Bob Losure and I were buddies for nearly a half-century. I think he was my best friend, and I hope I was ONE of his. Bob had a lot of “best” friends. That’s because he had a gift for making everyone he engaged feel like the most important person in the world.
We worked as news reporters for competing radio stations in Tulsa in 1972, but we didn’t actually compete. In fact, we often teamed up. For example, he’d cover one press conference; I’d cover a different one. At the end of the day, we’d meet in the Tulsa County courthouse press room and trade tapes. Then each of us would file stories about both events with our respective stations. That conduct might belong in an ethically gray area, but it saved time that two young men felt they could better spend on more enjoyable pursuits.
The above anecdote not withstanding, Bob Losure was a consummate professional. In my opinion he was one of the best anchors on national television when he worked at CNN Headline News.
One more memory I’d like to share: I lived in a rented house in Tulsa that was close to a McDonald’s. Bob loved McDonald’s. Several times each week, he picked up a Big Mac and fries to go, drove the short distance to my house, sat in front of the TV in my living room and consumed his evening meal. When he finished eating, he quickly left. Usually, we would get together a few hours later to go clubbing or to an ORU basketball game or a minor league hockey game.
I left Tulsa for a station in a bigger market in 1973. I had been in my new city scarcely a week when Bob called. Although the fact wasn’t expressed in so many words, it became clear during the conversation that we were going to remain friends for the rest of our lives. And we did.
I’m taking Bob’s passing hard. I can barely see this screen through the tears in my eyes, and the pain I feel is making it exceedingly difficult to come up with the right words.
I hope I do him justice by saying I’ve never known a man more open, caring, supportive and loyal than Bob Losure. I will grieve the loss of my dear friend for the remainder of my days.
