Former L.A. Times Publisher Chandler Dies from LBD

Otis Chandler, who published the Los Angeles Times from 1960 to 1980, died in February 2006 from Lewy body disease. He was 78 years old.

When Chandler became publisher, the paper was considered provincial and parochial. He was determined to transform it into one of the country's best newspapers. By all accounts, he succeeded.

The Wikipedia entry says only that Chandler died from Lewy body disease. The Los Angeles Times story was more expansive saying that he died of "a degenerative illness called Lewy body disease":

Lewy body disease is a brain disorder combining some of the most debilitating characteristics of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Victims suffer from severe dementia, as well as the stiffness, tremors and impaired movements characteristic of Parkinson's.

The disease is known for its fast progression. Chandler was diagnosed seven months ago, although doctors had determined about a year earlier that he was suffering from some form of dementia, his wife said. As recently as September, Chandler appeared fit, aside from a knee injury, and was lucid enough to sit for an interview and give a visitor a guided tour of his classic car and motorcycle museum in Oxnard.