Former News and Courier, Evening Post editor dies

Howard W. MacDougall

Howard W. MacDougall, former executive news editor of The Evening Post, died Wednesday at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., after a long illness. He was 78.

Formerly of James Island, MacDougall, known as "Mac" to his friends and colleagues, was born in Philadelphia in 1929. He started his newspaper career in high school, covering sports for the Collingswood (N.J.) High School newspaper. From 1948 until 1971 MacDougall held several jobs at the Camden, N.J., Courier-Post, including city editor.

He then worked in public relations and published a weekly newspaper until moving to Charleston to join The News and Courier staff in 1976. He was named news editor in 1977 and city editor in 1980.

In 1981, when the staffs of the morning and afternoon newspapers combined, MacDougall was named metropolitan editor. He supervised about 24 reporters and news bureaus in Columbia, Georgetown, Florence and Washington, D.C.

MacDougall retired in 1990 as executive news editor after more than 43 years in the newspaper and advertising business.

"When it comes to newspapermen, Mac was the genuine article," said Steve Mullins, managing editor of The Post and Courier. "I never knew anyone who was more comfortable in a busy newsroom. Journalism was a true calling to Mac. He insisted on fairness and accuracy, and Charleston is a better place because he was here.

"My best memories in this business all began with Mac coming out of his office with an assignment and calling out my name across the newsroom. I know about a hundred good reporters who can all say the same thing."

Post and Courier Editor Emeritus Barbara Williams was responsible for bringing MacDougall to the city.

"Early in my career I took a four-year break to work for a newspaper in Camden, N.J., where I was lucky to meet Mac, the epitome of the crusty city desk man with a big bark and a bigger heart," Williams said.

"This newspaper was even more fortunate when Mac contacted me nearly a decade later after hearing we had an opening. I knew we would be getting a real pro who loved this business and did it proud. He helped make this newspaper a better product and those who worked for him better reporters."

Sports columnist Ken Burger was hired by MacDougall.

"He gave all of us the opportunity to be better," Burger said. "His family, in and out of the newsroom, will miss him."

Marsha Guerard, a Post and Courier editor, said that in her early reporting days, MacDougall would chew her out about mistakes, but "when you went to his office, there was this jar full of Tootsie Rolls. And this sweet, affectionate man who would chat about his church, his family, your church, your family. He was a terrific boss and a great friend."

A Navy veteran, MacDougall was a member of the American Legion, Sigma Delta Chi and the Society of Professional Journalists. He served on the board of the Scottish Society of Charleston and was active in Lutherans for Life.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie J. Deering MacDougall of Scottsdale; a daughter, Joyce Schrank of Phoenix; two sons, David W. MacDougall of James Island and the Rev. Steven A. MacDougall of Red Bud, Ill.; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

His funeral will be in New Jersey.