Jeffrey Zaslow 1958-2012

Jeffrey Zaslow was a brilliant writer, a generous spirit and a cherished friend. His tragic death Friday at 53 is an incalculable loss to his wife, Sherry, their three daughters, and all whose hearts he touched. He made our lives infinitely richer.

“Jeff was such a proud and loving father and husband, a good man, a good friend and a fine writer who distilled so much humanity and professionalism into his works,” Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg wrote. “No one worked harder, no one cared more about his profession, his family, the state of the world. A terrible tragedy.”

“He was as friendly and talented a guy as you'd ever want to meet — endlessly curious, open, honest, funny," wrote Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn. "It didn't surprise that his career as an author had taken off. He listened as well as he wrote and always seemed aware of how blessed he was with his great family and great success."

"Jeff’s writing, for the Journal and in his books, has been a source of inspiration for many people around the world and his journalistic life has been a source of inspiration for all journalists," Wall Street Journal managing editor Robert Thompson wrote in a memo to staff. "There is no doubt that Jeff’s words will echo poignantly for generations to come and his body of work will be a living testimony to his professionalism, creativity and dedication."

Here are pertinent links:

Wall Street Journal: Journal Columnist Jeffrey Zaslow Dies at 53

New York Times: Jeffrey Zaslow, Columnist and Author of “The Last Lecture,’ Dies at 53

Associated Press: Detroit-area author Zaslow killed in car accident

Chicago Sun-Times: Jeffrey Zaslow, The Last Lecture author, killed in car crash at age 53

WJBK-TV, Detroit: Author Jeff Zaslow Dies at Age 53

Detroit Free Press: Jeffrey Zaslow, West Bloomfield best-selling author, killed in northern Michigan crash

Eric Zorn: Sad news about an old friend

Jim Romenesko: Jeffrey Zaslow killed in car accident

Amy Chozick: Jeffrey Zaslow, Author and Journalistic Role Model, Dies at 53

Funeral arrangements