We Are Still Dealing With Our Tortured Memory of Kemper Marley

 January 21, 2026

   Really, once and for all, who was this guy?

Kemper Marley

(1906-1990)

   I have always thought of him as a real life, cowboy version of the Noah Cross character in Chinatown. You know, the character played by John Huston—as a crazy corrupt, bad, bad guy. So, imagine my double take when I read this:

"He is not the kind of man he has been painted to be. He is a real humanitarian in a true sense of the word and so is his wife, Ethel. You never hear about it because of all they're giving is done quietly and anonymously without any fanfare. I think Kemper has done more for the community than any man who has ever lived."

—Tom Chauncey

   And, in case you didn't know who Tom Chauncey was (he passed in 1996): After many years as an entrepreneur in Phoenix, the call of broadcasting captured Tom Chauncey’s focus and attention. With virtually no experience – but a love of the news, truth, and fairness – he co-ventured the purchase of a radio station that later became KOOL Radio-Television, Inc. As owner of this station, he greatly influenced the direction of local and national television for more than thirty years. He was responsible for introducing the first female anchor to Arizona television. Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunication owes its name to Mr. Chauncey’s longtime association with Walter Cronkite. Chauncey also established an international reputation for Hereford cattle ranching and Arabian horse breeding, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, who raised horses for the White House. This is paraphrased from the Arizona History League who honored Tom in 1995 and myself in 2025.

   And, for the record, Barry Goldwater came to Marley's funeral! One of the best reporters I have ever worked with was Tom Fitzpatrick. We both worked together for a time at New Times Weekly in Phoenix. Here is his exquisite take on the funeral of the man suspected of hiring the hit on reporter Don Bolles.

Tom Fitzpatrick at the eulogy for Kemper Marley

   Damn, that's good. And, here, once again is the great quote Tom referenced:

“Once a newspaper touches a story, the facts are lost forever, even to the protagonists.”

—Norman Mailer

   So damn true, it's not even funny. Okay, maybe a little funny.

   And, here is a Dad joke you should not repeat:

Waiter: "How would you like your steak, sir?"

"Like winning an argument with my wife!"

Waiter: "So, rare it is!"

Kemper Marley the newsboy, second from the right front row with Arizona governor George Wylie Hunt with the walrus mustache, back, center. Hunt was governor from 1912 to 1933. He died in office after six terms. Welcome to Arizona, Ese!

A closeup on Marley with his

permanent scowl already in place.

   So, what did Marley allegedly do that was so awful and bad? I'll explain that tomorrow.

"When I was young I was poor. But after years of hard work, I am no longer young."

—Old Vaquero Saying