Norman C. Miller is a former editor of the Los Angeles Times and a Pulitzer Prize journalist, known for his dedication to objective reporting at the age of 90.
According to his son Scott, Miller struggled with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure at his home in Pasadena on March 29.
Miller is a devout Catholic, survived by his children Charlie, Mary Ellen Wasson and Scott, as well as eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. His wife Mollie and daughter Teresa died a few years ago.
Miller was born on October 2, 1934 in Pittsburgh. He attended Central Catholic High School and the University of Pennsylvania where he received his bachelor’s degree in journalism. Miller was inducted into his high school and college Hall of Fame.
After college, Miller joined the Navy, where he served for four years and became an officer.
Miller won the Pulitzer Prize in 1964 for reporting on the financial fraud scandal of commodity trader Tino de Angelis. His report on the scandal was the basis of the book “The Great Salad Oil Scam” published in 1965.
After 20 years at the Wall Street Journal, Miller moved to Pasadena and became the national editor of The Times. 14 years later, he retired from his time and became an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California.
During his tenure, members of the Times News Room remembered the blunt instruments of Miller as editor. Doyle McManus, a member of the state staff at the time, recalled that Miller was a strong boss, but a fair boss.
“He is absolutely armed with the highest standards for maintaining objective reporting,” McManus said. “If you are investigating something and you are going to suggest that person, whether a business executive or a politician, engage in any wrongdoing, you have to figure out these facts.”
McManus said staff joked that his approach to arming was the result of Miller’s naval time.
Roger Smith, deputy editor of Times during Miller’s tenure, remembers that he was an editor dedicated to bringing the readers objective facts of any story in any story.
“[Miller] “Being a straight-forward shooter, it’s the definition. He is committed to making the stories we make, just like himself,” Smith said.
Under Miller, his colleagues remembered a difficult investigation report on all the presidents they covered.
“[Miller] It is a good thing to be a vigilant guardian of traditional news standards. ” McManus said.
Miller remained a rival to the tennis court until he was 86 years old.
Miller looked at his wife faithfully during his 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
“My father took care of her every day during these 12 years of battle,” Scott said. “It’s great to observe his love, sympathy and tenderness, and care for his wife.”
