Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
KSL team coverage Wednesday night KSL hosted a live broadcast and gala to honor Dick's 43 years here at the station.
Like any true celebrity, Dick arrived in style to a crowd of fans, friends and colleagues lining the red carpet.
"It's just overwhelming and a little bit overpowering and I hope I can make it through the night," Dick said.
When the lights dimmed, the memories and the tributes began.
Governor Huntsman said, "I, as governor of the greatest state in America, do hereby declare this day, November 28, 2007, as Dick Nourse Recognition Day." Senator Hatch brought a message from the president, "Laura and I send you our best wishes for an enjoyable retirement. Sincerely, George W. Bush."
Friends shared their memories. Ruth Todd, a former KSL News anchor, told the crowd, "One thing I will always remember about Dick is his singing. He would come in after dinner break and he would always have a song on his lips."
Friend Bethany Prince said, "I loved the ‘out standing in someone's field.' That was my favorite. I thought that was classic."
President & CEO of Bonneville International, Bruce Reese, echoed those thoughts, saying, "I have to admit, I'm still a sucker for the ‘Out standing in a field' promotion. I still think that's one of the cleverest things I've seen on television."
Before the end of the night, the president of Dixie State College honored Dick with something that will forever carry on his legacy.
"And our school of communications will be known as the Dick Nourse School of Communications."
During the past few weeks, a lot of people have wanted to express their best wishes to Dick Nourse on his upcoming retirement. Sports figures, newsmakers and others have recorded messages on videotape, and you've seen a lot of those on the various newscasts already. But, there are still more!
Yep, and the best wishes just keep on coming! When our photographers and reporters have been out and about the last few weeks, we've asked people to give Dick a "shout out," and everybody has been great.
From cheerleaders, to folks on the street, to network news anchormen, the comments have been sincere and thoughtful. Here are a few more!
Matt Lauer, host of NBC's Today Show, said, "Dick, for more than 43 years you've been invited into so many homes of so many people at 10 o'clock to bring them stories of compassion and heartache, tragedy and, of course, hope. You are the consummate journalist."
In the field of TV journalism, staying at the same station for as long as Dick has is certainly a milestone. Matt Lauer certainly knows that. He worked at a number of stations before landing at NBC.
Working at any job, in any field, for more than four decades is unusual and something that many of Dick's friends admire.
Utah Jazz Head Coach Jerry Sloan, a long-timer himself, says he can't imagine not seeing Dick on TV anymore. "He'll always be here in my mind. I've talked to him a number of times on the phone and been with him a number of times, and he's a wonderful man," Sloan said. "If that's his route, we wish him nothing but the best."
Former University of Utah Basketball coach Rick Majerus coached here for 15 years. Now at St. Louis, he sent in this "YouTube-looking" message to Dick: "Good night, Dick. With you, every newscast was in the left-hand column. You were a visionary. You were passionate. You were concerned and you cared. You did a lot of good for a lot of people along the way, Dick. Back at ya!"
NBC News Correspondent Keith Miller sent in this video from Italy. Keith worked closely with Dick in the ‘60s here at KSL. "Anyway, Dick Nourse--one of the great, a legend really, in our business--and some of the lessons that he taught me at KSL I've carried with me throughout my career with NBC News," Miller said.
Al Roker, Today Show meteorologist who has run into Dick off and on through the years during visits to Salt Lake, sent us this: "After leading the number-one Eyewitness News for all those years, Dick, you're going to be missed. Congratulations from all your friends at NBC on an outstanding career, and best wishes to you and to your family."
Finally, we caught up with Steve Young before one of the Monday Night Football games. Tom Kirkland asked if he had any retirement advice for Dick. "I'm a retiree. You know what? Embrace it. … Have more kids! That's what I did!" Young laughed.
There's not one person we asked who wasn't thrilled about sending a message to Dick, even if it was at the last minute. People just said, "Turn on the camera. I've got something to say to him!" A nice tribute to our friend.
