More than a half century ago a very apprehensive new reporter met her first GV publisher, the late Lynn Shelton. Apprehension quickly turned to stark terror as the publisher issued a barrage of no-nonsense commands to the novice.

The introduction also proved to be the entrée to the Shelton’s, father and son, command of the English language.

Both men could with the greatest of ease wield a Samurai sword with language relentlessly slashing to the core of an issue … or soaring with kindness and a unique beauty.

Unlike his father, Keith Shelton was equally at home in the world of advertising and business, moving effortlessly between the two during his long career as a publisher.

An ever-present sense of humor marked his career making GV journalism fun as well as challenging.

Yet Shelton also mirrored his father’s no-nonsense commitment to journalism’s core to inform, to confront when needed, to fight for those with no voice.

In Shelton’s final battle with Parkinson’s disease, he tapped the same strong characteristics, a sense of humor, stubbornness in the face of limitations, and a quiet bravery.

Arriving at the office daily, he set the bar high for all of us who will follow.