Longtime Baltimore Sun Obituaries Writer Resigns After 51+ Years
After over five decades of documenting the lives of Marylanders from all walks of life, Frederick N. Rasmussen, the prolific obituaries writer at The Baltimore Sun, has decided to step down. At 77 years old, with 51 years and two months of dedicated service under his belt, Rasmussen bid farewell to the paper on a Friday, marking the end of an era.
Reflecting on his decision, Rasmussen shared, “As my late mother used to say, every dog has his day, and I’ve had mine.” He expressed his intention to continue writing, emphasizing that he felt compelled to resign due to a perceived lack of editorial freedom following the acquisition of the newspaper by David Smith, the executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, in 2024.
The Evolution of The Baltimore Sun Under New Ownership
Under Sinclair Broadcast Group’s ownership, The Baltimore Sun has undergone a noticeable shift, with the incorporation of content from conservative-leaning sources, including Baltimore’s Fox45, and opinion pieces by figures like Armstrong Williams. Rasmussen cited this ideological drift as a key factor in his decision to resign, a sentiment echoed by several other journalists who have left the publication since Smith’s takeover, such as longtime columnist Dan Rodricks.
Despite these changes, Rasmussen looked back fondly on his time at The Baltimore Sun, noting that he never once dreaded going to work during his tenure. His career trajectory at the paper began in the early ’90s when he transitioned from writing about diverse topics like food, travel, and sports to penning obituaries, a role that he embraced with dedication and reverence.
A Legacy of Memorializing Lives
In his role as an obituaries writer, Rasmussen took pride in capturing the essence of everyday individuals who led extraordinary lives, often in humble or unconventional ways. From a Mount Vernon Place eye doctor with a penchant for collecting lightbulbs to a trailblazing woman who took on drug dealers armed with only a broom, Rasmussen’s stories celebrated the uniqueness and resilience of the human spirit.
Beyond the quirky and remarkable tales, Rasmussen also delved into the sobering realities of tragedy, reporting on significant events like the AIDS crisis, 9/11 attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his writing, he strived to humanize the losses incurred during these crises, giving voice to those who were deeply affected by the events.
Embracing the Role of Writing Obituaries
For Rasmussen, writing obituaries was not merely a task but a profound opportunity to honor the legacies of those who had passed. He emphasized the value of celebrating each person’s life, regardless of their age or accomplishments, recognizing that every individual has a story worth telling. In mentoring interns at The Baltimore Sun, Rasmussen instilled the importance of empathy and respect in approaching families during their time of grief, highlighting the impact of honoring loved ones through thoughtful remembrance.
As he embarks on a new chapter after over five decades at The Baltimore Sun, Rasmussen remains grateful for the rich tapestry of experiences and encounters that have defined his career. Surrounded by talented colleagues and collaborators, he looks back on a lifetime of storytelling with humility and pride, knowing that his words have left an indelible mark on the community he served.
When the time eventually comes for Rasmussen to face his own final deadline, he envisions a succinct yet poignant epitaph that encapsulates his life’s journey: “He came. He saw. He went.” With these words, he prepares to close the chapter on a remarkable career that has touched countless lives and immortalized the stories of those who have come before us.
