October 18, 1976
There is a handwritten note atop the letter from Donald A. Davis, Boston Bureau Manager:
Aspirin? Hell, I thought you said "Aspen," and were about to become a ski bum.
See ya around kid. Ya done good.
Mr. Jim Healion
Hartford
Dear Jim:
I would like this note to be the official written notification of the telephone call I had with you and Bernie last week, stating my intent to leave UPI, effective after the pay period ending Saturday, Nov. 6
It is with deep regret that I terminate my service with the company after such a short period of time, a regret deepened by the fact that I was apparently under consideration for the soon to be opened Springfield, Mass. one-person bureau. I hope that forgone opportunity indicates that there are the same good feelings about me on the part of UPI that I feel about the company.
As I told you, I am leaving to write a book for Walker and Co. publishers on "Aspirin." The work, yet untitled, is supposed to run 40,000 words and is due Feb. 1. I think the only way I can complete it on time is to work on it full-time, and as the book is an opportunity I do not want to miss, and in light of UPI's apparent inability to grant a three-month leave of absence, I see no other choice but to resign.
I sincerely hope to work for UPI again some time in the future, if that works to our mutual benefit. In the meantime, I owe a deep debt of thanks to you, to Bernie Caughey and to Don Davis for all the time and effort you have spent honing my news writing and editing skills. I will always speak with pride and fondness of the people who broke me into the journalism trade. I have also received invaluable help from my colleagues (especially Peter Brown) each and every one of whom has been a real professional.
Yours,
Paul Schindler
Hartford
Bhfiles [boston files] page [regional business executive] caughey [regional news executive] stevenson [UPI president H.L.] davis [Don, boston bureau manager]