary people, everywhere…
love, peace, and light,
the Ignacio family
Dear Keith,
It’s me…My deepest sympathies on the loss of your very Dear Dad…I know we were expecting this, but regardless, it was never going to be easy news and I’m SO sorry to hear about this…You have been SO brave and you and your Family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers…I don’t even know you, and yet, I miss you very much and want you to come back to us, although my prescription to you right now would be to take a vacation…You need one badly…I wish I could be with you in person to extend my support…I have been very busy myself, but have made it a point to follow Lawrence O’Donnell covering for you and any of your updates from your Dad’s bedside, including your recent advice to obtain a Living Will…I have also been sick and had to attend the American Pharmacists’ Association Annual Meeting here in Washington, DC while fighting an infection this past weekend…I’m hoping I will make it through the rest of this week…You are a wonderful Son and leader of your Family…They need your strength now and the wonderful memories of your Parents all of you share together will sustain you through this difficult time and in all of the years to come…Please be assured that your Parents love you, they gave their lives to each other and to all of you, and now they are in a better place…Please know somehow that I will be there for you and hope to hear from you…God Bless+
Dear Keith,
I have been watching you and your from time to time. I do not agree with your politics, but, now we have something in common. You have my sympathy regarding the passing of your beloved father. I too have lost my father. I understand the feelings that you are going through, and I am still going through them. I know the feeling that all of a sudden you are ‘the man’ of the family, and that it a huge weight to carry. I know what you are feeling and thinking, and I can say that over time, it will get better. One recommendation is to not keep in what you are feeling, let it out, either to a close friend, a doctor, or if you just want to vent to someone that understands what you are going through, feel free to contact me.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Dear Keith,
I have been watching you and your from time to time. I do not agree with your politics, but, now we have something in common. You have my sympathy regarding the passing of your beloved father. I too have lost my father. I understand the feelings that you are going through, and I am still going through them. I know the feeling that all of a sudden you are ‘the man’ of the family, and that it a huge weight to carry. I know what you are feeling and thinking, and I can say that over time, it will get better. One recommendation is to not keep in what you are feeling, let it out, either to a close friend, a doctor, or if you just want to vent to someone that understands what you are going through, feel free to contact me.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Sir– My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I am a huge devotee of your show (and indeed the whole pm MSNBC lineup) and have always admired and appreciated your command of intelligent and eloquent journalism. There is never anything proper to say of a time such as this, but I am reminded of the sentiment of a card which was sent to me when my mother passed away some 24 years ago: “The spirit is forever, not the flesh.” You have spoken so eloquently and often of your dad on-air that your memories of him will certainly carry on with a life of their own, and hopefully that will give you some peace.
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. It’s always difficult to find the right words at times like this, but my heart goes out to you and your family. I hope that you can find some measure of comfort in the thoughts and prayers being sent here.
Take care.
Beth,
Connellsville, PA
Keith,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your father. Seeing the kind of guy you are says that he surely was a splendid man and a great dad.
May he remain cherished in the memories of all those who knew him.
Steve Smith
Words don’t seem enough, but they are all I can offer. I am profoundly sorry for your loss. What your father accomplished in life professionally was, indeed, amazing. Clearly he was just as accomplished in the way he raised his children. We are all tremendously grateful.
By the excellent work that you do, fighting for truth and clarity, it is obvious that you had good and loving parents since they raised a good son.
Your love for your father came through over the past few weeks on the air and I think he’d be very proud that you tied his life and his death to better health care for all Americans.
May you heal from your grief well and may the wind be at your back.
Gene Tinelli, MD
My deepest sympathy to you and your sister. The sorrow of your father’s passing needs to give way to the joy of the celebration of his life. You and your sister are left behind to continue his legacy. Our parents raise us by instilling their values and principles with the hope that we pass them on to the next generation. Do both your parents proud.
Dear Keith,
I extend my heartfelt condolences to you, Jenna and your families at the passing of your father. Please know that we not only share in your sadness but we are also so very grateful for your dad’s life and the wonderful job he did in raising a son who is unafraid to speak the truth and gifted at reminding us of our common humanity. Thank goodness for fathers such as your dad and for sons such as you.
By the excellent work that you do, fighting for truth and clarity, it is obvious that you had good and loving parents since they raised a good son.
Your love for your father came through over the past few weeks on the air and I think he’d be very proud that you tied his life and his death to better health care for all Americans.
May you heal from your grief well and may the wind be at your back.
Gene Tinelli, MD
Keith,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. You have my sympathy and my condolences go out to you and your family.
Keith, thrice I have walked this path you have journeyed; nothing can be said, truly, only felt. Except perhaps the old Eskimo proverb: ?Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.?
Keith, thrice I have walked this path you have journeyed; nothing can be said, truly, only felt. Except perhaps the old Eskimo proverb: ?Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.?
Keith,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely, Jan
Keith, I honestly don’t know what to add that hundreds before me have stated already. Condolences from a fellow New Yorker whose mother is also eighty years young. Please take solace in the fact that your parents are at peace, leaving you as their gift to our world, a voice of reason amidst the chaos that surrounds us everyday. They are damn proud of the son they raised, I am sure of that! Be well, take heart, and keep fighting the good fight in their stead!!!
Dear Keith,
My family and I wish to extend our deep condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Father. It is comforting to know, in this instance, how much Fathers live on in their sons. You are in our hearts and thoughts.
Sincerely,
Lorna Ferguson and family.
Dear Keith,
I feel as though I know you personally, after all we spend so many evenings together. I think of you daily. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your eloquence, courage, and transparent commitment to your values and standards are truly admirable. A beautiful and constant testament to your parents love.
As I have also walked this path, I know the feeling of loss. My wish for you is to focus on the love that you shared not the pain that you feel. The love will win…in time. I consider myself so lucky to have you in my home and look forward to seeing you there again soon. Thank you for all that you are and do.
Oh Keith, I am so sorry. When I heard the news, my heart broke for you and your sister. I won’t say I know what you’re going through, but I will say that there are so many people who care and are wishing you the best. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank for being willing to share your story with us, and we will do whatever we can to honor your father’s memory.
Claire Jacobs
I’m sorry to hear about it Keith. I’m a big fan of yours. What you wrote about your dad brought tears to my eyes.
Mr. Olbermann I am truly sorry to hear about your fathers passing. Your story has driven me to have these much needed end of life talks with my folks, and I thank you and your father for it.
Keith,
I want to thank you for the sharing of the most private and personal of times with all of us. I want to thank you for being a tireless narrator for end of life discussions, universal health care and living wills.
My son and I watch your show almost daily and during one of them my son teared up (and now-a-days its hard to make a 17 year-old do that unless you take away the keys to his car or trade in all of his PS3 games) while you shared your father’s battles. It also presented me the opportunity to share with him my wishes when I transition as well. I told him to give all my organs to those who need it, burn me up and spread my ashes at Citi Field, Emporio Armani (in NYC) and Candlestick Park in SF. So he has some travel ahead but God willing, he has some time to save up for that fateful trip.
Please keep encouraged. 2 Timothy 4:7 says, and I believe it true for your father. “I have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. And yes, he did them all! You continue to do the same.
May God rest his peace upon you and your family!
Condolences,
Asa and Jordan
I’m grateful to have this forum to give you my sympathies for the loss of your father. I lost my father over two years ago to liver cancer and I was blessed to have the chance to be with him as he was passed away. And being Canadian, I didn’t need to worry about insurance costs and such.
I wish you strength and courage to face your first year without your father. My first year was incredibly difficult, filled with tears and memories and rage and loss. But I can tell you with some authority that life will get better over time and you will learn to move on. Feel free to lean on your family and friends. They want to help you, so please let them.
Be well and I’ll see you on the tube when you get back to work.
—
John David Hickey
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
My husband and I wept with you upon learning the sad news of your dad’s passing. You have had two horrible losses in such a short time, and we send you and your sister our deepest sympathy.
Thank you for sharing the stories of your beloved parents with us, along with your roaring lion examples of why we need health care reform in our country. It’s personal with you, and you are our advocate.
We send you our positive thoughts and know life will never be the same. Time will help with the sting of death.
Julie
dear keith,
first of all, wishing you a bittersweet evening from western australia
i was just thinking of you actually on my way home from the cinema as i had just watched green zone & was most sadened to hear of this news
even though we have never met, i feel it a privilege to have followed the journey with you & your family through such strenuous times
you have shown both your outstanding genuine committment to your workplace & your family
with ofcourse your family coming first as it should
i didnt know about the link between baskin robbins & your father until reading your post just now
so every time i see a baskin robbins store, ill be thinking of your father & what he meant to you & smiling for knowing he brought into the world such a passionate son with the eloquant ability to voice his opinions for the betterment of not just the american people but for everyone who just wants to live a comfortable life void of interference from government & without fear of war
you sir are a true hero & your father was no less
just goes to show you dont need to come from a privileged background to end up having a privileged life
in closing, from an avid viewer & fellow citizen of the world, sending well wishes your way to yourself & the rest of your family
http://youtube.com/squishydemon
We are so sorry for your great loss. You father must have been a great man. Just look at his son. I would like to thank you and your father for a great life lived.
Thank You and bless you, your sister and friends.
To Keith and his sister Jenna:
God saw Theodore getting tired and a cure was not to be. So God put His arms around him and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes you watched your dad, and saw him pass away. Although you loved him dearly, you could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands… at rest. God broke your hearts to prove to you and Jenna, He only takes the best.
Condolences to Keith, Jenna, and the Olbermann family
I didn’t know your Dad, but he must have been quite a fella judging by the way you have turned out. With deepest sympathy, J.M.
Dear Mr Olbermann and family,
My husband and I watch your show religously and we wanted to express our deepest sympathy for the saddness you have faced with your mother and fathers illnesses. I hope in time you find peace in the idea that your mother and father are together again and your father is no longer suffering. Our hearts go out to you along with many across the country. Your parents must have been amazing people to raise such a outspoken genuine person. Thank you for all you do on Countdown and Keep up the GREAT work! God Bless.
Mandy West Jordan UT
Dear Keith,
Please accept our condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. I remember not very long ago having to say goodbye to my father, then mother, and to my horror my younger sister. In watching you over the past while it brings them very close to me once again, and I know, even though you understand this has to happen eventually, loosing a person you love, who was as much a role model as your father was, isn’t easy. But after a while you will realize what a blessing memory is. I can have my pop, mom, sis, and others for whom I have lost over the years, with me anytime I want to evoke them.
May you and your family rest and absorb and take very good care of one another.
Yours,
Shirley Keller, Three Rivers, CA
Keith,
My prayers go out to you and your family at the loss of your dad (and your mom). I pray that you have peace and that you also recognize how blessed you were to have your parents for as long as you had them.
My sister and I are also blessed to still have both of our parents and we are both in our 50s.
Debbie
Keith,
My husband and I sympathize with your great loss. We have both lost our own fathers and understand the pain you must be feeling.
Please know you are in so many hearts these days, but take comfort in the fact that he lived a full and satisfying life. Listening to your stories of he and your mom made us feel as though we knew him personally.
Thank you and God Bless you, Mr. Olbermann.
You are one of the few voices of reason on TV these days and we’re waiting with anticipation your return to our nightly routine.
Iam African who love your show.bare with me because my english is not good ,i’ll do my best to make a point.
i commond u for your dedication trying to help your fellow American and teach me how realy American think, for a while America i knew was bully intimidate every country and cause individual hate each other.
personal i don’t like America polisy but i love American ppl, the reason i hate is u guys came to my country and force us to this call democracy means we should have multy party systerm .i was born 1971 and all my life we was living in peace we was all one ppl life was good no until this multy party .now days we hate each other some ppl dead including my twin brother because your policy my point is if u leave us alone my brother still could be alive .i share your pain because i know how much it hurt to loose some one u love u will be ok , i got tell u pain will never go away but just keep head up and keep going
Dear Keith,
I am sorry for your and your sister’s loss. It is a difficult thing to loose our parents. Your dad was lucky to have such a caring son and daughter. Please keep up the good fight for health care reform on behalf of your father and us. Also, please keep up the fact-based commentary on your show. We need commentaries based on facts.
Sincerely -Donna
from Chatham, NY
Keith,
I want to offer my sympathy to you and your family. I remember clearly the pain of losing my mother 14 years ago and dread the day my father passes. Times like these are very hard, but his suffering is over and you have the memories of decades of a warm loving relationship to hang on to. The quality of your relationship with your father is something that many of us have envied for a long time.
Keith,
My condolences on the death of your father. Your parents must truly have been wonderful people to have produced you. I remember you from Los Angeles on Channel 2 and while not a sports fan, truly enjoyed your commemtary. Keep up the good work on Countdown. The country could use a few more factual news people like you.
Dorothy, Moab UT
may the days ahead bring you comfort and peace with the memories you share of your dad. we both have lost our parents and know the sadness you feel … marsha and frank
“When I heard that he was gone, I felt a shadow cross my heart.”
“Suddenly you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon.”
Neil Peart put my thoughts into words better than I have the ability to effectively convey my feelings at the news of your father passing. I have been a regular Countdown viewer since the beginning and you helped to comfort me when we lost our friend Tim [Russert] in 2008. I have spent countless hours in your company learning the news of the day and how the events in the news have real, tangible impact on our lives as Americans. Please know, somehow, that my thoughts are with you and your family in this time of loss. I believe that your father did what everyone ought to seek to do in life: to leave the world a better place than we found it.
Thank you for helping me (and so many like me) to work toward the same goal of making the world a better place for everyone.
Keith, You have my and my mother’s deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of your Dad. We knew that the situation had turned serious when you were absent from your show so frequently in recent days. We missed you but we understand – and Lawrence has done a yeoman’s job at keeping things interesting for us “politics addicts”. Take the time you need; to mourn, celebrate and heal and come back to us soon. You are missed.
My deepest sympathies to you, Keith and Jenna, on the passing of your beloved father, Theodore C. Olbermann. May your memories of him bring you comfort as you grieve and may the love he engraved in your hearts help guide you in your remaining time on this earth.
KEITH,
BLESSINGS TO YOU FOR THE FAITH YOU SHARED WITH US YOUR LOYAL VIEWERS. PRAYERS AND LOVE PAX ET BONUM
JAN, PENNSYLVANIA
My husband and I watch “you” every night! Thank you for your input to this society that has gone astray by forgetting what this country is supposed to be about! Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family.
May you find some comfort in knowing that you and your life panels along with your FATHER struck a chord and you my dear sir are a reminder of what GOODNESS is all about.
WE have given to the Free Clinic a donation in your Dad’s memory.
One final thing….the Free Clinic helped me many years ago in L.A. when I was a young woman and pregnant. Your DAD and what the Free Clinic did for me…well it is the least we can do! Peace be with you Keith and Family!
Created an account just to express my condolences. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
Created an account just to express my condolences. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
I watch your show everynight, and i offfer my deepest, heartfelt sympathy to you and your family regarding the lose of your father. We lost my mother-in-law in September of last year, I loved her as if she was my mother because she treated me as a daughter and told everyone that I was her daughter. I took her to appointments and knew she had cancer before my husband did. Your special commet about health care directives, living wills, and DPOA’s health and finacial are so important for all of us to have, she did, so does my husband and I. We also have a will, as did she. She had health insurance so do we but the premiums have risen twice in two years. I miss her everyday, I cry sometimes but I also laugh about the stories that she told me. They say that God gives us no more than we can bear, therefore ioffer you some of my strength. I pray for you and your family. On a totally selfish note, please don’t leave the show, you are an honest voice for us. With love,stregnth care and kindness, Daphne&Willie. Seattle, WA
I watch your show everynight and miss when you are not there. My deepest sympathy to you and your sister on the passing of your beloved father.
I miss my dad everyday and he has been gone for 3 years and my mom for 24 years. Parents are always with you.
Angie Crespo Glenn
Keith,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
My dad passed away when I was 11 years old.
We certainly share your grief and pray that your loving memories of your dad will sustain you and yours during this difficult time.
Paula, Chicago
I’m so sorry.
Keith,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.
My dad passed away when I was 11 years old.
We certainly share your grief and pray that your loving memories of your dad will sustain you and yours during this difficult time.
Paula, Chicago
Keith, I grieve for you and your family during this time. And I am praying for you all, too. Losing a loved one is especially difficult at any time, but even more so when that loved one is a parent, a role model, a mentor. I have appreciated your show for the past few years, especially your willingness to speak truth to those in power. I especially appreciated your recent comments on Living Wills, something I discuss with my college writing students when we examine essays on healthcare and end-of-life issues as part of one unit of the course. My family has found the ability to plan ahead for health emergencies to be a great comfort–we had provisions in place for my grandparents when they became ill in the 1990s, and my parents have already informed my brother and I of their wishes, whenever that time comes. Just knowing their wishes takes at least part of the burden off us as we face the future. Thank you for communicating with more of our fellow citizens how important and how helpful those Living Wills can be.
I am sorry to hear about your lost! My sincerest condolences
to you and your family. I take care of my mother and I don’t know what I will do when it is her turn. She tells me that it will be another 7 years or more. I sure do hope so. If there is anything that I can do you just let me know. It takes time for the pain to lessen. But it will.
To Jenna and Keith,
It is with deepest sympathies that I share in the loss of your father. Having known your dad many years before and having had the chance to know him again, both Jenna and you are a testament to his will, his compassion, and his drive to be the best that he can be. I have watched and shared with you through these long months the struggles that all three of you have faced. It was a privilege to know him, to be bedside with him, and to try and understand him when he could mouth words, and to sit beside him when he was asleep and just be there. It was an honor and I am humbled by his strength and love for both of you. You should both be proud of who you are, because he helped you along the way. He will be truly missed.
M.
Dear Mr. Olbermann
My condolences to you and your family.
Ben
Keith, I’ve watched you on TV for years, I’ve watched the past six months and what your father and family have gone through. Just as your father was a blessing to you, you were a blessing to him. My greatest condolences to you and your family, I know your Dad will be missed dearly.
Dear Keith: Heartfelt condolences from she who works with Alzheimer’s docs (i.o.w., we stand a lot of vigils here). What happened to your dad wasn’t fair; we all want our parents to go quietly in their sleep, and so many good people end up carrying a load of hurt at the end . . . I know you won’t but never think you didn’t do all the right things for your dad. Peace. Frances in California.
Kieth, You have my deepest sympathies.
Like many I have shed a few tears the last few weeks as you shared the difficulities that you were going through. The news has brought a few more.
Your strength of character turned this difficult period into the ultimate teachable moment. Living Wills and Advanced Care Directives will be an important legacy of this time.
Take solace in all the great memories you shared with your Dad and Mom.
Your parents left behind a national treasure.
Keith,
I’d like to add my sincerest condolence for your family’s loss.
Reading the above comments I can only add mine – everything we all feel for you is included in the vast number of comments which shows to you how much your thought of by all your viewers and friends.
Fred D.
Deepest sympathy to you and your sister, Keith. Not only will your father live on in you, but since you shared your love for him with all of us, a little piece of him lives on in us as well.
Peace to you.
Deepest sympathy to you and your sister, Keith. Not only will your father live on in you, but since you shared your love for him with all of us, a little piece of him lives on in us as well.
Peace to you.
Dear Keith:
Unfortunately, I can empathize with what you and your sister are going through. Seventeen years ago, my grandfather went in for bypass surgery and then endured months of complications before finally passing away in June of 1993. Being there with your father and each other during these months is a wonderful gift that you were able to give to each other. Rest assured he knew you were there, and loves you all the more for it. May knowing that your many fans are praying and sending strength to you and your family be a comfort to you at this time.
— Barbara K Emanuele
James Thurber still makes me laugh, while architecture makes me grateful for being a human. Lautner, Wright, Greene and Greene, like a perfect game pitched, an improbable interception, or a buzzer beater, all take my breath away.
With my dad it was politics. We always discussed politics. When he passed away 25 years ago this month, I felt that I could never again find them as interesting. How he would have loved Obama!
I am so sorry for your loss, Keith. yet these memories of what they taught us, as well as what we shared in conversation, remain the fabric of not only who were are, but that which sustains us in spirit long after they have passed.
God bless you Keith. Your humor and wisdom has also sustained me on difficult days.
Dear Keith,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on your loss. When people like your father leave this world, a piece of us goes with them. Although things will never be the same, you will have your happy memories to console you.
Sincere good wishes,
Verna Caruso
Williamsport, PA
Keith – You have been in my thoughts and prayers for many months as you struggled first with the loss of your mother and now with the loss of your father. I have come to know you as a brave and good man. I pray that God will bless you with his grace and comfort as you move forward. Please accept my humble words of encouragement.
My sincere condolences to You and Jenna, Jacob and Eve.
God bless you, my friend. Please continue to be my breath of fresh air in this crazy world.
I sent another contribution to the Association of Free Health Clinics in your dad’s name. As a health care professional I am much impressed with the work they do. Please continue to fight the health care battle. ‘hope to see you back on Countdown before long.
kmj
Keith – You have been in my thoughts and prayers for many months as you struggled first with the loss of your mother and now with the loss of your father. I have come to know you as a brave and good man. I pray that God will bless you with his grace and comfort as you move forward. Please accept my humble words of encouragement.
My sincere condolences to You and Jenna, Jacob and Eve.
God bless you, my friend. Please continue to be my breath of fresh air in this crazy world.
I sent another contribution to the Association of Free Health Clinics in your dad’s name. As a health care professional I am much impressed with the work they do. Please continue to fight the health care battle. ‘hope to see you back on Countdown before long.
kmj
Keith and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences. You and your family have been through so much, and in sharing your story, I think you have helped millions of Americans have the discussions they need to have, in order to prepare for the death of a loved one (as if that’s really possible, emotionally). We make the preparations, but in the end, we are not as ready as we think we are.
I do think that once we lose both our parents (as I have), it’s such a shock. You are alone in the world, and for that split second, you realize it, but then you are wrapped in the arms of your living family, and friends, who help you realize that it will all be ok.
It will all be ok. Maybe not today, but soon.
Dear Keith and Family, You brought your dad into all of our lives with your obvious love for him and we are all richer for having met him. You have my deepest sympathies.
Robin
Condolences on the loss of your father. May your memories of him bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Keith,
Thanks for your moving tribute to your father. I burst into tears when I saw that wonderful picture — I’ve got one of myself and my father just like it.
I lost my 89 year old father in October of 2008. He took me to Dodger Stadium to watch Koufax pitch, and coached my Little League team for four years. I still haven’t gotten over his death. I think of him every single day, and feel incredibly lucky and grateful that I had him in my life for 56 years.
My father enjoyed your show, as I do. He was a die-hard New Deal liberal — the social programs of FDR literally saved his life after his father passed away in 1931. He loved your humor, and your fire, and your honesty. Me too.
R. Procter
Dear Keith,
I am a long time fan of yours and love to hear your program nightly, especially your opening gambit: Which story will you be discussing ……… I am so sorry about the loss of yours’ and Jennas, your dear father. You have handled this whole situation over the last several months beautifully, including your segments about life panels and encouraging all who are listening to be prepared, i.e. living wills, DNRs, etc. Though we have missed seeing you daily and hearing your voice championing and calling for all to have access to health care, your heart kept you where you needed to be recently, which was with your father and sister.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I am from Idaho – but one of the biggest fans of you and Count Down. I am also a graduate student in health sciences at Boise State University. Many Boiseans are proud of this health care reform legislation that we pray will pass soon.
God bless and keep you Keith, and it is okay to weep. Our parents are some of the most sacred (pure love) relationships we have on earth.
Your friend in Idaho,
Anita Morton
Dearest Keith and Jenna,
My heart goes out to both of you.
It is hard not to think of my loss when my dad passed on. Knowing I will never get to see or talk to him again. My loss was so great for my dad was a wonderful man like your dad. I will keep you and your sister in my thoughts.
Be well kind friends.
To Keith and the Olbermann Family,
I wanted to include my condolences to you in your time of sorrow. The special bond you had with your father was easy to see and this must be a devastating time. Please remember that the memories you have of your dad will live on with you.
I lost my father last year and found out weeks later, as I was not close with my dad(his choice). So, please cherish all the good times you had with your dad, something some of us will never have.
Sincerely,
Johnny Archive
Dear Keith and Family, My condolences to you… I lost my Dad under similar circumstances (Colo-Rectal Cancer) just 5 years ago. I will contribute as directed to the free clinics. Keith, what we need is low or no cost colonoscopy clinics. The National Health Care will be too little too late. Lets do battle with this disease and find a way to offer this diagnostic tool to the millions of uninsured or underinsured…
Love, Sal
“Because I could not stop for death
He kindly stopped for me
The carriage held but just ourselves
And immortaility.”
-Emily Dickenson
Dear Keith,
So long as the grief abides, we lament with you over your father’s dying, but not for a moment longer. Ever after, we will delight with you in the memory of your father’s living.
Sincerely,
Thousands of Loving Fans.
Keith,
Sorry to hear about your father. I figured since we had not seen you on Countdown for the last few weeks things were probably not good. We are donating to the free clinic in memory of your father and as an RN I plan to donate some time at a local clinic in memory of your father also. You a a true champion for the cause of health care – keep up the good work.
Jeff, Port Huron MI
Dear Keith–
I understand it will be impossible for you to read ALL our notes, but I wanted to be sure to leave one.
I was shocked and saddened to hear Lawrence announce your Dad’s passing last evening. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. You made such an incredible effort to assist him on the “life panel,” I’m sure many of us consider your actions nearly heroic. Certainly the best effort of a loving son. You are in this, as in so many of your efforts, to be strongly commended.
Please accept my empathy for what you are going through emotionally, as well. I’m around your age, also a broadcaster, and lost my own Dad just 8 months ago, back in July. Unfortunately we didn’t have as much lead time to react– a very hard to detect cancer took him, and by the time it was detected, time was very short. However, my sister, brother, and I were able to be as you were, the “life panel” for a brief time. Dad knew he didn’t want to hang around on machines if there wasn’t hope for quality of life, and so at his request he spent most of his final week in hospice care. Those folks were terrific.
And the hospice doc really helped my brother and me. We’d worried we weren’t spending enough time at his bedside, how could we plan schedules to be there at “the time,” etc. We asked the doctor about this after a morning exam of Dad, and he was profound. He said he’d done this a lot of years, seen many families “camping out” by a person’s side, and after a week or 10 days, he often couldn’t tell who were the family and who was the patient. “Think of your Dad if he were in his full consciousness, and able to clearly communicate with you,” the physician said. “What would he say about you guys sitting around here, waiting to be on hand at the `moment’ of his death?” My brother and I looked at each other with the same light bulb over our heads– of course Dad wouldn’t allow such a thing. He would veto it out of hand. At that moment, a giant weight really did seem to lift from my shoulders. We didn’t feel guilty about going back to Dad’s house and getting stuff done that he and our stepmom needed, and of course came back on a regular basis, but again lost that guilt. I really thank that doctor for his brilliance and compassion.
Unfortunately, our stepmother lost her own battle with various illnesses earlier this month, on what would’ve been their 33rd anniversary. It seems quite clear as we’ve heard with numerous seniors, the “broken heart” really did hasten her departure. Again, I share with you the sad experience of having lost 2 parental figures within a year.
I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the time you return to the show… but certainly want you to take all the time off you need.
We thank you for your brilliant work, your use of facts to get the real truth to the people… and especially at this time, your caring and compassion. Again please accept our sympathies, and I know I’ll be right back in place listening to your wisdom and revelations when you’re able to make it back. We’re all here for you, as you were so courageously and compassionately for your Dad.
Best always,
Jim Williams
Louisville, KY
Dear Keith,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Your heartbreaking losses of both Mother and Father this past year have resonated with my own experience of losing first my father and then my mother in the same short amount of time, and your willingness to share these agonies have helped me enormously. I cannot say how much. I’ve discovered that each life is unique and so each death will be, yet the awe and terror and helplessness and love and fear and frustration and dance with medical promise and disappointment somehow all comprise the farrago of experiences those remaining must experience, particularly those nearby, witnessing, caring, crying, and just plain holding on. Your parents have now through you reached an amazing constellation in your viewers. That’s quite a gift from both sides. Take care of yourself, for by your description, your parents would want that. Tina Zwarg, Philadelphia
Keith – I have been a big fan for many years and always try to watch you, whether on CountDown or NBC Sunday pre-game football show. You have always been the voice of reason in a world full of idiots; your charm, humor and intelligence shines through everything that you say or do. What a wonderful set of parents you had; they loved you very much and were obviously very proud of you. No one should be surprised by the love, caring and grace that you have shown over the past few months. Please know that all of your fans and friends around the world share the grief that you feel for the loss of your dad. We love you, and will wait right here for you to return. God bless. Sharon, Bodfish, CA
Keith — condolences to you and your family. You can take comfort in the fact that you did everything you could possibly could, going above and beyond what most people are capable of or willing to do.
You are a great American. Thank you for all you do for your country.
Keith, My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. You are a wonderful person. I look forward to Countdown every evening. Your parents must be so proud of you as you are proud of them. Their legacy lives on in you.
God bless you and I bless you.
With affection and prayers.
Keith, so very sorry for your loss. On your updates regarding your dads health status I hoped he would survive and on the night you talked about him wanting to die tears fell for you and him. Keith I have been a nurse for 36 years, lost track of the numbers of patients that have been admitted with horrible life threatening llness where the patient and family have never discussed end of life issues. Life discussions begin but sometimes the patient no longer can talk about what they want. Thank you for talking about life discussions and living wills, inyour time of crisis and sorrow you reached out and shared your pain with others. Keith you are my hero for doing that and bringing it up to the millions of Americans that watch your show everynight like I do. May peace be with you after your horrible loss. My daddy left me thirty years ago this month truely undstand your pain. Blessing to you. lemoyne anderson seattle, washington loyal follower of yours.
Good Evening Keith, I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Dad. You and your Family are in my prayers and thoughts. I like the closeness that you had with your Father. I always got the Impression that you had a beautiful relationship and friendship with him. I truly admire that. I pray and hope that he’s In a better place. I just know that you’ll always, but always, have fond memories of him. Take care, and allow you body, mind, and soul, to go through the healing, and do take care. I pray that our Lord and Savior bless you real good. Oh, I watch your program every night because you are so real and candid. Later ~~~~~~
I only signed on to tell Keith that I am truly sorry for the loss of his father (and mother). I’m in prayer for you because I kinda know what you’re going through right now. They say it gets easier, so hang in there and keep praying. I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Keith,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father.
As a health care worker I thank you for your tireless push for health care reform informing viewers about the unbelieveable numbers of people who everyday make tough choices with regard to their health care.
Money is a little tight right now but when things get better in the next month or so I will be happy to contribute to the free health clinics you have championed. Thanks!
Be at peace. Your dad is free. Despite your pain and loss, take in the beauty of what is around you. Go to Central Park. Warm wishes and prayers, Jan in Santa Clarita
Keith;
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved father. I will hold a positive thought for you and your family.
Judith Colson
Keith:
I am so terribly sorry to hear of your father passing. In your descriptions of him, he sounded like a great man, just as his son has turned out to be. I thank you for all of your comments about your fathers trip through our “healthcare system”, and hope that soon you may get back to your show and to the job of making us all understand how this system of ours works, or doesn’t. We truly appreciate all of the comments that you have made on behalf of the American people, and hope that someone in Washington is listening. We will keep your dad, and you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Good Night and Good Luck.
Keith, I don’t know if you read many of these comments, but I wanted to share something for you. My fiance had second stage lung cancer, and we have had the conversation about his end of life care. He has expressed to me that if anything ever happens to him that he has a DNR order, and even though I am scared to death to make that decision if it comes, it is his wish, and I have to honor it. My grandmother died in 2001 after suffering from a stroke 6 months prior. My mother had to discuss her end of life care, and knew my grandmother wouldn’t want to suffer needlessly. So there was a DNR order put in place, and even though I wanted to see my grandmother live just a little longer, I understood why. I thank you Keith for sharing your father with us, and I appreciate your words. God bless you and your family. You are firmly in our prayers. Love you!
LaKeisha Chestnut
I only signed on to tell Keith that I am truly sorry for the loss of his father (and mother). I’m in prayer for you because I kinda know what you’re going through right now. They say it gets easier, so hang in there and keep praying. I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Keith,
Sorry about the loss of your dad. What a great man. Like father like son. My condolences.
Stanley Sweet
Prescott, Arizona
Dear Keith, I’m truly sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved father. Your love of your parents is so evident on the other side of the TV screen. Having gone through the same experience with my parents, words cannot express how sorrowful this moment must be.
With deepest sympathy,
Paul Cavanaugh
Keith,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. What a great man. Like father like son. My condolences.
Stanley Sweet
Prescott, Arizona
Keith,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. What a great man. Like father like son. My condolences.
Stanley Sweet
Prescott, Arizona
Requiescat in pace. The boy is the father of the man. While you miss your father; we join you in your sorrow as those of us who have lost ours remember our own pain and hold you and your sister in our hearts. May you find peace shortly.
Keith, from my family to your’s, you are in our prayers. May your grief pass gently and quickly.
Martha
Ellington, CT
MY BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOUR DAD WAS AN INSPIRATION TO YOU AND YOU, SIR, ARE AN INSPIRATION TO MANY MORE. THEY SAY THE APPLE DOES NOT FALL FAR FROM THE TREE. YOU ARE PROOF THAT YOUR FATHER WAS A GOOD MAN.
Keith and Jenna,
My deepest sympathies in the loss of both your parents in a short span of time. I have watched your broadcast from the hospital along with many others regarding the state of the Health Insurance System you have in the U.S. I am a big fan even though I am a Canadian, it is interesting to watch your country try to change your Health Insurance system into a Health care system. That is the difference, insurance for profit or caring for humans,people. Please continue telling the truth about the Health Bill and what the stakes truly are. I want Americans to get the same chance as we have in Canada to affordable health care.
I can see by sharing your Dad with us that you and Jenna were proud of him and he felt the same about the two of
you.
Be strong and time does help some. I lost my Dad 10 years ago when he was 67 and still miss him everyday.
Best Regards
Kim Olmstead
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
Condolences, Mr. Olbermann, on the death of your beloved father. There is nothing in the world quite like the feeling that we were deeply and unconditionally loved by our parents. The memories that accompany this lifelong love are lasting and precious, and will afford a great deal of comfort in the sad days ahead. Having lost both parents, I can testify that, even in my deepest grief, I could and did smile often and even laugh about a particularly special shared moment from my childhood. My wonderful, kind and endlessly patient father passed away in 1991, and my outspoken, feisty and always funny mother died on August of 2006. My older sister- the oldest of us five siblings, and only 15 days away from her own death at the age of 62, was lying in bed with a tear running down her cheek and saying in a bereft voice. “Now we’re orphans.” This fact had already occurred to me, but hearing my Big Sister say it really made it sink in, and realize that, when it comes to losing one’s parents we are all still little kids at heart. Our prayers will be with you. Sharon & Rafael Rojas
Dear Keith and family:
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May his memory not only be a blessing but a daily reminder of how wonderful he was to you and for you. How fortunate you are to have had a dad you so admire.
You will think of him everyday and for a long while the thought will bring you a tear – and then one day you will think of him and smile.
May you find peace and comfort.
Regards,
Just a fan
Keith and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Everyone who looks at your show knows the bond you and your father have and always will.
May God continue to keep you and yours.
Sincerely,
Joyce Robertson
Louisville, KY
Dear Keith,
I just recently lost my Dad in October 2009….so I’m writing this in the hopes that you will accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your own Dad. May you find comfort in knowing that the memories and love you have for him can stay alive forever within you. If you feel like writing more about your Dad, I for one would certainly appreciate reading anything you have to say.
Condolences, Mr. Olbermann, on the death of your beloved father. There is nothing in the world quite like the feeling that we were deeply and unconditionally loved by our parents. The memories that accompany this lifelong love are lasting and precious, and will afford a great deal of comfort in the sad days ahead. Having lost both parents, I can testify that, even in my deepest grief, I could and did smile often and even laugh about a particularly special shared moment from my childhood. My wonderful, kind and endlessly patient father passed away in 1991, and my outspoken, feisty and always funny mother died on August of 2006. My older sister- the oldest of us five siblings, and only 15 days away from her own death at the age of 62, was lying in bed with a tear running down her cheek and saying in a bereft voice. “Now we’re orphans.” This fact had already occurred to me, but hearing my Big Sister say it really made it sink in, and realize that, when it comes to losing one’s parents we are all still little kids at heart. Our prayers will be with you. Sharon & Rafael Rojas
Condolences, Mr. Olbermann, on the death of your beloved father. There is nothing in the world quite like the feeling that we were deeply and unconditionally loved by our parents. The memories that accompany this lifelong love are lasting and precious, and will afford a great deal of comfort in the sad days ahead. Having lost both parents, I can testify that, even in my deepest grief, I could and did smile often and even laugh about a particularly special shared moment from my childhood. My wonderful, kind and endlessly patient father passed away in 1991, and my outspoken, feisty and always funny mother died on August of 2006. My older sister- the oldest of us five siblings, and only 15 days away from her own death at the age of 62, was lying in bed with a tear running down her cheek and saying in a bereft voice. “Now we’re orphans.” This fact had already occurred to me, but hearing my Big Sister say it really made it sink in, and realize that, when it comes to losing one’s parents we are all still little kids at heart. Our prayers will be with you. Sharon & Rafael Rojas
Dear Keith & Family,
Sooo sorry to hear about your father passing. Me & my husband watch your show religiously. Specially when it comes to health reform & your dad etc.. Please know that you & your sister are in ours prayers & keep up the great work about us needing health care. I & my husband strongly believe that health care is a right not a priviliage!
God Bless
And thanks again for your voice!
Cheryl & Chris G.
Keith,
Count me among the hundreds of thousands of citizens who thank you every day for carrying the message. As a son, a dad, and a grandfather, I share your loss and the gratitude you feel for your father and your mother. Feel the love brother.
Jay West
To the Olbermann Family,
I’m very sorry and want to send you my sincere condolences and my assurance that the sadness will fade but the joy of his life will be with you always.
Dear Keith,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Your heartbreaking losses of both Mother and Father this past year have resonated with my own experience of losing first my father and then my mother in the same short amount of time, and your willingness to share these agonies have helped me enormously. I cannot say how much. I’ve discovered that each life is unique and so each death will be, yet the awe and terror and helplessness and love and fear and frustration and dance with medical promise and disappointment somehow all comprise the farrago of experiences those remaining must experience, particularly those nearby, witnessing, caring, crying, and just plain holding on. Your parents have now through you reached an amazing constellation in your viewers. That’s quite a gift from both sides. Take care of yourself, for by your description, your parents would want that. Tina Zwarg, Philadelphia
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
First, my most sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
Second, thank you for sharing this journey with us as a reminder of how important it is to be prepared for the end of our lives. I will continue to try and ensure our family is prepared to make decisions about these things without guessing, as best we can.
Last, as a parent, it is one of my greatest hopes to be as inspirational to my child as your father clearly was to you. A proud and happy adult is the best way for parents to know they did well by their child.
Thank you for all you do.
Michelle
Sorry about your bad luck, good luck in the future.
Dear Keith and family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your father. God bless you and your family through this difficult time.
I would also like to thank you, Keith, for the wonderful comments and support you are offering regarding health care reform and all that it entails. I have been a nurse for 30+ years and I know first hand about the importance of “end of life wishes”. It makes all the difference in the world for all concerned. I have been in both situations many times and the families that have loved ones wishes known, provide an inner peace that is immeasurable. Thank you for relating that to your audience.
Also thank you for talking so much about the free health clinics around the country. Because of you, I have been wanting to volunteer at one for a while now. Fortunately for me, I have just heard of a clinic coming to Atlanta, GA on the 23rd of March (my birthday) and there’s nothing I would rather do on my birthday than volunteer…so I did. I’m so excited to do this! Thank you again.
May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead and again, my deepest sympathy to you all and thank you for all you do. I know your Dad was very proud.
Nancy
Mr. Olbermann, my deepest condolences to you and your family. What a well written obituary and tribute. And what a great photo of you and your dad, too.
Thank you for all of your work on our and our country’s behalf and I wish you well during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry about your loss. You and your family have been so brave.
I have followed your comments on the slow decline of your beloved Father with keen interest. If as we are commanded to “Honor our Father and Mother” then you truly honor them. May their names be for a blessing and your family be blessed with shalom during this trying and sorrow full time.
Dear Keith,
I and my partner are so sorry for your loss. Please make sure you take time for yourself and remember all the good times you have had with your father and mother. You are a good man Keith stay strong. Your loyal fans will be there for you.
Keith,
Being aware, these last weeks, as Larry has been doing such a fine job filling in for you, of your fathers’ obviously deteriorating condition, my thoughts were focused in my memories of the loss of my own father, and the ordeal that preceded his passing. I would say that the loss of your dad has produced for many of us – memories of the loss of our own dads. I speak for many men who loved our dads. I know where you are. I feel for your loss. I mourn his passing as I did my own father. Be well. Take care of your family and yourself, and know, most of all, and beyond question, that you are loved – by those of us who know you and those of us you’ll never meet. Your dad did his job well. You are a good man. The world needs alot more like you. You have my condolences, best regards and lots of love. Take care and be strong.
Lee Schusterman, Philadelphia.
Namaste, Ted.
Keith,
Your loving fans have left so many beautiful comments to you that I am in tears just reading them. I was away and missed your program for two days and just found out about your dad now. My deepest condolences to you and your sister and her child. You are such a wonderful inspring man that I proudly display my bumper sticker, “Keith Olbmermann speaks for me” and watch you every evening. The recent comment left by Lee Schusterman says it for me. I lost my parents ten years ago in a very abrupt amount of time and think of them and feel for you when you spoke so eloquently about your dad and what he was going through -and what we need to do about health care so that all people can received the fine care he did. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for all of us. We love you and always know that your dad was so proud of you.
Joan S.
(if it appears funny, I think this is my husband’s user name ..lol)
Keith,
My heart goes out to you. As a Red Sox fan and having a dad who was a die-hard Yankee fan – I lost him just before the Red Sox won the pennant and World Series in 2004. He was 61.
As with all great games, it was customary for us to call one another and give each other grief about how well WE did and how bad THEY did. Over 25 years of Yankees/Sox bickering and he even took me to the 86 World Series at Fenway. efff…
As I was dialing the number back east after Schilling won it, it occurred to me that he was gone. My elation about the Red Sox winning was doused when I realized I had no one to share it with.
Take care,
Rob
Keith,
My heart goes out to you. As a Red Sox fan and having a dad who was a die-hard Yankee fan – I lost him just before the Red Sox won the pennant and World Series in 2004. He was 61.
As with all great games, it was customary for us to call one another and give each other grief about how well WE did and how bad THEY did. Over 25 years of Yankees/Sox bickering and he even took me to the 86 World Series at Fenway. efff…
As I was dialing the number back east after Schilling won it, it occurred to me that he was gone. My elation about the Red Sox winning was doused when I realized I had no one to share it with.
Take care,
Rob
Mr. Olberman me and my family are huge fans of you. We remember you when was at CNN and FIX newsand was glad you stayed with MSNBC . Our condolences go out to you and your entire family and we have donated to every charity you have because you are so passionate about people in general and their lives. If the REPUBLICANS want to try and block healthcare, then i think all them who appose shold give up their GOVERNMENT healthcare card out of their pocket and that is the red -white and blue card[medicare and medicaid]. GOD bless you and your family and we have your back do not worry.
Dear Keith
The loss of one’s mother and father is a great loss to anyone. As a UK resident and loyal viewer of countdown (internet) since 2007, all I can do is offer my condolences for you and the family. I too have lost my father in 2004. One thing that I have learnt from my father?s death is that time really does heal all wounds. Your kindness, generosity and defending those who are in need has been an inspirational and influential. I also admire you for letting us into your family. Your mother and father were amazing people. They have raised an amazing son. All I can say is THANK YOU.
Tim
England
I am so sorry to hear the news about the passing of your father. I know how much you loved and admired him. I lost both of my parents years back and have lived with that void in my heart. I know how difficult it is and the pain that loss causes, but you had a wonderful relationship with him and he lived to see his son become one of the most loved and respected people in news. You enjoyed a love and respect that many people never had with their parents. I wish I could say something, anything to make you feel better, but there are no words. The pain and sorrow wanes and you remember the good times and the wisdom passed on and it does get better. You had a chance to say goodbye which is what many of us never had the chance to do. You were with him and he knew how much you loved him and that was a gift that every parent should have at the end. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Keith and our love and respect as well. Carol Galati
Keith –
My sincerest condolences on your loss. You were incredibly brave to bring us into your personal life and so articulate in describing an intimate situation that we all, at some time in our lives, must endure.
Keith and family,
Condolences. The emotional turmoil caused by one parent’s death is hard enough to absorb; when two parents die within a short period of time — as mine also did — it leaves one bereft. Where do I turn when I want someone to simply listen and understand? Or tell me there sometimes is nothing to understand? As others have said here, there is a void that doesn’t go away. Family traditions are upended. The best advice I got was that it was a time for us to take up the family mantle and begin our own traditions, stitching, of course, on the sturdy fabric our parents gave to us.
I think you and Jenna felt like you walked alone.
You had alot of people trying to carry your hearts in thoughts and prayer. You weren’t alone. We were with you.
All we can send is e-hugs and donate. Send sympathy. But we were with you best we could.
We are so sorry over the loss of your dad and our hearts ache. We walked with you from our living rooms. But we were with you and you in our thoughts.
With sympathy, Dave and Heidi
My deepest sympathy to you and your sister during these difficult times.
Keith you have shown to your audience that sharing your peronal life story during your daily work can be done in an outstanding and very meaningfull way. Thanks for doing this. I hope it will make America a better nation to be a citizen off.
Keith,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. You are a testament as to his character and integrity and I know he was as proud of you as you are of him. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Keith,
My husband “discovered” you and Countdown in Aug of 08 while I was away. He heard you say someone lied and then proceeded to back up your statement! We are such fans that on our first winter trip after retiring, we purchased a satellite dish just so we could watch Countdown. On Monday, as Lawrence was telling us of your father’s death, we both were in tears. We knew it was coming, just as you did, but nothing can prepare you for that loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family as you go through these next days. How wonderful for you to have been able to spend the last days and weeks of your father’s life with him. You both are truly blessed for having that time together. We look forward to your return when you are ready.
Dear Keith,
You’re like a old friend to me as I watch your show every night. I know your Dad & Mom were great people because what a wonderful son they have raised.
May you find comfort and peace in knowing that people love and care for you.
Debbie
Dear Keith,
I’ve thought of you as a friend for a few years now, and I want to send you my heartfelt sympathy as you grieve the loss of your dear Dad. Your words of tribute to him are beautiful. Losing both your parents in such a short time is very difficult, and I wish you comfort and peace, along with healing tears. I’ve lost both my parents and both my brothers, and I have shed many a tear remembering and missing them, but I also feel each of them with me every single day, and I treasure the eternal impression they’ve left on my heart and mind. I sense from your words honoring your parents that you feel this way, too, Keith. Your parents were wonderful to have raised a courageous and kind man like you. I send you kind thoughts in your bereavement, and many thanks for your work, your integrity, your good heart.
It is so hard when a hero dies. I remember when my hero, my father died what is now almost 10 years ago but in my mind seems like just yesterday. Your comment on living wills, and your push to somehow make your fathers last days mean something to the millions of Americans that still have their parents was a wonderful tribute to a man you obviously loved. My heart and my tears go out to you and your sister.
Although it probably does not mean too much in the whole picture of things I will now always think of you and your family when I have a simple ice cream cone at the 31 flavors. My father was also an engineer and like all engineers made things. His legacy was on the north slope of Alaska and a lake named after him, “Webster”, a non-freezing lake due to his engineering skills. Having those simple concrete example of a person contributions somehow helps us every time we think of them.
I hope your comments, your dedication in the name of your father, and your pushing the buttons of the people who’s buttons need pushing will help our leaders not only pass health care this week but also add a public option to it in the months ahead. I am so sorry for your loss and realize the void this will bring. My hope for you is comfort and peace.
-Gregg
Dear “Big Headed Fella”
Somehow I knew this was a day filled with great emotion for your family and friends. We want to thank you for sharing your father’s bravery. Each day we missed you, we felt your presence was where it was most needed. The celebration of your father’s life will continue throughout your lifetime, we are sure.
Your friends lost in the wilderness of Oklahoma
Dear Keith – Deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your Dad. May he rest in peace, along with your Mom. Thank you for sharing with us, and looking forward to seeing you on Countdown. Be well, my friend-
Kathy Lombardi
Delaware
Dear Keith – Deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your Dad. May he rest in peace, along with your Mom. Thank you for sharing with us, and looking forward to seeing you on Countdown. Be well, my friend-
Kathy Lombardi
Delaware
Keith
Condolences to you and your family. You’ve handled this like a champ.
Heard a song today that I thought you might enjoy at this time: “The Hero” Last tune @ http://ramblinricky.com/
Rick
Keith,
My deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. You will be kept in my thoughts.
Ramon
West Palm Beach, FL
My deepest condolences for the loss of your dad. He was a great man and proud of having such a son, I’m sure.
We are grateful for your work, Keith, as you make it both informational and entertaining through honest, intellectually sound reporting.
We’ll be here for you when you’ll come back; take care of yourself as you do with your family.
Lawrence has been doing a great job, but you know that.
\ Fabio Piscicelli,
New Jersey
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Keith.
Keith,
We just heard about your father and we would like to give you our heartfelt condolences. We’ve been praying for him and you and your sister all these many months. We just wish we could give to you as much as you’ve given to us. Know that you’re in our prayers through this very sad and difficult time.
Your work, your insight, your commentary have been a highlight in our lives for years and we continually share snippets from your broadcasts with the many music kids we volunteer with. I put up your Special Comments on my Facebook Profile and the kids seem to enjoy watching them; at least I get that impression from their comments.
Take care of yourself and your sister. Hold tight to one another and know that so many of us are supporting you.
Jeff and Kathy
Fort Atkinson, WI
Keith, you have been a faithful son to both of your parents. God is well pleased. My sincere sympathies to you and your sister.
dear: Keith
My family and I send our deepest condolences for the lost of your father and mother. May god bless you and your family.
The Alvarez family.
Watching Lawrence pinch-hit and thinking of you and your dad on the ‘injured list’.
They were something, those moms and dads of our era.
My dad sat in his workshop nights after a full day at his small business doing stuff he’d outsource ordinarily, but wanted to save the money so I could pursue my sports dream. I was able to have a good horse and train and compete in horse shows. I made it to a national finals and he was thrilled. My mom did without willingly.
It’s not easy being in the orphan club when you had parents that good. Losing them both, close together, like you and me, is extra tough.
Your folks had a lot to be proud of. Especially your efforts for those in need. I’m glad to contribute to NAFC and because of your show I now know about the organization.
Down to the wire…PASS THE DAMN BILL.
Prayers are with you and yours.
Deborah Cunningham
Greenlawn, NY
Watching Lawrence pinch-hit and thinking of you and your dad on the ‘injured list’.
They were something, those moms and dads of our era.
My dad sat in his workshop nights after a full day at his small business doing stuff he’d outsource ordinarily, but wanted to save the money so I could pursue my sports dream. I was able to have a good horse and train and compete in horse shows. I made it to a national finals and he was thrilled. My mom did without willingly.
It’s not easy being in the orphan club when you had parents that good. Losing them both, close together, like you and me, is extra tough.
Your folks had a lot to be proud of. Especially your efforts for those in need. I’m glad to contribute to NAFC and because of your show I now know about the organization.
Down to the wire…PASS THE DAMN BILL.
Prayers are with you and yours.
Deborah Cunningham
Greenlawn, NY
Keith I had not watched your show in a couple of weeks and I just knew from listening to you about your Dad that he has passed. I am really sorry to hear about your Dad. I understand exactly what you and your sister went through with the hospital stay and taking him back and front for emergency care. I went through the same thing with my loved ones and they told me enough of the hospital. My mother in law (5/28/2008) and Dad (2/4/2010) died peacefully at home. I thank the doctors who guided use through making the right decisions about their care.
Keith I had not watched your show in a couple of weeks and I just knew from listening to you about your Dad that he has passed. I am really sorry to hear about your Dad. I understand exactly what you and your sister went through with the hospital stay and taking him back and front for emergency care. I went through the same thing with my loved ones and they told me enough of the hospital. My mother in law (5/28/2008) and Dad (2/4/2010) died peacefully at home. I thank the doctors who guided us through making the right decisions about their care.
Keith, Such a beautiful tribute you wrote about your dad. Only a few months ago you were paying tribute to your mom. I’ve wondered why you weren’t present on Countdown and assumed it had to do with your father’s illness. You were a good son to both your parents, and now I will pray for you and your sister to find rest and comfort, and peace of mind. When you are ready, it will be a pleasure to see you back again on Countdown.
Keith, I watched your special comment about your dad and it was hard to hold back my tears. As a pharmacist, I witnessed on several occasions the selfishness of children of ailing parents. These parents were an obvious “inconvenience” to the children as they had to take time out of their “busy’ schedules to pick up their parent’s prescriptions. I can only commend you on your loving relationship with your father. May God bless you through this difficult time.
Rhonda Clark
Keith: To you and your sister and families, my sincere sympathy on the loss of your wonderful father. I am a huge fan of your show, I watch it every night and I am grateful to you for speaking out for those of us who have no health care. Although now I am eligible for Medicare, I have been without health care since I retired 3 years ago.
Please keep up the good work, we appreciate all you do for everyone. Your father must have been a wonderful person and you are very special to those of us who watch you every night! Sandy
Keith: To you and your sister and families, my sincere sympathy on the loss of your wonderful father. I am a huge fan of your show, I watch it every night and I am grateful to you for speaking out for those of us who have no health care. Although now I am eligible for Medicare, I have been without health care since I retired 3 years ago.
Please keep up the good work, we appreciate all you do for everyone. Your father must have been a wonderful person and you are very special to those of us who watch you every night! Sandy
One more thing, Keith, I practiced palliative care pharmacy for about 5 years which was one of the most rewarding careers I’ve had. Just know that there are pharmacists specially trained to aid the the comfort care of patients in their last days….. I know I was so proud to tell others that I worked in palliative care…
Keith,
Sorry to hear about your father. I can’t even imagine the sorrow that you are currently feeling. Just always remember the good times that you had with him. I will keep you and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerly,
Douglas C. Goodhue Jr.
West Haven, Ct
Brother Keith,
Do what you’re doing and take this time to heal. You know you will never fully recover; the wound will remain, scabbed over at best, a scar forever. That’s as it should be. You know too that this experience, and the still deeper well you discovered within, must now serve a purpose: fuel for a still greater struggle ahead. That’s good. And as it should be. Take this time to heal, Keith. But don’t take too long.
The game is on, brother. It’s time to claim the field. And it’s time to win.
Sincerely,
M. Warren
Portland, OR
I went looking for news on your father tonight and found this page. Your father was lucky in that he had such as fighter in his corner these last months! It was clear from your Special Comments that love and mutual respect highlighted your relationship with your dad–a precious gift.
The many beautiful comments here reflect how sharing your family’s ordeal over the past months have brought reflection and thought of basic human decency back into our living rooms and our minds. Thanks for sharing; it was not an easy thing to do.
Your father sounded like a terrific character, I probably would have enjoyed knowing him. I am very sorry for your loss.
Keith –
You were the grist of many a spirited conversation between my dad and me. He introduced me to Countdown about 3 years ago and it was always the topic for our regular conversations.
I said ‘were’ as ironically, my dad passed the same day – under the care of kindred ICU nurses and doctors in St. Luke’s in Kansas City, Mo. He, too, was a Cornell graduate.
Thank you for all the work you do, thank you for giving my dad and me our voice to the world – we had become so scared that propagandists and, frankly, lazy journalism would render the 4th estate a dim memory. We both were heartened to watch your show.
Thanks and condolences on your loss.
Dear Keith,
Please know that your father touched lives of people he never knew, through you. We are sorry for your loss. My daddy passed away 12 years ago. My father ran the Brewers Union, and was dedicated to improving the lives of all the workers of the Brewing and soft drink industries. He wore a hat that said, “Hungry, Out of Work? Eat your foreign car.” I always thought he was do tough to ever die. He was my hero too. We were so lucky to have such great fathers, and your father was lucky to have a son like you. You are proof that your father was someone special. Thank you for sharing his story with us, and for all you do to teach and inform. We appreciate your work. Please except my heart felt sympathy to you and your family.
Having lost my parents within a year’s span and dealing with an ailing father in the end, my heart goes out to you. Listening to you talk and reading this brings back so many memories. Thank you for your words, your humor, your causes…. don’t stop.
Friend–I hope you’re bearing up. Thanks for sharing with such honesty and generosity your father’s American story. Like so many others on this list, your willingness to tell his story and your own story of struggle for him have helped me remember my own father, who died nine years ago and who was a working class hero in his own right. Keep the faith.
It is with hearltfelt sorrow that I offer you my condolences. I lost my mother in 2006 and though I am an adult and saw the end comming I dont think I have ever faced anything as heartbreaking as losing the one person who loved me so unconditionally. Rest in peace Theodore Olbermann and peace be with you Keith.
Keith, I’m sorry to hear about your father’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your sister. It sounds like he was there for you and you were there for him during this sad time. I want to say I appreciate that you and your passion are there for us. Thank you and my thoughts are with you and your family.
Pam
Dear Keith,
There is no preparation. Even with your heroic and merciful and generous coverage of health care while grieving before, during and after for your parents, there is no way to be ready. My father died just after his 80th birthday, almost 23 years ago. He was my greatest believer and my link to history, though I knew more facts about my mother’s family. Although he is more and more my hero (as I know your father was yours) I know the strength and love for all of life he gave me is a gift I keep hoping to justify. You have my wishes for eventual mitigation of grief and my gratitude for all you do. Barb Firger Oakland CA
Dear Keith,
There is no preparation. Even with your heroic and merciful and generous coverage of health care while grieving before, during and after for your parents, there is no way to be ready. My father died just after his 80th birthday, almost 23 years ago. He was my greatest believer and my link to history, though I knew more facts about my mother’s family. Although he is more and more my hero (as I know your father was yours) I know the strength and love for all of life he gave me is a gift I keep hoping to justify. You have my wishes for eventual mitigation of grief and my gratitude for all you do. Barb Firger Oakland CA
Dear Keith:
Through your broadcasts you bring so much meaning and depth to my life. I’m truly grateful for your work. Theodore C. raised himself a fine son. I’m sure he is very proud.
My wife and I send you our prayers and condolences. Through your grief and loss, may you find the peace and comfort of true friends.
Very truly yours,
Len Katzman
Dear Keith and Jenna
I know how you feel – the loss cannot be weighed or measured, only endured. I am glad you were able to be with him during his illness and be there as he crossed over. It is my personal belief that your mother and other loved ones were there to welcome him and celebrate him; he was and is surrounded by love, always.
Sending you love and light,
Ginger
My thoughts and prayers are with the Olbermann family. May God peace and comfort be with your family and be strong.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. My father, too, passed away July 2, 2009 after a massive stroke on July 29. He, like YOUR dad to you, was always my hero. He had a living will that he and my mother and his doctors had discussed. Instead of heart wrenching decisions, and possible arguments within the family, Dad’s wishes were carried out. He died peacefully surrounded by tearful family members, who mourned his loss but knew that HIS wishes were granted. I miss him terribly, but we are at peace. I wish to you the same peace.
PLEASE keep advocating for the right of people to have those “last wish” discussions with their doctor be covered by insurance. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith, You don’t know me but you are like a member of our family, one that keeps us alert to critical news that is not addressed in most other media outlets.
My wife and I are very sorry for your loss! Your memories of your Dad will be your greatest comfort!
With our respect and sympathy,
Wayne and Anita Weikel
My condolences Keith.
Take good care of yourself and so will I.
Su amigo,
Quico Lostaunau
So sorry for your loss, Keith. May God bless you and your sister and help you get through this difficult time.
My husband, Bobby, and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We are sure that the many lessons learned from him made you the man you are today. For that, we are grateful. Our sympathies are with you and your family at this time. You are in our prayers.
I am as sorry for the loss of your father as I am glad that you had such a father. One to instill in you passion for the game, for life, for communicating, and for the welfare of others.
Your grief can be pure as there is no place in it for regret at not being the dutiful son you meant to be because you were that dutiful son.
God bless you and your family.
Carolyn Molyneaux
Watching you fight for your father (and all of us in your battle for health care reform!), I feel like I know you and your beautiful family.
(((hugs))) for you all as you go through this difficult period of your lives.
Dear Keith,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the death of your father. We know what you have been going through. We admire your courage.
Mike & Vicki Stroeher
Huntington, WV
Mr. Oberman I usually don’t get to see your program but tonight I did and I am so sorryy about the loss of your dad. I wrote to Mr. Murphy this evening and told him that I had suffered through the death of my husband who died of Bone cancer after an 8 month illness but While I became the care giver of the love of my life, I had to fight with the insurance company for getting the right payment for him. We had been with this insurance and never had a claim. I told him that I had worked hard for Mr. Murphy to get his seat and if he voted against the health care bill I would work just as hard to replace him. When I seen your tribute to your dad I just had to send condolences and thank you for your stand on the health care bill. God Bless you.
Keith,
My wife and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. As I listened to your narratives about your father over the course of his illness, it made me recall the similar feelings I had for my father in life, and in the years since he passed away. Thank you for your eloquence in defending the case for improved health care in this country. May you and your sister find peace in the days and months ahead.
Keith, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved father. I know he was very close to your heart and will be missed greatly. I admire that you were always there for him, esspecially in these past few weeks, and I am sure he realized that. I hope that you realize that you and your family are in many peoples thoughts tonight. I hope if you get a chance to read all of these messages it will give you at least a small sense of comfort. Take care….
Dear Keith Olberman:
Thursday, March 18, 2010 I was saddened about the passing of your father. I also was angered remembering the pass of the most loving, caring son, husband, fathe, grandfather—who died not because of not having insurance—but because of the corruption in our health care. It is all about the interests of the special interest group. My husband passed away August 17, 2007- from the medications that the doctors did not monitor. This is why he died: .The White House initially invited 21 lawmakers — the House and Senate leadership as well as the chairmen and ranking members of the committees with jurisdiction over the health care sector — to a bi-partisan health care summit on February 25th. The goal of the meeting is to renew efforts to pass health care reform legislation. I believe–either the Republican or Democrats were in reality, not interested in creating a superior top quality healthcare agenda, yes, universal health care insurance is important, but why spend billions of dollars on health insurance when the supervision of the quality of The American Health /Care /system is actually interested profits, instead of curing and preventing illness.
A review of campaign finance records shows the health care establishment has invested heavily in the campaigns of the members of Congress invited to the meeting. In total, these 21 lawmakers have taken nearly $28 million in campaign donations from health care interests since 2005. These donations include contributions from health professionals (including physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and others providing health care services) and their trade associations, as well as the employees and political action committees (PACs) of hospitals and nursing homes; pharmaceutical and health product companies; health services firms; HMOs; health and accident insurers; and miscellaneous health care interests (such as research groups).
Ranked from highest to lowest, the invitees received the following contributions to their
campaign committees and leadership PACs since 2005:
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) received at least $2,557,930.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) received at least $2,223,985.
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) received at least $1,982,904.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) received at least $1,897,093.
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) received at least $1,842,311
Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) received at least $1,646,218.
Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) received at least $1,645,025.
Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) received at least $1,640,375.
Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) received at least $1,638,722.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) received at least $1,384,520.
Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) received at least $1,262,787.
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) received at least $1,225,900.
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) received at least $1,149,165.
Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) received at least $1,088,360.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) received at least $1,055,600.
Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) received at least $1,033,079.
Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) received at least $817,961.
DRUG COMPANIES ARE TOP HEALTH CARE LOBBYISTS
Health Professionals $314,166 $86,600 $227,566
Insurance $242,798 $44,250 $198,548
Pharmaceuticals/Health Products $186,250 $70,050 $116,200
Lobbyists $168,946 $158,446 $10,500
Hospitals/Nursing Homes $163,937 $70,137 $93,800
Lawyers/Law Firms $162,565 $81,965 $80,600
Securities & Investment $130,800 $55,300 $75,500
Health Services/HMOs $127,834 $42,050 $85,784
Electric Utilities $126,129 $4,700 $121,429
Agricultural Services/Products $88,500 $6,500 $82,000
Retired $77,875 $77,875 $0
Oil & Gas $74,650 $17,650 $57,000
Leadership PACs $73,500 $0 $73,500
TV/Movies/Music $59,750 $12,000 $47,750
Railroads $56,855 $16,225 $40,630
Misc Finance $54,150 $24,150 $30,000
Real Estate $51,620 $31,000 $20,620
Business Services $50,400 $34,400 $16,0Retail Sales $46,000 $2,500 $43,500 Obama reecived almost $20, 000 from the health care industries and the medical profession
I am extremely aware of the need for Universal Health Care—which is estimated to cost $634 billion—and perhaps much more—yet, the general public is uninformed on the subject concerning the detailed expenses and operations for governing and supervising Universal Health Care.
If for over 80 years Congress has not changed the corruption that is existing in our government—How will elected and appointed officials manage a healthcare system with the same unaccountable inadequate responsibility
The Government Accountability Office continuously reports that trillions, billions of dollars are unaccounted, misspent or misused. Why hasn?t Congress corrected these conditions and issues??/
How will Congress manage $634 Billion committed to Universal Healthcare when Congress does not know where trillions of dollars are????????????????????????????
If the taxpayers conducted their finances as Congress does—we would be arrested and jailed.
Spending billions of dollars on a healthcare system that ignores the safety of the patient is another issue that \is urgently needed to be addressed.
The healthcare system is meant to heal and not harm, yet be it in Florida or New Jersey or in any state, patient safety programs are in name only—-a patient safety act that does not mandate a system to monitor and report errors—-only if doctors volunteer—-this system is deteriorating our healthcare system and is unethical and corrupt..
Patient safety begins with your PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR. Many times medications are necessary—but at the same time there are adverse side effects .
All medications, food, cosmetics, tooth paste, shampoos and similar products have preservatives that are toxic and harmful to our health.
If your Primary care Doctor carefully monitored and reported adverse side effects from the list above—-Medicare would save money — unnecessary serious illness and hospitalization would be avoided..
Congress and President Obama constantly discuss lowering costs of medical care?Has Congress considered investigating into the trillions of dollars awarded to research that is constantly repeated and of no value to the general public? Many of the research awarded has posed a conflict of interest since the scientists were involved with pharmaceutical companies and paid special fees. The Government Accountability Office continues to report these issues to Congress, the President and the Taxpayer. .
Upon checking the financial disclosure of Congress— the majority have investments in all healthcare industries—-especially pharmaceuticals—-banks—-General Electric—Mortgages, Wind Power Industries—-oil and energy industries -and undisclosed investments with Vanguard and Fidelity. The general public has been ignored and misrepresented—we must have accurate accountability and Congress must conduct all government agencies and programs with truth and honesty. .
Lillian Katz Presently in Florida—Delray Beach
561 499 5679
Monroe Township, NJ 08831
609 395 6792
Florida Address
455 Monaco J
Delray Beach, Fl 33446
pigsanki@aol.com
Dear Keith,
My daughters and I are so, so sorry to hear about your
wonderful father’s death after so a long time in hospital.
Please know that there are many sympathetic hearts
who understand and care. Thank you for the immeasurable
good you do when you speak out for those who cannot.
Wish you all the best.
Kathy
Dear Mr. Olberman. My deepest condolences. As difficult as it might have been, thank you for providing everyone with your personal experiences with the medical system and your father’s fight.
Sorry for your loss. To steal from your friend Lawrence O’Donnell, you are a great son. There was more to learn from your experience than that our deploarble health care system, we saw and hopefully learned family and`taking care of our parents. Thank you for sharing with us such and incredibly heart wrenching experience.
My sincere condolences,
Claudia A. Costa
Ridgefield, NJ
Dear Mr. Olberman. My deepest condolences. As difficult as it might have been, thank you for providing everyone with your personal experiences with the medical system and your father’s fight.
Sorry for your loss. To steal from your friend Lawrence O’Donnell, you are a great son. There was more to learn from your experience than that our deploarble health care system, we saw and hopefully learned family and`taking care of our parents. Thank you for sharing with us such and incredibly heart wrenching experience.
My sincere condolences,
Claudia A. Costa
Ridgefield, NJ
Keith, my wife and I were filled with sorrow when we noted the passing of your father at the end of your show tonight. Our heartfelt condolences to you and all those whose lives he brightened. When we listen to the words you speak, we know your father was a success in life, as he truly has left this world a better place. Thank you both. Mary and Rick, from Minnesota’s Iron Range.
Please accept my sincere condolences, Keith. I am 56 and lost my Dad when I was 28. Like you, I cannot imagine having a greater Dad. Thanks for your passionate support of a health care system worthy of the American people.
May God bless you and your family.
SW
Dear Keith – our condolences to you and your sister on the loss of your father. Your love and respect for him, and for your mom, is obvious. And they had every reason to love and respect the man you became. You’ve touched many lives as you’ve shared your experiences, including ours. Thank you. And may your memories of your dad ease your pain.
KO Fans in Indianapolis
Dear Keith.. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. You are a man of morals and passion about what you talk about and your father brought you up right. I love listening to you on MSNBC. God bless.
Dear Keith.. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. You are a man of morals and passion about what you talk about and your father brought you up right. I love listening to you on MSNBC. God bless.
Keith, your father has become a part of our lives, as you have. I am so glad that you had the time with him that, as you know, a lot of us would never have been able to do as the uninsured. Our love to you in your loss and our respect for the war you are fighting for all of us.
Dear Keith, I am so sorry about your dear father. My husband and I listen to you every night. We live in Boone, North Carolina. We enjoy you so much and you are so supportive of our beliefs. You are a very intelligent man and you give so much and after reading about your father, you have strong roots and I know your father will always be proud of you. I am sorry you are hurting, but so bravely going on and that takes a lot. I lost my father and mother in 2006 2 months 11 days apart. It hurts still and I grieve and I lost my son in 1979 at age 16. Thank you for all you do and we believe in you and are so thankful we can watch you on tv. We are just country people, haven’t done a lot in life but we stand up for our beliefs and are honest. I do not watch the programs where they talks so negative about Obama. I think he is a smart man. He has had to take on a lot…he has a full plate. God Bless you during the days and times ahead. Thank you for allowing me to make a comment. Our condolence to you and your family. You have touched us. Donna Hicks
I am as sorry for the loss of your father as I am glad that you had such a father. One to instill in you passion for the game, for life, for communicating, and for the welfare of others.
Your grief can be pure as there is no place in it for regret at not being the dutiful son you meant to be because you were that dutiful son.
God bless you and your family.
Carolyn Molyneaux
I am as sorry for the loss of your father as I am glad that you had such a father. One to instill in you passion for the game, for life, for communicating, and for the welfare of others.
Your grief can be pure as there is no place in it for regret at not being the dutiful son you meant to be because you were that dutiful son.
God bless you and your family.
Carolyn Molyneaux
Keith,
From our family to yours, our deepest sympathy. Your father sounds like a wonderful man. We have been touched by the updates about your father’s health were saddened to hear of his passing.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your fight for health care in this country.
Mr Olbermann, I send you and your family my condolences for I do not know what you are going through nor what you been through. But I would like to leave these words for you and your family: HAPPY MOMENTS PRAISE GOD, DIFFICULT MOMENTS SEEK GOD, QUIET MOMENTS WORSHIP GOD, PAINFUL MOMENTS TRUST GOD, LAST BUT LEAST EVERY MONENT THANK GOD. May God be with you and your family always bless you all.
Mr Olbermann, I send you and your family my condolences for I do not know what you are going through nor what you been through. But I would like to leave these words for you and your family: HAPPY MOMENTS PRAISE GOD, DIFFICULT MOMENTS SEEK GOD, QUIET MOMENTS WORSHIP GOD, PAINFUL MOMENTS TRUST GOD, LAST BUT LEAST EVERY MONENT THANK GOD. May God be with you and your family always bless you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with and your family. I was so saddened to hear of his passing.
Your opinions and support for the less fortunate of us are very much appreciated.
With love and hugs
My thoughts and prayers are with and your family. I was so saddened to hear of his passing.
Your opinions and support for the less fortunate of us are very much appreciated.
With love and hugs
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You and your family have been in my thoughts since you announced that he was back in the hospital. I can tell you had wonderful parents, and from watching you on your program talking about them, you had a great love and respect for them both, and they were lucky to have such a devoted son and daughter. My heart would break every time you talked about your father and his illness and I hoped that somehow he would be able to rally and go home. I guess now, he has. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest condolences, to you and your family for the lost of your dad. We want to thank you for sharing this part of your life and inspiring us to care and want to make a different in the world. You have touched our life, and the sadness that we feel could never be measure by what you and your family are going thru. God bless your dad, you and your family. Our heart goes out to you all.
Keith, When you father rounded home plate, it was your mother he saw. I can guarantee you that! You were blessed to have such loving, caring and precious parents. God bless you in this time of sorrow. Having lost both my parents, I understand your saddness. But look “up” to see that joy! Our hearts are with you. The A to Z family.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You and your family have been in my thoughts since you announced that he was back in the hospital. I can tell you had wonderful parents, and from watching you on your program talking about them, you had a great love and respect for them both, and they were lucky to have such a devoted son and daughter. My heart would break every time you talked about your father and his illness and I hoped that somehow he would be able to rally and go home. I guess now, he has. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith, I am so sorry about your father. I know how hard these last months have been for all of you. I heard your show tonight and realize that it was a courageous labor of love and commitment for you to do it. Thank you so much. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Daryl
Keith,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God bless you all.
Brian McAlley
Brewster, NY
I am very sorry to hear about your father. I know what you’re going through.
I lost both my parents in the last three years. Both of cancer and both at the age of 67.
I am watching your special commentary on health care reform. I’m sure your parents were and are proud that you are using the power you have to reach millions to attempt explain the truth behind this important issue. I am proud as well.
My thoughts are with you.
Best to you,
Tony
October 16, 2007 at 1:30 pm, my spouse passed away from colon cancer. He fought the good fight, we went to doctors who ordered tests and the powers that be denied coverage for the tests that would have saved his life.
Finally, since we were both Vietnam veterans, we went to the VA hospital. They diagnosed him correctly in less than an hour. However, the colon cancer had metastasized and it was inoperable. He passed away less than 90 days later.
Had we gone to the VA originally he would probably still be with me. The VA took excellent care of him and he died, but he died painlessly.
Whenever I hear that government health care doesn’t work, I go completely crazy. The VA is government health care and it works and it works well.
Thankfully, we both served during time of war and were qualified for health coverage.
The VA has kept me alive for the last two and one half years, they helped me to continue my life although I didn’t want to; they provided me and continue to provide me with coping skills classes, grief counseling, compassion and all necessary health care.
I am blessed that I served in uniform during war time for a few years; what I have received from the VA is much more than my contribution during my time in uniform.
Daily I thank God for the VA.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
My thanks to you for your comments on health care in America. Thank you for telling the truth, it is not the doctors, it is the insurance companies.
A friend of mine once told me that Hell won’t be filled with criminals, as they know what they have done was wrong and will likely repent. Hell will be filled with businessmen who see that they have done nothing wrong, they just conducted business. May the powers that be of the insurance companies all burn in Hell as they are murdering people each and everyday.
Again,
God bless you Keith, I know your father would be so very proud of you.
Thank you for your time today.
V
I am deeply sadden to hear about your lost. You are an inspiration to me and many of your dedicated listeners when it comes to someone speaking their mind and telling it like it is! I have watched you for some years now and you are one of the reasons why I?ve been so interested in politics. I look forward to seeing you on MSNBC News at 7 est. and on Sundays during football season. My prayers are with you and your family; I look forward to hearing your empowering words in the near future. Stay strong! I?m glad we have people like you.
I am deeply sadden to hear about your lost. You are an inspiration to me and many of your dedicated listeners when it comes to someone speaking their mind and telling it like it is! I have watched you for some years now and you are one of the reasons why I?ve been so interested in politics. I look forward to seeing you on MSNBC News at 7 est. and on Sundays during football season. My prayers are with you and your family; I look forward to hearing your empowering words in the near future. Stay strong! I?m glad we have people like you.
Keith:
I have watched you with enjoyment and enlightenment, so first, let me thank you for your presence in my life:) and send you my heartfelt sorrow for your loss. Secondly, let me say that watching you struggle with your father’s passing reached me on a very deep level, for I lost my beloved mother last year at the age of 89, and my father four years ago this January at 93. Both times, I was front and center with my brothers and sisters in the hospice program here and felt compelled to share some of my story with you, but know that it is long, so please only read it when and if you have time. I am very aware of the exhaustion that comes after the long journey of supporting a beloved parent down that end-of-life road.
My father signed his own hospice orders, as we supported him on his way out. He was very, very clear, when his pneumonia had recurred (a very, very bad strain), that he was done with the shell housing him. He was so strong and powerful, even in his passing. He waited until his youngest sister got here to say goodbye (though he could barely speak), driving through a blizzard in our Colorado mountains, and then passed in the wee hours of the morning when I stepped out in the hall to ask the nurse if we should call the family. His passing was quiet and dignified. He left us between one breath and the next.
We built mom a new house after he passed, aiming to keep her at home in her waning years, which promised to be long, since people on this side of the family were known to live as old as 100. However, very shortly into this we noted the onset of dementia (a word my mother hated), something that took her own mother. Thus ensued a long-term care plan provided mostly by my brother and I. Then last summer, it became obvious she was going to have to be moved, though we looked at the possibility of keeping her at home with round-the-clock nursing. This, however, was not possible because of the cost. Therefore, we were looking at a nursing-home stay, also not cheap at $3000.00 per month for locked-ward care. By the way, the next time some idiot says there is no “donut hole” in Medicare, say you have real proof of its existence because every year, there came a period of about three months during which my mom’s medications were no longer provided. With only a tiny income, the around $2000.00 for medications had to come directly out of the savings my father left to take care of her.
Finally, in July, we realized we had to find a place to put her. My brother had gone on vacation, so we did a trial of assisted living (only $1000.00 a month here), during which she ran away and completely forgot the fact that she was diabetic and had high blood pressure. I had to choose a place where she would be safe, while my brother was still gone, because she no longer even recognized her own home. In her mind, she now lived again with her mother and father, so we transferred her to a nursing home, my brother noting that within a very short time, all my mother’s savings would be gone and would qualify for Medicaid. When that happened, she would have to be moved from a private room, as well. The rule, as I discovered, is that you can’t get government care until you have less than $2,000.00 in assets, and private rooms are only for private pay. The sad thing was that my mother and father had always wanted to leave something for his kids–a legacy–though we, his children, wanted only to make sure our mother was as well cared for as possible.
Well, we had only started her in full care when she had a stroke (I guess she decided accommodations were better in heaven, besides dad was there) that hit her swallowing reflex. This was very difficult because she didn’t comprehend what was happening to her. In her mind, she traveled clear back to a time when her mom was alive. She fought the care given to her, pulling out the tubes meant to make her well, and we, her family (as previously requested), made the choice to not have any further insult visited upon her and let her go. We were her life panel (as you so coined it), as you were for your father.
In this instance, we met with hospice representatives, earth angels, so we could let her go in peace with as little pain as possible. Both times, once our parents were in hospice, the burden of paying for it was taken on by this organization (which still amazes me). I am not sure what would have happened without hospice because coverage for leaving this world with dignity intact is not provided for. In fact, we had to pay for the ambulance to hospice, though Medicare did pay for transportation to the hospital. Hospitals are simply not equipped to allow a person to leave, but to provide a place to save us from that grim specter. Our hospice here in my home state allowed my mother to leave us without noise, in a beautiful room, surrounded by her family. This was by far a better ending than I had been picturing, and I comfort myself with that, though I feel bereft. We, her children, realized that we are now orphans, and feelings of loss run up and ambush all of us still.
Anyway, thank you for reading my story. By the way, a disturbing development in my mother’s story, was that the doctor whose care she wound up in at the nursing home was brought up on Medicare fraud shortly after my mother’s death. We had reported them for trying to charge us for a whole month of medications when we had brought them with us to the home from the assisted-living facility, medications they had not purchased, as far as we could determine. This only served to further illuminate how out of control and messed up our health-care system is, let alone how costly nursing-home care is, and our elderly are even more at risk for being overcharged or defrauded.
To end, I leave you with my prayers for peace for you and your family. Thanks again,
Susan C
Keith, your father is proud of you, and we are proud of you too. The good that you do cannot be measured by words. You may not hear much from us because we are the silent majority. The majority who are racing everyday to keep up and take care of our families. Keep speaking because we are listening. Thank you and bless you.
Dear Keith,
My father, screenwriter Curtis Kenyon, was my idol too … He died on April 6th 2003 at the age of 91. Aside from his graceful and charasmatic humility, as a political “junkie” he would have greatly enjoyed your program. As he was my best friend , had he been alive today, I have no doubt that he certainly would have been a fan of yours as well … There are many times, still , after almost seven years since his death that I unashamedly shed tears over his loss and his magnificent presence in my life … On a political note … I would like to share with you that during the WGAW strike ( 1960-1961 ) as my Dad ( a staunch Democrat), was then President of the Writer’s Guild of America , he was forced, at times, to be in the same company as Ronald Reagan , who was then President of the Screen Actor’s Guild. He described Reagan as an “amiable dunce …” He was also asked by a member of the local media the root cause of the strike , “The fault dear Brutus is not within ourselves, but with our stars …”… You will undoubtedly , as I, think lovingly of your father every day for the rest of your life … But we must live on through the pain and grief … So I humbly request of you that you please keep up your noble and important work at MSNBC. I’ll be watching you , along with my ninety seven year old grandmother … Good luck , and good night …
From our family to yours,our deepest sympathy.Your father sounds like a wonderful man.Your family is in our thouyht and prayers. You have touch us.Stay strong
Rahima Zalal
Keith,
My deepest sympathy to you and your sister. Stay strong , I can wait to see you back at 8:00 pm on MSNBC.
I am a huge fan of yours Keith and I have followed your reports of father as you reported them us. I am sorry to hear that he has passed but now his suffering has ended. Having you by his side through this ordeal was the greatest gift you could have ever given him. I hope you will always have great thoughts and memories of him and the good will outweigh the last few months. Peace to you and yours.
I am a huge fan of yours Keith and I have followed your reports of father as you reported them to us. I am sorry to hear that he has passed but now his suffering has ended. Having you by his side through this ordeal was the greatest gift you could have ever given him. I hope you will always have great thoughts and memories of him and the good will outweigh the last few months. Peace to you and yours.
Keith, I am not good at expressing myself but from what I have read both your parents had good meaningful lives and spent 60 good years together. Your dad also was so lucky to have had you with him as he left this world, everyone isn’t so fortunate to have such a careing son.
Some times it is just time to go and not have to suffer any longer and I think perhaps your dad thought the same way.
My Mum died in Jan. and she told us that she had a good life and at 91 she was tired of the pain and would just like to fall asleep and not wake up. We did our best to abide by her wishes and were with her when she died. I tell you this because it hurt me to see your pain. Although we miss my mum every day we are at peace knowing that she is not suffering any longer with no hope of a better life at her age.
Although it is hard for us that are left behind everyone has to die and it shoudn’t be thought of as a bad thing unless one is young and hasn’t had time to finish their life cycle.
So please celebrate your parents lives, they are still with us every day it’s we can’t talk to them when we want to call them.
So don’t be sad, be glad that your Dad is at peace.
Time will help.
Christine Jeffrey
P.S. I am a Canadian and although our medical system isn’t perfect it sure beats the U.S. system. I can afford to pay for treatment but with the government system I have never gone wanting for anything I have needed. No one should die because they are poor. Some times we Canadians wonder about what type of people Americans are that they think medical treatment isn’t everyone’s right and that people should be left to die. So thank you for what you have done to promote medical care for everyone. My fingers are crossed for Obama’s bill to pass, he has staked his presdency on it without worrying about being reelected.
Keith, I am not good at expressing myself but from what I have read both your parents had good meaningful lives and spent 60 good years together. Your dad also was so lucky to have had you with him as he left this world, everyone isn’t so fortunate to have such a careing son.
Some times it is just time to go and not have to suffer any longer and I think perhaps your dad thought the same way.
My Mum died in Jan. and she told us that she had a good life and at 91 she was tired of the pain and would just like to fall asleep and not wake up. We did our best to abide by her wishes and were with her when she died. I tell you this because it hurt me to see your pain. Although we miss my mum every day we are at peace knowing that she is not suffering any longer with no hope of a better life at her age.
Although it is hard for us that are left behind everyone has to die and it shoudn’t be thought of as a bad thing unless one is young and hasn’t had time to finish their life cycle.
So please celebrate your parents lives, they are still with us every day it’s we can’t talk to them when we want to call them.
So don’t be sad, be glad that your Dad is at peace.
Time will help.
Christine Jeffrey
P.S. I am a Canadian and although our medical system isn’t perfect it sure beats the U.S. system. I can afford to pay for treatment but with the government system I have never gone wanting for anything I have needed. No one should die because they are poor. Some times we Canadians wonder about what type of people Americans are that they think medical treatment isn’t everyone’s right and that people should be left to die. So thank you for what you have done to promote medical care for everyone. My fingers are crossed for Obama’s bill to pass, he has staked his presdency on it without worrying about being reelected.
He is out of pain.
He leaves a huge legacy of good works, which is more than most can say.
And in many ways, his story is now a part of the mosaic of the quest for health care in this country, and his name will be spoken for a very long time on it, as will yours.
God Bless, Mourn your Loss, and take up again this Good Fight, Sir. Be a Blessing Still!
Aloha, Michael.
One of the greatest gifts in life is to be able to care for a parent at the end of their lives and to be honored by being able to be with them as they leave this world. You are a good son.
One of the greatest gifts in life is to be able to care for a parent at the end of their lives and to be honored by being able to be with them as they leave this world. You are a good son.
One of the greatest gifts in life is to be able to care for a parent at the end of their life and to be honored by being able to be present with them when they leave this world. You are a good son.
YOUR DAD DONE GOOD!!!!!!!
WHAT GREAT SOULS!!!!
THANK YOU FOR BEING WHO YOU ARE!!!
Prayers and sympathy.
You’re a good son. You did your father proud.
Keith, my deepest condolences go out to you for your loss. I’ve never met father; never knew him but through what you’ve shared on the air, yet I am so grateful that he had a positive impact on you. You’ve shared and continue to share this experience with the world – what a great and beautiful honor it would be to parent someone as such. It would be my proudest accomplishment if my own child were to bring to light to the public all that you have with your show. We all thank Mr Theodore Olberman, yourself, wish you the best through this, look forward to your return when appropriate.
Sincerely,
Armando Prado
Mr Olbermann
Please know that I send you my sympathies.
And…Whatever else Forrest Gump may have said, The best thing was, “Momma said death was a part of living. I wish it wasn’t.”
Peace, Brother Man.
Daryl in Kansas
Mr. Olbermann, I give my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I know how it feels to lose a parent, but you have something that I never had, memories. I don’t remember what it felt like to have my mother hold me, nor do I remember what her laugh sounded like. My Mom died when I had just turned six yrs old. The memories that you have collected over the years, of your Father, will become timeless and Therapeutic. A spiritual health care. My Mom never got to see me hit a home-run or the birth of my first born and yet, I believe she did.
Your Father did a wonderful job in helping you toward your journey into adulthood. I know that it hurts, and one day you will need a laugh to cheer you up, and your memory of some special moment with your Dad, will remind you how.
Hold onto that.
Dear Keith, my father passed away 17 years ago. I am in my late 40’s now, and miss him just as much, as the day he died. Your so very fortunate as I am, to have had a real dad! I think you will find as I have, that I still rely on my dads wisdom when I am at a loss. I ask myself “what would dad do”? More times than not I seem to find the answers! Also I know for me, the memories of him and I fishing together, or him hitting pop ups,or him coming to my practices, wrap around my soul, like a warm blanket. I suppose its true that you can measure a loss by the significance or influence a person has had. My sympathy’s are with you and your family as your pain must be great, but if you can. think of the pain as a tribute to the kind of man your father is. you may also find peace within you. I know you will get through this as you have character instilled from your father! Keep up the good fight on those pesky GOP rubes ! God Bless Tom
Keith, I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. He is no longer in pain.
I truely know what you ahve been going through as 2 of my sisters as well as myself have been caring for both of our parents for the last 6 years and in and out of the hospital and as you did there from the wee hours of the morning and late into the night. I am thankful that you have a venue where you can educate the American people just how bad it is in the hospitals and the care you have to fight for non stop for you ill loved one. Thank so very much for your wonderful caring of others and again I am sadden for your loss. I know you will turn it into a plus in your own loving and caring way.
I am sorry for your loss, Keith.
But congratulations to your parents, they did an outstanding job.
Your fans look forward to having you back, but please dont until you are ready. Lawrence is doing a fine job while you’re away.
Much love to the Olbermans.
My sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. My dad had a similar surgery in November in New Haven and is still trying to recover. I grew up in CT where my family still resides, we are the same age and we are all Yankee fans. I can totally relate to your story especially the one of your dad notifying all the neighbors of your big break on CNN. Unfortunately I see a similar fate for my parents in the next year or so as they continue to suffer the effects of aging. I am a huge fan of Countdown, so your experiences with your dad and mom over this last year have made me cry on a regular basis. Countdown is on in my home every afternoon out here on the west coast as I am preparing dinner, because of that my 16 year old daughter, who would have considered a political show pure torture, is now a fan – I like to think I am planting a seed and so happy that it is with your show!
Your parents must have been extremely proud-it seems to me that you filled their lives with such joy and love – they were very lucky as you were too. I hope you find peace in knowing that. Sandra
Keith: my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dad.
I too was raised a Yankee fan born in Bergen County NJ, and hold my fondest memories of the late 70s teams. My greatest memories are of Mickey Rivers stealing bases, and those amazing plays by Craig Nettles and the rest. I abandoned baseball after the 2nd strike of 1994. The game, for me, has lost its luster since then, with questionable records broken, and steroid pumping players.
Both my parents are hanging in there, and will be 83 next month. My Pop is beginning to have memory issues, no doubt somewhat related to his years playing high school, college, and semi-pro football, as well as a stint as a boxing champ, all in the late 40s and early 50s.
My latest health news came last week when doctors removed a tumor from my sister. They could not get all the cancer, and as she recovers from surgery the horror of chemotherapy awaits.
As you so keenly point out, we should all be in the business of preventing pain, defeating death, and join the REAL fight for life.
I watch very little TV, but Countdown is a primetime must in my house. Thank you for all you do to promote truth, expose hypocrisy, and night after night cut through the crap and give us the real story. The American people need to hear what you have to say, whether they like it or not. You hold the true spirit that is America. Keep up the good work. Take your Dad to his rest, and when you return, I (We) will be there, as you tirelessly carry our standard.
All the best! Mike in GA.
Dear Keith,
My deepest sympathy is with you and your sister. I’ve walked your walk and felt your pain.
Bless you for having the strength to go on TV last night and tell the heart breaking truth about HealthCare. You cut to the bare bones of the issue with a scaple and laid open the raw truth. That had to be the most difficult show that you havever, or will ever, do. The raw emotions , your pain, were all there. You WERE the face of America, the face and voice of so very many.
Now that I have wiped the tears away, I want to say, ” Thank you Keith”, you parents are very proud of you.
Margot Roby Treybig
Hardy, VA
Dear Keith: My deepest sympathy for you and your family. Your father was a very good man and he produced a very good son. Your speech last night was spellbinding and I admire you for your compassion and willingness to share your emotions. I also admire you for standing up and fighting the hideous nature of our for profit insurance system. It is diabolical and I so hope that democrats will fight the machine of lobbyists – spearheaded by the know no limits of decency GOP and prevail this Sunday. The system is obscene, to think that your money, our money goes to insurance company monoliths and not to doctors and care is so horribly wrong. I believe you’ve touch many with your comments and I do believe we will have something to celebrate this Sunday and your words and outrage will have been a big part of that success. I thank you for that.
Peace.
Bob Carmichael
Boulder, CO
Your a phoenom. Amazingly articulate. Brilliant and entertaining. I imagine that some of that came from your wonderful mother, and now the passing of your dad. My sympathies to you and all of your family. I love that you characterise your family. Beautiful. I too put my dad to sleep. He begged me too, after a year of downfalls from cancers. He was done. So weakend by the disease, but his mind apt. I abliged with the help of his doc. We just gave more morphine. i stayed with him that night. He checked off, went into the coma from meds, and passed away around 4:40am. It was the most humane act I have ever done in my life.
I am a conservative and would easily make your “Worst Persons in the World” list but I lost my father recently after a year-long illness and I wanted to say I am sorry for your loss. I think I know how you feel.
David in Ojai, CA
I am a conservative and would easily make your “Worst Persons in the World” list but I lost my father recently after a year-long illness and I wanted to say I am sorry for your loss. I think I know how you feel.
David in Ojai, CA
Hello Keith,
I wish to send my condolences to you, your sister, nephews and nieces and your whole entire family during this difficult time. Your family is in my prayers and you are one of a kind.
I have been watching the last few months just to keep with your father’s health and just to let you know that your father fought a good fight and now he will join his lovely wife and you will always know that they are so proud of you and will be your gurdian angels among others.
God bless you for all you have been doing.
doryn
Dear Keith,
You have my deepest condolences on the recent passing of your father. I know what it feels like to watch someone you love pass away in front of you. Please know that I am a HUGE fan of yours and watch your show faithfully every weekday. Please know that my Prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. My God’s love be with you. Looking forward to seeing you back on Countdown soon.
Blessings to you.
I wanted you to know what a huge impact your show has had on our family. Our teenage sons have learned more about politics and our government than they were ever taught in school and really enjoy watching your show. We have so missed seeing you in the past few weeks and were afraid your father was nearing the end of his life. I’m sure he was very proud of you and the work you do. For you to be the fine person you are he had to have done an excellent job raising you. I lost both my parents in the past few years and understand how devastating this is, especially in a close family like yours.
When my mother died my co-workers gave me a plaque with the following saying I wanted to share with you. “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”
You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences on your loss.
Connie
Keith
My condolences to your family on the death of your Father, May the good lord grant him eternal rest Amen.
From Nigeria with Love and prayers, May God Bless you.
Amen
Keith,
Please accept my condolences together with the thousands you have already received. You are an inspiration to a countless number of people. We are all thinking of you and your family.
With thanks for all you are and all you are doing to make our country stronger.
Diana in Pennsylvania
Dear Keith and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. I know the many wonderful memories of him will help you through this time and inspire you in the months and years to come. Thank you for taking us into your family during this important time and for using this so human story as a way to help the cause of health care reform.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Veryl and Glenn in Hawaii
My deepest sympathies to you and your sister. I too saw the healthcare system close up during my Dad’s illness and death last year. I want to thank you for advocating for so many people during such a difficult family time. Even as you were losing your beloved father, you were saving lives. We all appreciate your commitment and sacrifice.
My deepest sympathies to you and your sister. I too saw the healthcare system close up during my Dad’s illness and death last year. I want to thank you for advocating for so many people during such a difficult family time. Even as you were losing your beloved father, you were saving lives. We all appreciate your commitment and sacrifice.
My deepest sympathies to you and your sister. I too saw the healthcare system close up during my Dad’s illness and death last year. I want to thank you for advocating for so many people during such a difficult family time. Even as you were losing your beloved father, you were saving lives. We all appreciate your commitment and sacrifice.
We love you, Keith – stay strong. America needs you more than ever! Rest in Peace, Theodore. What a fine son you made!
Keith, my dad died in October. My husband would run to get me every time you started talking about your dad. I went through a lot of the same process you did, and it was hard to make those decisions. Hearing you talk through it gave me much comfort. You helped me grieve for my dad, and I thank you. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Kieth,
My heartfelt sympathies are extend. My dad dressed me in outfits from the Bums until they left town. Then it was on to the pinstripes for life. It’s just terrible loosing a hero, they don’t make them like they used to. All my best wishes.
My sympathy to you sir. The above article as well as your show are a testament to your father and mother and how you were raised.
Ted Olbermann 1929-2010 R.I.P. They need to play Keith’s Special Comment on his father and healthcare reform on every TV screen/computer screen on Capitol Hill so that it sinks into people’s heads because Keith really cared about his father and this issue and add the photo above and a few video/audio clips of the late Senator Ted Kennedy. I doubt that those in the media that talk about death panels, this and that have even read the bills. I only know that I am voting for Senator Barbara Mikulski in November (I live in Baltimore, Maryland), I really don’t know who else to vote for when I go to the polling place. I will be praying for you and your father, Keith.
Ted Olbermann 1929-2010 R.I.P. They need to play Keith’s Special Comment on his father and healthcare reform on every TV screen/computer screen on Capitol Hill so that it sinks into people’s heads because Keith really cared about his father and this issue and add the photo above and a few video/audio clips of the late Senator Ted Kennedy. I doubt that those in the media that talk about death panels, this and that have even read the bills. I only know that I am voting for Senator Barbara Mikulski in November (I live in Baltimore, Maryland), I really don’t know who else to vote for when I go to the polling place. I will be praying for you and your father, Keith.
Ted Olbermann 1929-2010 R.I.P. They need to play Keith’s Special Comment on his father and healthcare reform on every TV screen/computer screen on Capitol Hill so that it sinks into people’s heads because Keith really cared about his father and this issue and add the photo above and a few video/audio clips of the late Senator Ted Kennedy. I doubt that those in the media that talk about death panels, this and that have even read the bills. I only know that I am voting for Senator Barbara Mikulski in November (I live in Baltimore, Maryland), I really don’t know who else to vote for when I go to the polling place. I will be praying for you and your father, Keith.
Dear Keith
My wife and I have watched with sadness as you so graciously allowed viewers to share in your family news, and in your sorrow. As you–and all of us posters here– grieve, we would like to offer our insight that your dad was able to see you in your finest moments–Countdown’s coverage and your commentaries during the 2008 election. Few things in life can top a parent witnessing an offspring succeeding, joyfully and passionately, at his life’s work. Remind yourself as you share your list of your father’s accomplishments that, in his heart, his list of your accomplishments is likely just as deep.
Keith, I don?t know if you have read these many – so many – comments, but I want to leave a comment for you and your family in what is a time both sad and difficult. I – like so many others – were saddened to hear about your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I share your sense of outrage about the health care reform issue. I thank you for your comments on behalf of all of us on this issue. I hope that our elected representatives move us forward to provide adequate health care to all Americans. Thank you and God bless you and your family.
Dear Keith,
We have kept your father in our prayers all these months and now send our deepest condolences on his passing. To have such a devoted son, he and your mother must have been wonderful parents. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Dear Keith,
We have kept your father in our prayers all these months and now send our deepest condolences on his passing. To have such a devoted son, he and your mother must have been wonderful parents. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Dear Keith,
I am so sad for the this loss to you are your family.
He sounded like a wonderful man. You and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers
Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. He must’ve have been a heck of a guy and a wonderful dad! We are glad you have sweet memories to help you through this difficult time. Joe & Nancy
Keith,
Saddened to learn of your father’s passing…You have shared his journey with us as viewers and your leadership with the free medical clinics is a tribute to your dad.
We are missing you on Countdown though Lawrence is keeping the nightly briefing quite well.
I thank you for sharing your father’s medical care as painful as it has been for you, even with the special comments about a living will.
Our condolences to you and your sister.
Keith, my husband and I were so sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your sister will be in our thoughts and prayers.
shelly della selva says:
March 18th 2010 at 11:33 pm
Dear Keith,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your dear father?s passing.
Despite all the pain and anguish in your heart during your Dad?s deteriorating health battles, your devotion to his plight and love and compassion to help ease his suffering, you continued to express to all of us what our country needs most, health care reform.
You gave us all such informative details and brilliantly and compassionately pleaded to all of us loud and clear to save our lives by sharing your knowledge with all your experiences, and how it relates to health care reform.
YOU HAVE BEEN YOUR FATHER?S HERO AS HE WILL ALWAYS B YOURS!
I was hoping and praying for him to make it and again must say how very very sorry I am.
I must share this with you Keith, I have been watching your show since its inception. I would always say to my husband ,?it is time to watch Ted Olbermann.? Then I would immediately correct my statement and say,? I mean Keith Olbermann, I do not know why I want to call him Ted.?
After constantly making this mistake whenever I would refer to you and your show, I now have learned why?..Ted or I should say Theodore is your Fathers first name and also your middle name.
I never knew this until now, I found this to be most interesting.
Thank you Keith for all your comments and efforts to help us understand all the issues in our government and enlightening us on what our nation needs most.
May God Bless you and your sister always and give you strength. May God bless your beloved parents in heaven.
So so sorry Keith ?Ted? Olbermann.
Love and Prayers,
Shelly Della Selva
shelldellaselva@hotmail.com
shelly della selva says:
March 18th 2010 at 11:33 pm
Dear Keith,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your dear father?s passing.
Despite all the pain and anguish in your heart during your Dad?s deteriorating health battles, your devotion to his plight and love and compassion to help ease his suffering, you continued to express to all of us what our country needs most, health care reform.
You gave us all such informative details and brilliantly and compassionately pleaded to all of us loud and clear to save our lives by sharing your knowledge with all your experiences, and how it relates to health care reform.
YOU HAVE BEEN YOUR FATHER?S HERO AS HE WILL ALWAYS B YOURS!
I was hoping and praying for him to make it and again must say how very very sorry I am.
I must share this with you Keith, I have been watching your show since its inception. I would always say to my husband ,?it is time to watch Ted Olbermann.? Then I would immediately correct my statement and say,? I mean Keith Olbermann, I do not know why I want to call him Ted.?
After constantly making this mistake whenever I would refer to you and your show, I now have learned why?..Ted or I should say Theodore is your Fathers first name and also your middle name.
I never knew this until now, I found this to be most interesting.
Thank you Keith for all your comments and efforts to help us understand all the issues in our government and enlightening us on what our nation needs most.
May God Bless you and your sister always and give you strength. May God bless your beloved parents in heaven.
So so sorry Keith ?Ted? Olbermann.
Love and Prayers,
Shelly Della Selva
shelldellaselva@hotmail.com
Keith, I am so sorry for your loss. You have been so kind over the years to let us know what wonderful parents you had. I can say without a doubt, you made them proud. My wife and I watch you every day and you have become a very good friend. Your are in our thoughts and prayers…… I’m watching them pass Health care.. it’s a good start and keep fighting for all Americans!!! Mike and Linda Salus
Keith, your father must have been a wonderful person, I am sure he was very proud of you. I watched the show when you talked about his hospital stay and was touched by your comparison to the health care bill legislation now being voted on. Keith, I think you are in the same league with Walter Cronkite. I wish everyone in this world were as truthful as you are. If everyone in this world had a father like yours I think it would be a better place for all humanity. Sincerely, Anthony Wildt.
Dear Keith,
Sorry for the passing of your father. I can’t imagine what you are going through, but we appreciate having shared some of the painful stages leading up to it. From my perspective, I think you are very fortunate to have a close relationship with your father, and yet that doesn’t lighten the sense of loss you must feel. As for your work with the American public, we selfishly miss you these days. Never miss the show. Never seen anyone speak to power like you. Rarely seen a command of language. Most importantly, not in a long time has anyone been so generous, humble, professional, and exemplify the connectedness we each have. Must have got that from somewhere. Thankyou. Audrey and Chuck Toms (this just in – 224 House votes – I’ll have some health insurance before I turn 50!)
We love you Keith. Strength and comfort to you and your family. We cried for your Mom and now Dad. Thank You so much for all that you have shared and worked so hard to achieve, so that more people could enjoy their loved ones a little longer. When I am working again, I will donate to the freeclinics website, in honor of your Dad.
Deep gratitude,
Sharen
Dear Keith,
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. My husband and I watch your show everyday, we feel that you are a friend. I know that I will not live as long as your Dad, but if I do, I wish my son would care for me so loving like you cared for your Dad. I was diag: with lung cancer 3 yrs ago, still have it, but I don’t have health care. I’m 51 yrs old, so you see I know I won’t make it.
You are in my prayers,
with love,
Eli
Keith, I just heard the news about your Father. I am so sorry for your loss. As last weekend was the third anniversary of my Father’s passing, I can relate to all that you went through to care for your Father. I too was with my Father at the end which is a blessing, I have been told. I only know that having a Father in your life, for most of your life is the greatest gift of all. I do know I probably took him for granted when I was young, like most kids do, and now I appreciate everything he did for me. I miss him and love him dearly. You are a good man and a wonderful son. I wish you peace and calm. Keep championing the “little guy” and we underdogs who were taught to help others less fortunate. My Father taught me that, as did yours.
Keith, my wife and I are regular viewers of Countdown. Many nights you have moved me with your passionate stances, be they regarding personal, social or political topics. We send our deep condolences on the loss of your father, and I will include him in my prayers. My wife lost her father 3 years ago, and is s hospice social worker. I am disabled, from cancer and colorectal surgery. I lost my Dad 25 years ago, my Mum 18 years ago, and I still feel that loss every day. The sharp, sudden pain fades with time, but the love remains. Our conversations are still pretty good, too. With our deepest sympathies,
Paul Minor
Pam Harrison
Dear Keith,
As an ardent fan of Countdown, I was very saddened to hear of your father’s passing. You have shown yourself to be a loving and dedicated son. Please accept my condolences and extend my sympathy to your sister.
Sincerely,
Ken
Dear Keith,
As an ardent fan of Countdown, I was very saddened to hear of your father’s passing. You have shown yourself to be a loving and dedicated son. Please accept my condolences and extend my sympathy to your sister.
Sincerely,
Ken
Dear Keith,
Please accept my condolences on your loss. It is hard enough to lose a parent, but you have lost both in very short amount of time. You are a great memorial to both your mother and your father. Thank you for looking out for the rest of us as you went through this painful time. I appreciate you outlook, your viewpoint and your writing.
I wish you peace, strength and love.
Sincerely,
Michael Butscher
Keith,
Our condolences to you and your sister on the passing of your Dad. We know the feeling – I have lost my Dad and my husband has lost his Mom and Dad. We have missed you on the show, but we understand that you were where you needed to be at this time. No matter how old a parent is we know how much they will be missed. We have been listeners for a very long time. God Bless You and your Family!!!
Sincerely,
Marie & Billy Doherty
My condolences. It is a a sad day for you personally, but a great day for much needed health care reform
My condolences Keith, to you and your family.
I just wanted to add my condolences. It has to be really tough to lose your mom and dad in a year! I’m sure your parents were proud of you1
You led us through this journey for your family and for the country. I have been there, luckily with the blessing of good health insurance from a labor union. I want to express my heartfelt condolences, as well as my thanks for your candid remarks during the last journey. You were a remarkable son.
You led us through this journey for your family and for the country. I have been there, luckily with the blessing of good health insurance from a labor union. I want to express my heartfelt condolences, as well as my thanks for your candid remarks during the last journey. You were a remarkable son.
Hi Keith
I know you will never have the chance to read this to the fact that you already have too many messages with basically the same message. But I still want to participate. To tell you how sorry I am for the lost of your Dad. I know how it feel cause I’ve been. No matter how old is the man, he’s never old for his kids who love him dearly. My father died in 2000, even though he was seek for over a year I still thought he’s death was too premature.
All Dads are angels for their kids. Your was one to you. I had to listen to your commentary on your Show to understand how attached you were to the man who gave you life and protected it until you could get on your own feet.
I am sorry Keith. Keep Strong. He had a good life because he blessed America with giving us you Keith.
Be strong buddy in news.
Dadie Loh
Mr. Olbermann, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You are in our thoughts!
Best regards,
Drew Pearson & Tanya Starck
Dear Keith,
I was extremely sorry to learn your father had passed. You never gave up hope, yet followed your father’s wishes.
I watch your show almost without fail and appreciate all you have shared regarding this experience. Death is never easy. It takes a good and brave man to do what you did. Surely your father was as proud of you as you obviously were of him. I believe this has been an invaluable lesson for the country (and with media access perhaps even the world). Thank you for being a good and brave man. Keep up your fine work and continue to deliver your great message.
We need more people in the world like you.
My deepest heartfelt sympathies.
Paula Poons
Dear Keith :
God Bless you and your family , you are a great man and your father must have been so very proud of you !
I have been down your path .
I lost my father some years ago but I continue to work very hard to always rise to the next level , as he has always told me to do !
As you can see, you are loved by so many , stay strong and keep up the good work .
Sincerely ,
Liz
Keith,
My condolences to you and your family. I have always been a huge fan of yours and I will keep you in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Phil
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
I just wanted to send my sympathies and prayers to you Mr. Olbermann and your family? I too lost both of my parents relatively close together 11 year ago ( 7 weeks apart) and I had to be the sole caretaker of their final stages of life it was very, very hard..
Back then I had so much difficulty hospitals nursing homes and so forth the I had to make a lot of decisions lack of health care knowledge, lack of my parent?s not making proper plans if anything should happen to them..
I have kept track over the last few weeks and months of what you have been going through with your dad as well what you were going through with your mom. I applaud all that you have done on your parents behalf God will continue to Bless you! all that you have done for health care(the free clinics) and making people fully aware of end of life situations with family members mostly parents it has truly been remarkable and great! YOR PARENTS ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!..
God Bless You and Keep You.
Sincerely Yours,
Evelyn T. Harris
Dear Keith–
I am so sorry about your father’s death. Like so many of your viewers, I feel I know you a bit, in part because you have been so gracious and generous in sharing your life with us. In addition, I’m a Unitarian Universalist minister who always suspected you were raised in our faith, long before you copped to it on the show one night!
Just wanted to express my sympathy, to say you are in my prayers, and that I hope you are comforted by the many memories of your life with your dad.
And even though I’m a Yalie, and don’t much care about basketball: Go Cornell!
Rev. Rosemary Bray McNatt
Fourth Universalist Society in the City of NY
http://www.4thu.org
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
I just wanted to send my sympathies and prayers to you Mr. Olbermann and your family? I too lost both of my parents relatively close together 11 year ago ( 7 weeks apart) and I had to be the sole caretaker of their final stages of life it was very, very hard..
Back then I had so much difficulty hospitals nursing homes and so forth the I had to make a lot of decisions lack of health care knowledge, lack of my parent?s not making proper plans if anything should happen to them..
I have kept track over the last few weeks and months of what you have been going through with your dad as well what you were going through with your mom. I applaud all that you have done on your parents behalf God will continue to Bless you! all that you have done for health care(the free clinics) and making people fully aware of end of life situations with family members mostly parents it has truly been remarkable and great!..
God Bless You and Keep You.
Sincerely Yours,
Evelyn T. Harris
Mr. Olbermann,
I retired at 61. My dad had a stroke at 89. I did home care for 24 hr. for two years. It took me these two years to realize what a great man he was. Just to mention one thing, he enlisted in the armed forces, he was rejected reason being his polio leg was half the size that of a normal leg. he was determined and tried again and he made a plea, the second time and was enlisted in the armed forces. He never told me this but his last remaining friend told me. He had a difficult death, I was there as you were with your dad. I sit here crying for you and your family and my dad who passed July 10,2010 at the age of 91.Believe me, it takes a long time to grieve, just do it. God Bless.
Dear Mr. Olbermann,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your father, and your mother last year. I know from experience, despite all the love and support, these losses can be a trial on the heart and mind.
I feel sad I cannot thank your parents for the wonderful job they did bringing you up. But somehow I think they they knew how much we all care for you and respect your work.
I hope you find peace in the difficult days.
Neil
Dear Mr. Olbermann:
We were so sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family and praying for you. God bless you, and thank you for all you do on MSNBC. It keeps us sane.
Mon Cher Keith;
My deepest condoleances for the loss of your father. our thoughts are with you and your family. We eill be praying for you.
Your are the best journalist there is.
Au revoir et a bientot.
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your dad, I watch you every night and I feel like I know you and Love you, and feel that I knew your mom and your dad, the way you talk about them.
I met Rachel Maddow on the Progressive Voices cruise last week and asked her about you and your dad. Thank you for your efforts to get her on MSNBC, the two of you are a real powerhouse of the truth for those of us who have found you.
Please remember me to Rachel (I’m the one who had to get her to talk to me three times in order to get some video of the two of us together) and tell her that I send a special big hug to the both of you.
Your dad was blessed, and so were you.
I love you for your truth telling and your passion! Don’t ever let up on either, I know you won’t.
Art in Palm Springs
Keith,
You were/are not a bystander to the Health Care reform debate as you said to Congressman Clyburn tonight. You were the town crier, the voice out loud, and the conscience for the *MAJORITY* of Americans who believe that this reform is essential, even if we were out-shouted by the louts, liars, lemmings, and the intellectually lazy mobs of the extreme right.
My condolences to you and your family over the passing of your dad. I have made a donation to the Free Clinic association in his memory, the least that I can do to thank you for your continued efforts to bear witness to the hypocrisies and injustices in our politics, culture, and society.
— a Red Sox fan
Keith,
Honestly, I wasn’t even sitting in front of the TV, when I heard that now-familiar booming baritone and thought to myself, ?He’s baa-aaack!?
Lawrence O’Donnell has done an admirable job of captaining the ship in your absence, but it’s good to see you back in your rightful place at the helm. With all due respect to Lawrence, repeat, with all due respect to Lawrence, there truly is no Countdown without you, your passion, your intellect, your sarcasm, and your offbeat humor.
I watched the most recent airing of the Countdown Special Comment re healthcare reform, which originally aired on October 7, 2009, and I missed, wherein you spoke of your now-late father’s collapse from his bed at home and the hours he lay stranded before help arrived. You mentioned that your dad hadn’t told you anything was wrong when he finally spoke to you sometime later. I’m sure he didn’t want to worry you.
Having seen that Special Comment, I am once again verklempt. I have run out of tissues, but not tears. While all of this is mercifully moot for you now (I guess), as much as we adult children would like to be with our aging/ailing folks 24/7, the raft of responsibilities in our daily lives makes it impossible.
Keith, I hope you are able to make peace with yourself that you took care of your parents to the best of your abilities. And that you do NOT give in to counter-productive feelings of guilt, for no other reason than that you didn’t have a crystal ball telling you what was going on with them 24 hours a day. Do yourself a favor and get rid of that baggage, now.
I was heartened to read that your dad’s transition was complete within about 35 minutes; that his final moments were peaceful, comfortable, sans fear, and guided by the sound of your voice reading Thurber to him. Beautiful beyond words.
Finally, Keith, please know as you continue to mourn the loss of your dear parents in the days and weeks ahead, that your grief is keenly felt and shared by those of us who have also suffered the loss of one or both parents. Maybe that will help, at least a little bit.
Welcome back to Countdown and be well.
Deidre
Dear Keith,
I am so sorry to hear that your father passed. You and your sister have lost both your Mom and Dad in such a short time, but time will help ease the pain of losing them. You were a good and caring son. I wish you peace and comfort at this difficult time. Please know that so many of us care about you…even though you don’t know us…we are on the other side of the glass…and we do care.
Thank you so much for your work on Countdown. I watch you every night because I know you are going to tell me the truth. I remember you from your days on ESPN (with Dan Patrick). It’s so good to see you have brought your brand of humor and wit to MSNBC.
Blessings,
Dianne in Tennessee
Keith,
First, my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your parents. While there is nothing that anyone can say to provide relief, please know that the joyful memories of your time together will forever remain in your hearts.
Secondly, thank you for the contributions you’ve made to the health care debate. For those of us with similar views who are/were both outraged and fed up with the rediculous lies and feel that *every* American deserves the right and benefit of affordable health care, you were our microphone! Also, because of you, many of us were made aware of and in some small measure were able to contribute to the providing health care to those in need.
Your love of your family, sports and this country are evident. Thank you for your service!
A Fan
Keith,
First, my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your parents. While there is nothing that anyone can say to provide relief, please know that the joyful memories of your time together will forever remain in your hearts.
Secondly, thank you for the contributions you’ve made to the health care debate. For those of us with similar views who are/were both outraged and fed up with the rediculous lies and feel that *every* American deserves the right and benefit of affordable health care, you were our microphone! Also, because of you, many of us were made aware of and in some small measure were able to contribute to the providing health care to those in need.
Your love of your family, sports and this country are evident. Thank you for your service!
A Fan
Keith,
First, my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your parents. While there is nothing that anyone can say to provide relief, please know that the joyful memories of your time together will forever remain in your hearts.
Secondly, thank you for the contributions you’ve made to the health care debate. For those of us with similar views who are/were both outraged and fed up with the rediculous lies and feel that *every* American deserves the right and benefit of affordable health care, you were our microphone! Also, because of you, many of us were made aware of and in some small measure were able to contribute to the providing health care to those in need.
Your love of your family, sports and this country are evident. Thank you for your service!
A Fan
Dear Keith,
Our deepest and heartfelt condolances on your great loss. A thank you to your Mom and Dad for bringing you into this world. You are in our thoughts.
Words cannot describe how much we appreciate your hard and tireless work on Countdown. I can only say, that if we saw you in person, we’d like to give you a big hug. Thank you and your team for your research in seeking the truth, finding the facts and simply for being humane. We listen to your Special Comments breathlessly.
Continued success to you.
Best wishes to you and your sister!
Laszlo & Elizabeth in Ohio
Dear Keith,
From the land of spring training, I would like to extend my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dad.
I am not the least bit surprised by the outpouring of good wishes toward you on this blog. You have so many fans.
Your dad was a lucky man to have you for a son … a son that was raised to be compasionate, truthful and eloquent … oh, and humorous.
Lew in Tampa
Keith:
Deepest condolences on the loss of your father. I’m proud to make a contribution to the National Association of Free Clinics in his memory. He raised a good son.
Greg Garfield
Our family and friends want to say to your family how sorry we are to hear about the passing of your beloved father.
We have followed you for many, many years, and we understand just how important family is to you, as it is to us. The passing of a parent is never an easy thing to deal with, but your father helped you to deal with it with courage, understanding and, most os all, with love and respect – things which he left behind as a part of his legacy with you, his son.
I (Bob here), too, have had to deal with the close-in-time passing of both of my parents, which just possibly gives me a greater understanding than most. It is sometimes hard to believe that just a short time ago they were both here and now they aren’t. The way that I dealt with this tragic loss is to understand that God has His way always, which is not always the way we can understand. I know, also, that in their own way they will come to you and let you know that the pain and suffering is gone, that they are at total peace, and that they still and will forever more love you and will always be by your side when you truly need them.
We who consider ourselves a part of your “expanded family” through following your career and many, many years on both NBC and “Countdown” on MSNBC want to wish you solace and peace of mind. We know that you now have two new “Guardian Angels” on high to guide you, and we are blessed with their legacy and moral values through you, Keith.
We wish you love and peace always.
Bob and Mary Schwartz
Our family and friends want to say to your family how sorry we are to hear about the passing of your beloved father.
We have followed you for many, many years, and we understand just how important family is to you, as it is to us. The passing of a parent is never an easy thing to deal with, but your father helped you to deal with it with courage, understanding and, most os all, with love and respect – things which he left behind as a part of his legacy with you, his son.
I (Bob here), too, have had to deal with the close-in-time passing of both of my parents, which just possibly gives me a greater understanding than most. It is sometimes hard to believe that just a short time ago they were both here and now they aren’t. The way that I dealt with this tragic loss is to understand that God has His way always, which is not always the way we can understand. I know, also, that in their own way they will come to you and let you know that the pain and suffering is gone, that they are at total peace, and that they still and will forever more love you and will always be by your side when you truly need them.
We who consider ourselves a part of your “expanded family” through following your career and many, many years on both NBC and “Countdown” on MSNBC want to wish you solace and peace of mind. We know that you now have two new “Guardian Angels” on high to guide you, and we are blessed with their legacy and moral values through you, Keith.
We wish you love and peace always.
Bob and Mary Schwartz
Dear Keith; My deepest condolences on the passing of your father. A wise man once told me you are rewarded according to your worth. I think you father’s reward will be greater than that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, for he raised his son to have a conscience and to always remember where he came from. I’ve enjoyed your Sport’s commentaries, but I love you on Countdown. Please keep up the good work.
Darlene
Dear Keith,
Your father looked like a very nice person and it sounds as though you all had a wonderful relationship. I am very sorry for your loss. I will be making a donation to Free Clinics because of your publicizing the organization. Karen
Dearest Kindest Sir:
Keith, What can I say that so many before me have not failed to mention? I hope to reiterate however, if you are feeling somewhat bereft of hope or feeling. I just want to gently remind you that, whatever you are feeling is probably normal and give yourself a break now and then and try to be kind to yourself. And please, pretty please, know that, or at least try to fathom that we, your, very human with foibles, viewers, do care about you to the greatest extent that we are able to do so. Please as a favor to me, Shirley Jean Sanchez, take care of yourself. Thank you for all you do, have done and will do on Countdown. The sun does not go down without watching it and Rachel and Hardball. By the way, I love Eugene Robinson, and Lawrence too. You are all the hardest working guys in the business. Hands down. That being said, I must admit, you, my dear, are my hero, an erudite sports aficionado? Honey, it just does not get any better! Please take care love,
Sincerely
Shirley Jean Sanchez
Dearest Kindest Sir:
Keith, What can I say that so many before me have not failed to mention? I hope to reiterate however, if you are feeling somewhat bereft of hope or feeling. I just want to gently remind you that, whatever you are feeling is probably normal and give yourself a break now and then and try to be kind to yourself. And please, pretty please, know that, or at least try to fathom that we, your, very human with foibles, viewers, do care about you to the greatest extent that we are able to do so. Please as a favor to me, Shirley Jean Sanchez, take care of yourself. Thank you for all you do, have done and will do on Countdown. The sun does not go down without watching it and Rachel and Hardball. By the way, I love Eugene Robinson, and Lawrence too. You are all the hardest working guys in the business. Hands down. That being said, I must admit, you, my dear, are my hero, an erudite sports aficionado? Honey, it just does not get any better! Please take care love,
Sincerely
Shirley Jean Sanchez
Keith,
I prayed for you and your father every night.
I’m pretty sure people have already said this (many, many times) but it’s easy to believe that your father was a great man because he brought up a son like you. : )
Jasmine
Keith,
I prayed for you and your father every night.
I’m pretty sure people have already said this (many, many times) but it’s easy to believe that your father was a great man because he brought up a son like you. : )
Jasmine
Hello Keith
I am reminded of a comment by the pastor at the gravesite of my wife. He said “What if we got sick and couldn’t die.” Obsorbed in self pity the comment struck me like a lighting bolt and gave me somthing to think about. I am very sorry for your loss Keith, we miss you.
Robert
Keith: My deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your father. I am donating to Free Clinics today in his memory. I appreciate your intellect, articulation and the support you give to needy causes at the “public stage” of television.
Karen
I pray that God will comfort you and your family during this most difficult time. You should find comfort in knowing that your Dad and Mom taught you many things, and many of us are very grateful to them for teaching you empathy. Thank you so much for the work that you do, and most of all for the heart that you have towards those who are less fortunate. Your parents are together forever. God Speed.
Thankful and Grateful Fan
Keith, I’m sorry to hear of your fathers passing but am glad you were able to spend time with him the last days. I went through this 17 years ago and it is not easy. But I do feel that my father is always with me. Keep up the good work as I enjoy your show. Jon
Dear Mr Obermann , I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing I am in the hospital right now and have been since the 8 th of the month so I am a bit late finding out of his passing . But you have show such love and given your Dad such a wonderful tribute I like so many thank you for your work on behalf of the health care bill and for taking us all on your and your Sisters journey with your Dad there is absolutely no doubt about how proud you were of each other and I just want you to know you and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers. I wish you all the best and I will be back to watching you every week night once I am home again ( they don’t have your show on the cable network here in the hospital ) God Bless you and Jenna .
Jim Gibson
Dear Keith,
It has taken me a bit to email you and send my condolences to you and your sister. Thank you for sharing your dad’s life over the past weeks/months. Your article on your dad made me missed my wonderful father so much! Like you, my dad took me to my first pro-baseball game (NY Mets) in the 60’s (no one else wanted the Row F seats behind the Mets dugout). I learned how to keep score, sing “Meet the Mets”, and got to know Tom Seaver, Ed Kranepool, Tommy Agee (sp?), Bud Harrelson, and my favorite, Cleon Jones. It is amazing what our dads teach us.
We were glad to see you on Monday to celebrate the health care bill ( hooray!). Please take care…and know that 2 SU alums in CNY (not far from Ithaca) will be rooting for the Big Red tomorrow night!
Deb Morse-Ackley
Dear Keith,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. You must’ve known, or should now, that so many of your viewers regard you as family. We grieve with you, and we celebrate his life with you.
Thank you for sharing some of this difficult journey with us (reading to him – beautiful…). We have been touched and been taught along the way.
I smiled to learn your dad was responsible for the design of so many Baskin-Robbins stores. I worked at two in the 70’s (Little Neck & Great Neck), and I’m pleased to find even this tenuous connection.
I’ve shared baseball with my father as well. He took me to the very last game played at the Polo Grounds as my very first baseball game, and we saw our share at Shea in the years that followed. We’re both in Florida now, and just saw the Mets play the Nationals on Monday (Mets lost 7-5. Pelfrey had nothing…) My dad is 76. It was a good day…
Take care, and peace. We look forward to seeing you again when the time is right.
Dear Keith,
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father.
It dawned on me last night that I had not seen you on television for awhile. All sorts of notions ran through my head-had FoxNews worn you down? They have a way of making good people go bad. Had Lawrence O’Donnell finally wrested Countdown from you? You can just see from that glint in his eye that it’s his greatest wish. Had you decided to head over to ESPN because crazy sports fans were actually safer (and saner) than crazy political fans? Or (gulp), had the unbelievable happened-you changed parties?
Well, as you can guess, with these kinds of thoughts, my hands were shaking as I typed in the website address to find out where you were.
I found this lovely article you had written about your father. Then I began reading the comments. After 15 minutes of crying, I figured I would write something to maybe put a small smile on your face. Celebrate your father’s life and remember the smiles you shared. My prayers to you and your family from me and my dad, two huge fans. ps-am a fan of Mr. O’Donnell’s.
Dear Keith,
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father.
It dawned on me last night that I had not seen you on television for awhile. All sorts of notions ran through my head-had FoxNews worn you down? They have a way of making good people go bad. Had Lawrence O’Donnell finally wrested Countdown from you? You can just see from that glint in his eye that it’s his greatest wish. Had you decided to head over to ESPN because crazy sports fans were actually safer (and saner) than crazy political fans? Or (gulp), had the unbelievable happened-you changed parties?
Well, as you can guess, with these kinds of thoughts, my hands were shaking as I typed in the website address to find out where you were.
I found this lovely article you had written about your father. Then I began reading the comments. After 15 minutes of crying, I figured I would write something to maybe put a small smile on your face. Celebrate your father’s life and remember the smiles you shared. My prayers to you and your family from me and my dad, two huge fans. ps-am a fan of Mr. O’Donnell’s.
Keith,
So sorry. Lately, I haven’t been able to view your show as my video stream has failed to load on my laptop. Really miss your show and its incisive commentary. But I probably don’t miss your show as much as you now miss your father.
Taking care of your father, doing your show, and interspersed between, working the NFL on Sunday, all things you obviously have taken great pride in. But your life lately has surely driven you to near-exhaustion. Keith, please, take time for yourself and get some much-needed rest.
Dear Keith:
My deepest and sincerest condolences on the passing of you father. GOD grant you and your family strength through this difficult time. Your love and humanity is an inspiration to us all!
Jeanne
Dear Keith:
My deepest and sincerest condolences on the passing of you father. GOD grant you and your family strength through this difficult time. Your love and humanity is an inspiration to us all!
Jeanne
Dearest Keith,
Take as much time as ever you need to come back to the show full-time, young man; and meantime, just know that we who respect and admire you, and think you are the greatest thing since sliced bread and have done ever since your Big Show days, are out here missing you and wishing there was a way to ease your sorrow (in addition to donating to the Free Health Clinic people, of course).
Yours truly,
MaudeFrickert
Dearest Keith,
Take as much time as ever you need to come back to the show full-time, young man; and meantime, just know that we who respect and admire you, and think you are the greatest thing since sliced bread and have done ever since your Big Show days, are out here missing you and wishing there was a way to ease your sorrow (in addition to donating to the Free Health Clinic people, of course).
Yours truly,
MaudeFrickert
Keith,
I can’t truly understand what you are going through because I am fortunate to have both parents. Having said that, I feel for you, and wish you comfort in this difficult time.
My wife and I have truly enjoyed watching your program on MSNBC virtually every night. We miss you. Lawrence O’Donnell is the best, no criticism intended. But we truly look forward to the day you come back, when you are ready.
I hope you find some comfort in the timing of the passage of A BIG ________ DEAL! I hope you and your Dad would appreciate the humor in this. It is, Keith, and I appreciate your involvement in this issue.
For what it is worth, we are fortunate enough to pay more. And we sleep well at night doing so. Go bless you Keith.
Dear Keith : Our thoughts and prayers are with You at this difficult time in your life. As God answers my first prayer for your father, I wish he will consider part 2 also. We will find out soon if Rush moves to Costa Rica, God Bless Keith,
Ted and Judy W
Dear Keith : Our thoughts and prayers are with You at this difficult time in your life. As God answers my first prayer for your father, I wish he will consider part 2 also. We will find out soon if Rush moves to Costa Rica, God Bless Keith,
Ted and Judy W
Keith,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on your father’s death.
I have been a fan of your show for years and always appreciate your openness and honesty, and it was no surprise to me that you would speak so well of your dad on your show, and let us see how beautiful your heart is.
May Mr. Olbermann rest in peace.
My sympathy and kind thoughts to you, from a Welsh woman in Dubai, who watches your programme every day.
My sympathy and kind thoughts to you, from a Welsh woman in Dubai, who watches your programme every day.
Keith…My condolences to you and your family regarding the recent loss of your dad. Thank you for your emotional updates during his final months. Sorry he had such a rough time of it in the end. It sounds like he was a wonderful gentleman and father. You will have many fond memories on which to reflect during this time of loss. Luckily he had an informed advocate helping him with the many health care decisions necessary in those final months. Although serendipitous, your commentary came at a time when the entire country is talking about health care including end-of-life issues. It is important that all of us think about the battle waged by your dad, because many of us will be there ourselves someday. Thank you, too, for your cogent and topical analyses of the health care legislation debates as they occurred. I am certain that both you and Rachel played significant roles in getting this important legislation through Congress.
Dear Keith,
Please accept humble condolences on the loss of your wonderful father from a grateful listener/watcher of Countdown and Football Night in America. Thank you for taking the time out of your own family struggles to continue to enlighten the country about the true nature of the health care dilemma and the legislation before Congress.
Blessings,
Rennae Ross
Dear Keith,
Just learned today (3/26/10) that your precious dad passed on March 13th. Thank you for sharing him with us on my very favorite show, COUNTDOWN. The love you two had is so very special, and you also had that with your mom. I grew up in a Jewish family, and did not have that from either parent, and when I became agnostic at 16…then married a Christian at 20…I ticked off the entire large “fam damily” and was written out of several wills. And I have struggled with my sense of family ever since….prayed lots, cried buckets, read lots of books on the subject, etc. But my biggest joy is knowing that some children are privileged to have two absolutely wonderful loving parents, and in my humble opinion, this could not have happened to a nicer gentleman…who is telling the truth to his MSNBC audience as best as corporate media will allow (including the use of Mr. Winsus …don’t think I spelled that right!). Looking forward to your return, and I pray that God is comforting you with His great love in your time of loss.
Jenny C. DeVol
Sacramento, CA
My condolences Keith for the passing of your Dad. You’re a great guy. Thanks for all.
As a Reiki Master, I have been sending Reiki to you and your Dad. I just discovered your loss and I would like to send my condolences to you and your family. Reiki will go where it’s needed most and I will continue sending.
I very much admire his courage and yours for being one of the very few truth tellers in Media as I was always taught media reporting should be, had a duty to be and was ethically bound to be.
Long life to you Keith and I’m certain your Dad will never leave your side as mine never really left mine at the age of fifteen.
Peace, my Brother and well-being within.
Jim Lacey
I know its been a couple of weeks. Just wanted to say find strength through Christ. He will never burden you with anything you cannot endure. We love you brother.
Keith,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister. I want to thank you for your bravery and courage in sharing your story and family with us all. Thank you for using your position to speak for those whose voices need to be heard. Thank you for letting me laugh and cry with you. You sir, are a good and smart man. =)
Most sincerely, Stacy
Thinking of you at this sad time. Keeping you in our prayers. Deepest sympathies on the death of your Father.
Frances McGloin
Keith…My condolences to you and your family regarding the recent loss of your dad. Thank you for your emotional updates during his final months. Sorry he had such a rough time of it in the end. It sounds like he was a wonderful gentleman and father. You will have many fond memories on which to reflect during this time of loss. Luckily he had an informed advocate helping him with the many healthcare decisions necessary in those final months. Although serendipitous, your commentary came at a time when the entire country is talking about healthcare including end-of-life issues. It is important that all of us think about the battle waged by your dad, because many of us will be there ourselves someday. Thank you, too, for your cogent and topical analyses of the healthcare legislation debates as they occurred. I am certain that both you and Rachel played significant roles in getting this important legislation through Congress.
Keith: Have been a little behind in getting to you with a couple of ins and outs with the hospital myself; one who up until the start of the year had no health insurance until a friend interveind and extended a strong hand of friendship to allow me to go to the hospital and get the care I needed. There are all too many people, as you have covered so well on your program, that are not as lucky as I got, and that is a shame on the politics of this country until Pres. Obama finally got the bill through with Congress just this last week….the GOP does not get it and never will, beholden to their masters of lobbyists/etall.
But first and foremost, my main intent is to, as many others have already, extend my sincerest sympathies on the loss of your father. I have watched you much over the last few years, and have followed with interest as well your personal stories, with first your mother and most recently your father. It is a hard thing to lose a parent, I still think back to my own fathers passing from emphasema [sp?], and it still burns in my mind to this day. Again, my own sincerest sympathies on your fathers passing…I think our pain and loss we feel will never truly go away, but with the help and thoughts of others, our days will slowly and surely come to us.
I understand you wil be back tonight (03/29)….I hope all goes well and you feel as best at ease as you can…I am not sure how I would handle this, but you will prevail I know. So, welcome back…and go get em……….
PS: Laurence did a noble yeomans service in your absence
jamminman50@msn.com
I lost my dad 19 years ago this month . He never saw his grand daughter. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him. The good thing, if there is one, is that you have your memories of him. If you can take that with you, it will make the coming days and month a bit better.
Keith,
So, so sorry for your lost. It sounds like your dad put up a terrific fight, brave til the end. And it’s a weird thing to say, but he and your sister and you had the luxury of being able to say what needed to be said.
Peace and comfort to you and yours,
-amber in Arlington VA
Keith, I don’t know if you’ll ever read this, but I’d like to offer my belated condolences to you and your family as well. I know very well how much it hurts to lose a parent–my Dad died unexpectedly on 7/4/83, two weeks after having passed a required physical so that he could continue to drive a tractor-trailer. We found him in the morning, dead of a heart attack in his sleep………no chance at all to say goodbye. Having to plan the funeral while in shock was very difficult–I still remember my Mom arguing with her mother-in-law about what clothes to bury him in.
I’ve spent the last couple of weeks remembering my Dad………so many memories, some sad, some really funny. After all these years, I still miss him, but will forever bless him for the love he showed me and the things he taught me, but most of all for paying out of his own pocket to send me off to band camp every summer during high school, for it was there that I met the college music teacher that would become as much a second father to me as I was a fourth daughter to him.
I did get to say goodbye to him, 17 years later……. even though it was only over the phone. He was in hospice care by that point, as he was dying of cancer……..it wasn’t until that conversation that he finally told me of his illness, and he didn’t want me to spend two hours driving down to see him when it was quite possible he’d be too zonked out by the pain meds to talk to me. Overprotective to the very last. I did go to the visitation when he passed away a month later……it was quite obvious that he’d had the end of life discussion with his family, as well as a hand in choosing the photos and memorabilia that were spread throughout the funeral home, and the music playing was virtuoso cornet/trumpet solos with band accompaniment.
The toughest thing to watch was his youngest grandson, only 8, try to cope with his grandpa bing dead. I knew exactly how he felt as I wasn’t much older than that when my paternal grandfather died. I put aside my own grief for a while to comfort him and shared my memories of his grandfather with him………spent most of the evening watching over him for his mother. She later told me she felt bad that I had missed out on seeing almost all of the people I’d gone to college with. I pointed out to her that I thought her son needed someone to watch over and console him more, and that I felt that’s what his grandfather, her father, would have wanted me to do.
The best piece of advice my second father ever gave me: Always plan ahead. Great advice for life, and the life panel discussions as well. I’ve tried to have those discussions with my family and best friends, but they seem to take the desire to not linger tied to machines in a hospital as my being tired of living while using supplemental oxygen. I make jokes about my “leash, the 57′ of tubing hooked up to an oxygen concentrator, and my “buddy” the portable oxygen tank that goes with me whenever I’m out and about, so I fail to understand their obtuseness on the subject, although I think denial has a lot to do with it. Trying to discuss potential funeral arrangments is even worse–though I did go get prices on the various options from one of the funeral homes I used to sing solos for(I still do sing for funerals, private family requests only, even though I’m on oxygen 😉 ) I’ll keep trying, though.
Once again, my condolences on your loss, Keith. I hope that(despite scurrilous rumors to the contrary) you have a caring and supportive significant other in your life to lean on in your grief. If this is not the case, or if you just want someone to “talk” to late at night when you can’t sleep, drop me a line.
Peace and blessings to you.
Laura Stadler, Chatsworth IL
NightOwl40 at Daily Kos
I want to express my deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. I missed you on Countdown – nice to have you back. Keep up the good work.
To both of your parents: God bless you. You raised a loving caring man in Keith.
To Keith: I’m sorry for your losses. You do your parents proud. Keep up the good work. Walk in Peace, my friend!
Keith – you will still hear his voice, that will never fade.
LB
Blackwood, NJ
Keith:
At the end of our seder Monday night, we sang the songs as they were taught to us by my Dad. I was singing, but it was my Dad’s voice I heard. I still hear him speak. I still smell his cigars…
One great thing you and I have in common: Our Dads were our biggest cheerleaders and our best friends.
Peace
kbk – Cherry Hill NJ
Keith,
Thanks to your Dad for bringing you to us. And thanks to you for introducing us to him. My heart is warmer, and my spirits better, for hearing about him and sharing second-hand some tiny part of your quality family. My condolences to you and to them for your loss. . . But think how lucky you were to have had him so long. . . and how lucky he was to have had a devoted wife for 60 years, and to have seen and enjoyed your success. I’m 64, my father died when I was 18. I never knew him as an adult to an adult. The loss and pain — after all these years — is still there. But my dad, like yours, was a committed husband, father, and citizen. His memory is still vivid; it’s threaded into my DNA. . . just as your Dad’s memory will be threaded in yours. Your comments to us about him in the time leading up to his death, and this moving written tribute has lifted my spirits knowing there are still good people in the world. . . people who love each other and spread that love around. Be well.
Keith,
Thanks to your dad for bringing you to us. . . and thanks to you for introducing us to him. Your public remarks during the time leading up to his death and this moving written tribute are uplifting in spite of all; it’s nice to know there are good solid families in the world, people who support and love each other and because of the way they live their lives together, know how to spread that love around to the world at large. You’re lucky to have had your Dad as long as you did. I’m 64 and my father died when I was 18; I feel his loss still. But my memory of the fine, committed and loving man he was, is threaded in my DNA, just as your memory of your Dad are part of you. Be well.
Keith,
Thanks to your dad for bringing you to us. . . and thanks to you for introducing us to him. Your public remarks during the time leading up to his death and this moving written tribute are uplifting in spite of all; it’s nice to know there are good solid families in the world, people who support and love each other and because of the way they live their lives together, know how to spread that love around to the world at large. You’re lucky to have had your Dad as long as you did. I’m 64 and my father died when I was 18; I feel his loss still. But my memory of the fine, committed and loving man he was, is threaded in my DNA, just as your memory of your Dad are part of you. Be well.
So very sorry to hear about the death of your father. It’s sad to lose a loverd one, but, God loves getting them home.
Prayers are with you.
Micki Whitler, a fan.
So very sorry to hear about the death of your father. It’s sad to lose a loved one, but, God loves getting them home.
Prayers are with you.
Micki Whitler, a fan.
Keith,
I do not know if you read these but I know I would if I was you. For sometime now I have been listening to you on your program and I cry for you and with you as I recall my Father that died recently. I hope you don’t mind that I relate to your loss with my own as I have lost before and on the most part no one can relate to the loss of another. But it is how I feel and I hope you can understand.
My Father was a great man not for his money as most judge greatness. He was an educated man with three advanced degrees mathematics (MIT), Physics (Umich) and Philosophy (Brown). He was one of the few working on RADAR during WW2 and a soldier at MIT. He gave up all that to work for civil rights and the rights of workers to do their job without fear of death.
I am fiercely proud of my father and I will always walk in his shadow. I don’t mind being there… I am honored to be in his shadow. I believe you feel as much for your father as I do for mine. For this I believe I can relate to you and I am greatly sorry for your great loss.
When my Dad came ill with Dementia they (Insurance Company) told me that my dad couldn’t stay in that hospital anymore because his insurance wouldn’t let him. We didn’t have a lot of money to put him in constant care. That is $10,000 a month. Who has that kind of money that gave their lives to the people? So we were forced to place him in a hospice to die without any medications. And so he did within a month. We met with the real death panel and the humanitarian man of the people didn’t seem to matter to them. He matters to me.
Keith, stay strong for your father and I will for mine. And stay strong in our fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone, even if they don’t know any better.
God bless you
Keith,
I do not know if you read these but I know I would if I was you. For sometime now I have been listening to you on your program and I cry for you and with you as I recall my Father that died recently. I hope you don’t mind that I relate to your loss with my own as I have lost before and on the most part no one can relate to the loss of another. But it is how I feel and I hope you can understand.
My Father was a great man not for his money as most judge greatness. He was an educated man with three advanced degrees mathematics (MIT), Physics (Umich) and Philosophy (Brown). He was one of the few working on RADAR during WW2 and a soldier at MIT. He gave up all that to work for civil rights and the rights of workers to do their job without fear of death.
I am fiercely proud of my father and I will always walk in his shadow. I don’t mind being there… I am honored to be in his shadow. I believe you feel as much for your father as I do for mine. For this I believe I can relate to you and I am greatly sorry for your great loss.
When my Dad came ill with Dementia they (Insurance Company) told me that my dad couldn’t stay in that hospital anymore because his insurance wouldn’t let him. We didn’t have a lot of money to put him in constant care. That is $10,000 a month. Who has that kind of money that gave their lives to the people? So we were forced to place him in a hospice to die without any medications. And so he did within a month. We met with the real death panel and the humanitarian man of the people didn’t seem to matter to them. He matters to me.
Keith, stay strong for your father and I will for mine. And stay strong in our fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone, even if they don’t know any better.
God bless you
Biggest Booster . . .
I’ll say your Dad was your biggest booster. A few years ago I was in the Men’s Warehouse store on Central Avenue. I stepped up to the cash register to make my purchase and I overheard an older gentleman speaking of you. Since I have been a regular viewer and fan of yours for quite some time I joined in the conversation. The gentleman turned out to be none other than your Dad.
We spoke at least 5 minutes about your achievements and he reached into his pocket for his wallet. Since he had already paid for this purchase I wondered why. Out of his wallet came a baseball card with your picture on it, which he wanted me to have.
I’ll always remember our brief encouter. I also still have the card held onto our refrigerator with a magnet.
Keith,
I never knew my Dad. Your Dad sounds like just the kind I?d want?.so?.I?m (mentally) borrowing yours. When people ask me about my Dad, I?ll tell them he passed in March of 2010, recall how clean and sweet Spring air can be, the bright green of a baseball diamond, the taste of chili on a hotdog and the feel of a peanut cracking between my fingers?and how good it all was. (I suspect neither of you will mind.)
Keith,
I never knew my Dad. Your Dad sounds warm, wonderful, just like the kind I’d want….so….I’m mentally borrowing yours.
When people ask me about my Dad, I will say he passed in March of 2010, recall the clean sweetness of spring air, the bright green of a baseball diamond, the smell of a hotdog, the crunch of a peanut shell….how good it all was, and how much I miss him. (I suspect neither of you will mind.)
Hello- I really dont know if your father or yourself realize the value your life has to this country,obviously Murrow-you lacked the war mania and fearlesness he has,too make yourself virtually teflonic (it’s now a word) and Johnny Cash,you father probably nor did a lot of the subtler cash sides come out in you– I have had a tatoo of Murrow on my leg years before you emulated him–which by the way as woody allen said in a film when accused of who he thought he was CHRIST, he said ” well I got to model myself aftersome one”Unfortuntatly I first heard about your father on utube from that maggot that calls himself roach something– you remember Mr. Smith and MR.Deeds Movies Capra– J Stewart And Gary Cooper ent looking for reporters AND PUNCHED THEM OUT Im afraid I would do that. even though this pusillanimous sawer dweller is a passive aggressive pseudo-borderline institutional- I just think Murrow flew over Germany,which was not quite kosher,and in your case I call them fighting word’s and let a jury decide. Maybe it would start a trend where as Shakespeare said ” Those who lard the lean Earth with their walk(And Talk) should think twice,I think it would be a good Tag for “make my day.etc..expressions) I challenged him to surface- I think Rushdie syndrome might make people think twice–And I would feel the same for any Father-there is no defense here-if you do hear of it or read it dont loose sleep,out of 7+ billion –you know! I hate politics but I love brave bully fighters and you like my Father i love for that, your more important than i think you even know,I wish Johnny cash was alive for you to talk to I think he was about the last person who couls visit,play and have any presidents ear (he wouldnt play welfare cadillac or okie from.. for nixon–but instead played what is truth!! Thank you- jeff st john p.o.1111 lawrence ks 785 312 9959
Keith, your dad was no doubt a distinguished man of valour in all his achievements especially with respect to your upbringing and his positive impacts being reminisce by the people that knew him across the United States.
May he rest in perfect peace!. May God give you and the rest of your family the fortitudes to bear his great departure in Jesus name -Amen!!!.
Accept my condolence and peace unto you!!!.
Kehinde A. AJAYI
UK
Deepest condolences, Mr Olbermann.
I honestly pray that I can be as strong.
Many thanks and much love, sir.
Mike
Dear Keith,
I’m very sorry to hear of your father’s death. However, your outspokenness around the topic while your dad and your family grappled with it was a true gift to the American public — no to the entire world.
It is so important in our culture that we start to feel comfortable speaking about death again. As Rabbi Schachter-Shalomi says, we’ve become awkward around death because it’s been taken to the hospital in the last 100 years. And in the hospital, we have a tendency to want to “save” people at all costs! Thank goodness for health care reform, and a courageous President, too…
God bless you and your family at this challenging time. May you grow and even flourish through your experience. God is with you, guiding you every step of the way — and so is your dad!
Blessings of Joy and Comfort, Dancing heart~~~
http://www.changewithcourage.com
(I hope that my book reached you safely!)
Hi Keith,
My condolences to you now. I know that even though you were expecting this, it still creates a huge pain in your heart. If I could ease the pain of grief I would jump at the chance. Alas, it seems that our human experience allows us to love so deeply that the pain of loss can be just as deep. I’ll hold you in a safe and calm space to heal in our connection as spiritual beings.
Much Peace, Love and Comfort to you now,
Susan
Hello Keith,
Sending you my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. I often wonder how we survive though such losses, but we do. I know you don’t know me and you have many friends and people to help you at this time, but if you ever just need to talk to a total stranger, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I have always enjoyed your show and special comments, so I know the strong and beautiful heart you carry around. Take special care of yourself and know we hold you in our hearts.
Peace, Love and Comfort,
Susan
Dear Keith Olbermann,
There is a huge empty space in life when you no longer have your parents. It’s wonderful to hear you talk about your love for your parents. I loved mine, too.
I just know that there is a special reunion going on right now between your father and mother.
May God comfort you in many ways throughout your life.
And thank you for your great work.
Letty L. from Texas
Dear Keith:
I’ve been an avid reader of your blog for quite a while, but haven’t ‘talked back’. I wanted to express my condolences on the loss of your father, but that is not why I am writing.
Your father and I share a favorite baseball player – Steve Souchock.
I never saw Souchock play, but he taught me more about baseball than anyone living or deceased. For all the efforts of my parents, I should have ended up as a die hard football fan. We had season tickets to both the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes for most of my youth. Despite all of this, I ended up as one of the most reviled things in fandom ? not simply a baseball fanatic, but a die-hard Yankees fan.
When encountering Red Sox fans who incredulously counter my fandom with, ?But you grew up in Ft. Lauderdale.?, I groan and start releasing a litany of reasons why, I support the bombers. I am sure, baseball nerd that you are, you can probably come up with at least 2 of the reasons. However, the most important reason was that I spent 13 years living next door to Steve Souchock. He was the best friend a guy could have and … I should have mentioned this earlier…he was 55 years older than me.
I met him when I was 2 ½. It took no time before I was in an oversized Yankees t-shirt and hat. I would go over to his house for lemonade whenever he was in town. Steve left the league after injury, coached in Cuba, and by the time I knew him he was a scout. I knew he scouted for the Tigers and for a consortium, but I didn?t really care about these things. He was the guy who taught me that older folks are cool and they know a heck of a lot more than I do.
Souchock was just an incredible person. All the neighborhood kids knew him, because he was always out taking care of his immaculate lawn, riding his bike in the neighborhood, or just talking to the kids. His friendliness was only matched by his humbleness. He was the most unassuming of guys ? he went to work, came home, took care of his home, and (in his later years) was the best of caretakers to his wife.
Steve?s wife Shirley was stricken with Rheumatoid Arthritis from the time I knew them, but it became progressively worse as she aged. Taking care of a loved one full time can be trying to anyone, but I never heard Steve complain once. Not once.
I know that Souchock?s story is one that is echoed by many other players, but to me it is the true story of baseball from this era. Steve played himself into a budding baseball career. As he was approaching his peak his country called him to war where he fought with valor in the Battle of the Bulge. He returned and had lost 3 crucial years from a baseball perspective. He was traded (to your father?s dismay) to the Tigers) and his career was ended by injury. As a producer, it saddens me that these stories are not the ones being told ? but that?s for another letter.
Steve was remarkable in that he never (at least to me) bragged about the glory days or past victories. Baseball came up when I brought it up. He never mentioned his bronze star from the war ? to the point that I didn?t know about his time in the service until I was an adult.
For me, Steve was far more than a baseball player, but he did give me my first baseball card. Steve was far more than a coach, but he did take me down to sit in the dugout the first time I went to a college game. He was far more than a scout, but he told me to say, ?Hi? to Scooter, when (in my teen years) I was the biggest of autograph hounds. My friendship with Steve was much bigger to me than baseball, but it is through baseball that I remember our friendship. A part of him comes back to me whenever I enter a ballpark.
So your memorial to your father brought out of me the need to memorialize my friend and one of your father?s favorite players — for that, I thank you. While I have wrote my 750 words here, the flood of memories that came back while writing this could fill at least one book.
Again, my condolences,
Brian Savoie
now of Silver Spring, Maryland
I am terribly sorry for your loss. To have raised a son like you with your passion, sense of humor and honesty he must have been a great man.
Sincerely,
Robert L Bass
Sarasota, Florida
I am terribly sorry for your loss. To have raised a son like you with your passion, sense of humor and honesty he must have been a great man.
Sincerely,
Robert L Bass
Sarasota, Florida
Hi Keith,
Been watching you since the days of Kilborne and you on ESPN.
Dad and most of my family were Yankee fans. I was and am a Red Sox diehard – I know Fenway upside down. First World Series was Sox and Mets in 1986 – freakin Buckner – eh, we forgive.
My dad passed just after I got tix for the Yankees assumed World Series. He was 62 yrs old. That year the Red Sox took it all.
As per usual and after a great game alone in SF, CA, I went to call him. I called home and there was no one to call to share the details of the game.
Those are the moments we all miss most.
Best,
Rob
“I was reading him his favorite James Thurber short stories, as he left us.”
Keith, you may have driven your dad crazy while you were growing up (how unusual!) but when it mattered most you were a wonderful son. Your dad must have loved that Thurber reading. What a cool thing to do for your dad in his last hours!
I always thought you were a pretty decent human being, and now I know it for a fact.
Condolences to you and your family, and best wishes,
Houndcat
I express my deepest condolences for you and your family. Having a dad be your biggest supporter is something one can not substitute. I bet your father was a great man, he must be awfully proud of what you have achieved in your career.
Best Regards,
Aprilaire Cook
If fathers only were half the father yours was, what a wonderful world we’d be in.
I lost my father September 11, 2009 from a stroke. I was with him when he died but unfortunately. due to the massive stroke, he was unaware of my presence. I just held his hand until he drew his last breath.
I am sincerely sorry for your loss, and even though life must go on, your loved one is never out of your thoughts. Their life, their contribution to your life, will never be forgotten.
Dear Mr. Olberman,
I write this on the fourth anniversary of my own father’s death. You will miss your dad in ways you cannot yet imagine and while it does not get ‘better’ with time, it does get ‘different.’
He will always be with you…also in ways you cannot yet imagine. It’s important to save up the love when those precious to us are still here, so that when they are no more, the light of that love will still illumine our path.
Sincerest regards,
Mrs. Felton
He looks like a good man in this picture, and from what you say, he really was a good man. Smart, and a family man to boot. Its a rarity to find a man such as him in this day and age. No one seems to have the drive anymore. He certainly did. My condolences to you and your family. I know he will be missed. http://www.goldenrule.com
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.
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Beautiful photo and my condolences. How nice to be able to publicly acknowledge how dear your father was to you. I’m sure he was intensely proud of you. JulesS
my main intent is to, as many others have already, extend my sincerest sympathies on the loss of your father. I have watched you much over the last few years, and have followed with interest as well your personal stories,testking with first your mother and most recently your father. It is a hard thing to lose a parent, I still think back to my own fathers passing from emphasema [sp?], and it still burns in my mind to this day. Again, my own sincerest sympathies on your fathers passing…test king I think our pain and loss we feel will never truly go away, but with the help and thoughts of others, our days will slowly and surely come to us.
Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” – Author Unknown.
May memories bring you comfort for that is your darling father’s immortality.
With loving thoughts from a huge fan.
Alice wigs
Dearest Keith,
I miss you very much. Your loss from the nightly news is very sad for me. It was wonderful that you took the time to spend with your father, Theodore. My father was Theodore and my grandson is Olin Theodore. Now that your gone from Countdown.. please come back to us – somewhere!! All the best to you and your family.
Karen Erickson
Eureka, Calif.
As regular viewers of Olbermann’s Countdown, my wife and I became concerned about Keith’s father almost as if he were a valued friend of ours. It is always sad when someone decent dies. advokat Stavanger
I think I post it as often as I do because I am still trying to assimilate the immutable fact that my heroes, my pillars, the whole focus of my life is gone forever.
I loathe to hear people talk about how they don’t get along with their parents. Regret is forever if you don’t make amends. My parents and I had nothing between us that wasn’t good. I had no regrets for what I did white fabric or didn’t do for and about them. I only regret that they had to go.
RIP, Mr. and Mrs. Olbermann. I can imagine you are dancing in heaven and admiring your good boy from where you are. I know I am.
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I miss you very much. Your loss from the nightly news is very sad for me. It was wonderful that you took the time to spend with your father, Theodore. My father was Theodore and my grandson is Olin Theodore. Now that your gone from Countdown.. please come back to us – somewhere!! All the best to you and your family.
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