Colleagues, Friends, Family Remember Journalist Anthony Shadid

A gathering in Oklahoma City Saturday honored and remembered the life of award winning journalist Anthony Shadid.

He died last month of an apparent asthma attack while reporting in Syria.

It was a somber ceremony as friends, family and former colleagues paid tribute to the man they say was one-of-a kind. Shadid won many awards and accolades during his career as a foreign correspondent for some of the most well-known newspapers in the country.

Former editors from the New York Times and Washington Post to fellow journalists in the field. Those who worked with Shadid overseas recalled his ability to humanize any story. It was that ability that allowed readers to connect with his articles.

In a tearful remembrance, Shadid's father Buddy called Anthony Shadid his hero, a citizen of the world and a voice for all. He said he still doesn't want to believe his son is gone and cannot imagine a life without his son.

In probably the most touching moment during the memorial, Anthony Shadid's 10-year-old daughter Laila spoke about the loss of two Anthonys, one the esteemed journalist and the other her dad. She said her dad inspired her to follow in his footsteps and become a writer.

Shadid was born and raised in Oklahoma City. He was a longtime correspondent in the Middle East for the Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Associated Press.

He won Pulitzer Prizes for his work in 2004 and 2010.

The Assistant Managing Editor for the New York Times said the newspaper is working on a permanent way to honor Shadid and his work.

3/7/2012 Related Story: Memorial Services For Anthony Shadid To Be Held Saturday