Ross Game

Former Argus-Courier publisher Ross Game died Oct. 18 in Napa, succumbing to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 80.

Born in Chicago, Mr. Game was known as a steadfast newsman who helped launch the careers of many young journalists, from Napa to Launceston, Australia.

Mr. Game’s long and varied career included serving as editor and publisher of the Napa Valley Register and the Tahoe Daily Tribune. He was publisher of the Argus-Courier in the early 1970s.

He wrote a book about the disappearance of famed aviator Amelia Earhart, served on the boards of various political and journalism organizations, wrote for the Associated Press and covered the war in Vietnam.

Mr. Game encountered many national figures during his career, including Adlai Stevenson and Ted Kennedy, and he struck up friendship with Ronald Reagan. Mr. Game’s correspondence with Reagan continued even as Reagan ascended to the White House.

“Ross made it a point to know about every notable politician and journalist in the country,” said John Eagan, former managing editor of the Argus-Courier who had earlier been hired by Mr. Game to work for the Register when Mr. Game was publisher there.

“One of my most vivid memories of Ross: One day in December 1963 he asked me if I'd like to meet Earl Warren, chief justice of the Supreme Court who had just been appointed by President Johnson to head the investigation of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Of course I said, ‘Yes!’

"It turned out that Warren went every Christmas Eve to the St. Helena ranch of his son, James C. Warren, for a get-together with his children and grandchildren. My job was to take a family photo for the Register and the Warrens.”

Eagan said was granted a rare interview with Warren and was invited back every Christmas Eve for many years, interviewing him each visit.

Mr. Game studied at Drake, Northwestern and Utah State universities and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

Friends and colleagues are invited to attend a memorial service and reception at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, at Treadway & Wigger Funeral Chapel, 623 Coombs St. in Napa.