Obit: Drew Von Bergen, past NPC president

Drew Von Bergen, a former UPI correspondent and president of the National Press Club in 1980, died Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, of heart failure. He was 77 and lived in Alexandria, Va.

Drew joined the Club in 1971 while working as a UPI regional reporter in Washington, D.C. A memorial service is scheduled for Jan. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Club's Holeman Lounge.

Club member and close friend Cheryl Arvidson described Drew as "a fine gentleman" and "an all-around good fellow" who suffered in recent weeks with heart and breathing problems. "Drew worked with many of us at United Press International as a regional covering Kentucky and coal country, then worked for Ohio Sen. Howard Metzenbaum and spent many years at the National Association of Letter Carriers."

"I always saw him as a solid, unflappable, delightful person," recalled 1986 Club President Mary Kay Quinlan.

Long-time friend and Club member Ron Sarro said of Drew: "What a lovely man. Nobody didn't like Drew. He made major, unsung contributions to print journalism, and became a guiding hand at the National Press Club when he became president. A gentle giant, kind and gracious to all. He will live on in our memories."