http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-alan-cherry-obit-20141006-story.html 1/2

Veteran newsman Alan Cherry dies at 59

By Robert Nolin, Sun Sentinel    OCTOBER 6, 2014

In a career spanning three decades, reporter and editor Alan Cherry chronicled momentous changes throughout Broward County. While earning a reputation for compassion, he never hesitated to tweak the nose of authority. Mr. Cherry died early Monday at Plantation’s Westside Regional Medical Center of complications from surgery. He was 59.

Mr. Cherry was a font of local political knowledge at the Sun Sentinel, where he worked from 1979 until retirement in 2008. He held himself to the highest standards of fairness toward his story subjects, even during intensive corruption investigations.

As a volunteer at Broward College’s school paper, Mr. Cherry educated and encouraged aspiring journalists. “He really liked working with kids,” said Dan Christensen, editor of the online news site Broward Bulldog, where Mr. Cherry served as deputy editor upon retirement.

Bearded and burly, Mr. Cherry resembled the singer-songwriter he was at heart. He fronted a garage band, The Fibes, in his 20s and continued to create music until his illness.

“That’s what he wanted to focus on,” said his wife, Pat McDonough. “As much as he loved journalism and helping students, for himself he wanted to work on his music.” He also loved to cook on the grill, float in his pool and observe the world from his backyard.

Besides his wife, Mr. Cherry is survived by a son, James, and three brothers: Randy, of West Palm Beach; Gordon, of Georgia; and Larry, of New Mexico.

A viewing will be Thursday between 4 and 7 p.m. at Kalis-McIntree Funeral & Cremation Center, 2505 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors.

rnolin@tribune.com or 954-356-452510/7/2014 Longtime Sun Sentinel journalist dies – Sun Sentinel

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-alan-cherry-obit-20141006-story.html 2/2

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/topic/human-interest/obituaries/0800000056-topic.html