Will Lester, a longtime journalist and editor for The Associated Press who had significant stints in South Carolina, Florida, and Washington, has died at the age of 71 on Wednesday. Lester was instrumental in AP's 2000 election-night coverage decision not to call the presidential race. Colleagues have paid tribute to him, describing Lester as a remarkable human being and a supportive figure in the newsroom. His encouragement and kindness to reporters, especially those new to Washington D.C., were highlighted by many, including those who considered him a friend and mentor. His ability to improve stories with gentle suggestions and his thoughtful nature were also praised. Lester's death is seen as an immeasurable loss to the journalism community, and a 700-word obituary has been written to honor him.
Please read this obit about our beloved colleague Will Lester (via @MegKinnardAP). Will was the kindest soul and made me feel instantly welcome at the AP. He was also an incredibly sharp editor; I always knew my copy was in good hands when he handled it. https://t.co/vgJ1jnknc1
Will Lester, a longtime reporter and editor for The Associated Press who played a critical role in the news organization's 2000 election-night decision not to call the presidential race, died Wednesday. He was 71. https://t.co/RDnMaXlZfs
It is an immeasurable loss to our newsroom. Jacqueline is great both on-air and off. She inspired me to be better and I was always in awe of her ability to distill complex topics into something clear and entertaining. https://t.co/colcbU6DOd
Will was smart, thorough and appropriately skeptical. He’d catch clumsy phrasing, a contradiction or a muddled idea even after a long day, offering a gentle suggestion that was always better. Above all, Will stood apart for how kind and thoughtful he was. He will be so missed. https://t.co/g0JjUr97z5
Will Lester, longtime AP journalist in SC, Florida and Washington, dies at age 71. 700 words are not enough to honor this remarkable human, but I'm honored to have been given the opportunity to try. Will was the best of us. I will miss him, terribly. https://t.co/0DjdNaq1P6
Will was a wonderful, supportive editor who made this former DC newbie feel at home at the @AP office. @wjlester always had a kind word and he always had my back. What a terrible loss. https://t.co/NtA90EXQz1
I've just been informed of the news that our own @wjlester has died. He was a politics reporter turned desk editor in our Washington bureau, who was a tremendous source of encouragement to me, personally and professionally. I always knew Will had my back. He was my friend - and… https://t.co/zIclrZw0oS
What a privilege that must have been to do that next to Pete. What a treasure he was. What a wonderful man and colleague. And always so encouraging to cub reporters like I was. And a phenomenal on-deadline columnist. ... You do a good job keeping his tradition alive, Jeff. https://t.co/bQOkVdstwP