Terrible news broke over on Frontburner a couple of hours ago: Former Dallas Morning News architecture critic David Dillon has passed away. Tim has the note from the News’ news room, and Scott Cantrell had the grim task of writing Dillon’s obituary for Dallas’ daily. Dillon’s was an honest, deeply intelligent voice that didn’t balk from controversy and harsh criticism, holding the shape of our city to the highest standards of design. In other words, he was a critic the city needed. From Cantrell:
A crusty New Englander despite his decades in Dallas, Dr. Dillon didn’t suffer fools gladly or otherwise. And acquaintances were admitted as friends only after passing rigorous tests of intelligence and integrity. But once admitted, they could count him as the warmest of friends, with a fondness for gentle teasing.
“I loved his sense of humor,” [landscape architect Kevin] Sloan said. “I think David demonstrated that the greatest reverence comes through irreverence – to be able to laugh about it, to see the humor in the seriousness of what he was doing.”
The Dictator
Dallas Opera Announces New Commission, Collaboration Between Composer Joby Talbot and Librettist Gene Scheer
The Birthday Party
Ticket Giveaway: Three Pairs of Movie Tickets (With Popcorn) For West Side Story
3 comments
For years David had on his desk at the News a gift from a reader (I’ve forgotten who). It was a windup toy version of Godzilla. He came with a couple of tiny skyscrapers. I had the pleasure once of winding him up and letting him knock down the buildings. The giver had prominently labeled the entire affair an ‘Architecture Critic’s Kit.’
It’s been rare in my experience in journalism to encounter someone as wise and generous as David — and part of his wisdom came from knowing what to take seriously and what was worth laughing at. Those same virtues contributed to his impact as a critic.
What Jerome said. Plus this: David was, like all fine critics, excellently sourced, endlessly curious, smart, funny, fallible and just plain brave. Others have more poignant stories of his generosity. But as I dithered over whether to leave a longish career in newspapers and move away to-what-i-did-not-know, he gave me lots of time and the best and simplest career/life advice I’ve ever received. A sailor, he reminded me that the surest way to work the wind isn’t always a straight line. “Remember to tack.” It’s become a mantra.
“Remember to tack” — I can just hear David saying that. With those he thought worth his time — which wasn’t everyone — he WAS wise and warm and generous, and a lot of fun. It was so strange writing his obit the day after he had called me, just to shoot the breeze and talk about summer plans. I hate thinking that there will be no more of those calls.