June Lockhart leaves us

An interest in journalism

Maybe you remember June Lockhart as “Lassie’s mom” on the long-running series about a boy and his loyal dog, or as the steadfast matriarch on “Lost in Space,” or even as the lady doctor on “Petticoat Junction.”

I remember her differently — as a gracious woman with a true passion for journalism. She died this week at the age of 100.

I first met June while serving on the board of the Radio-Television News Directors Association. She had a lively curiosity about current events and how news was covered, often turning up at media gatherings simply because she loved the energy of the press.

She had seen me on “The Larry King Show,” and I gladly handed her a copy of my book, Reasonable Doubt, after she wondered aloud why it hadn’t been turned into a movie or TV series.

Two months later, my home phone rang — and there was June Lockhart on the other end. She told me she’d read the book and passed it along to a producer who might find it interesting. Nothing came of it, but I was quietly thrilled.

As chance would have it, my mother-in-law, Sue Warehan, was visiting that day. I asked June if she’d say hello.

“Of course,” she said warmly.

They chatted for several minutes, and for a brief, shining moment, there were two star-struck people in our kitchen.

Among the three charities June’s two daughters suggested for memorial contributions is ProPublica, a non-profit investigative journalism organization — a fitting tribute to someone who genuinely respected the craft, calling and importance of journalism.