robert nielsen a.k.a. grandpa: 1922-2009

Robert Nielsen was known for his sharp insight and acerbic wit
(Love of written word sparked long journalism career)

JASON MILLER
STAFF REPORTER

Former Toronto Star journalist Robert Nielsen loved a good argument, and he parlayed his passion for winning with words into an illustrious career in journalism. In his 33 years with the Star, Nielsen's roles ranged from foreign correspondent to editorial page editor and acting editor-in-chief.

He died yesterday in a New Brunswick hospital after suffering an aneurysm. He was 87 years old.

Having lost sight in one eye, Robert Nielsen couldn't serve in the military in World War II. Adamant on serving in another way, he cut short his studies at the University of New Brunswick and joined The Canadian Press in 1943.

"His fascination for communicating through the written word began very early and never left him," said his brother, Richard Nielsen.

Nielsen's passion landed him a job at the Star in 1945. In 1952, he became the second Canadian journalist to be awarded the prestigious Nieman Fellowship, allowing him to study at Harvard University.

Nielsen loved reading, favouring contemporary English fiction and humour. "He had read all of the Modern Library by the time he was 13," recalled his brother.

He served as parliamentary correspondent for the Star in Ottawa, later heading the newspaper's London and Washington bureaus in the 1960s before returning to Toronto.

Torstar chairman and former Star publisher John Honderich recalls Nielsen as "an acerbic, sharp contrarian who forced you to think things through."

Honderich said, "You always knew you were meeting someone who was smart and cared a great deal about getting things right."

After leaving the Star in 1978, Nielsen returned to New Brunswick.

He remarried after his first wife died in 1998. He leaves behind his second wife and two children.