H. R. Tatarian; Former UPI Editor in Chief

H. Roger Tatarian, former editor in chief of United Press International and most recently a journalism professor at Cal State Fresno and a columnist for the Fresno Bee, has died of heart disease. He was 78.

Tatarian, who died Sunday, worked for UPI for 34 years, retiring in 1972 to return to his hometown of Fresno.

“Roger’s distinguished career took him to capitals around the globe,” said Robert J. Weil, publisher of the Fresno Bee. “But his greatest satisfaction came from applying his talents as a journalist and teacher right here in Fresno.

“His unique sense of integrity, compassion and humor touched all who were privileged to know him.”

Among Tatarian’s students over the years were Times columnist Peter H. King and staff writer Mark Arax.

Tatarian started his career with the national news wire service then known as United Press in 1938 after graduating from what was then Fresno State College with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

He served as what became UPI’s general news manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa; bureau chief in London and Rome, and news editor in Washington. He was named editor in chief in 1965.

Ron Cohen, author of a 1989 book about UPI titled “Down to the Wire,” called Tatarian “a newspaperman’s newspaperman.”

“Few could combine talent with his humanity. He could make you go through a brick wall to get a story for him. You always felt there was a strong hand guiding you, and that was Roger Tatarian,” Cohen said.

Tatarian’s teaching, as well as his work as a newsman, garnered awards. In 1981, he was selected Cal State Fresno’s outstanding professor and in 1984, its outstanding alumnus. In March, the university established the Roger Tatarian Endowed Chair in Journalism.

Tatarian was one of three journalists named Fellows of the Society of Professional Journalists--Sigma Delta Chi in 1972. In 1975, he was in the first group of 10 journalists named to the Hall of Fame of the society’s New York chapter.

Tatarian is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eunice, and his son, Allan.