Marvin Zindler passed away tonight.

[Mugsy]

If you've ever even visited Houston, you know who Marvin is.

Crusader for the poor and disadvantaged, literally hundreds of trips to foreign countries (any of them third-world, but others in poor Slavic nations) with a team of doctors called "Marvin's Angles" to help people (mostly children) with no other resource. Raised in a wealthy family, but raised by his poor black nanny and learned what life was like as a black person at a very young age. Lifetime member of the NAACP.

Best known in recent years for his weekly restaurant reports, his dreaded "SLIME in the Ice Machine!" declaration and familiar sign off:

"Good golf, good tennis, or whatever makes you happy. Marrrvin Zindler... EYE -witness News!"

Marvin, you will be missed.

[frogcycle]

1. RIP Marvin

I worked in Houston in mid-nineties - used to love his bits. Thanks for mentioning the SLIME IN THE ICE MACHINE line - it jogged my memory. He was very entertaining.

[Fenris]

2. I loved Marvin.

The restaurant reports he did were always hilarious to watch simply because of his delivery. I met him once. Couldn't have been nicer.

[Mugsy]

18. Actually investigated (and failed) the cafeteria in his own Channel 13 studio!

No one was safe. :headbang:

[Catherine Vincent]

3. Love that pic!

RIP, Mr. Zindler.

Let's hear it one more time....

Sliiiimmme in the Ice Machine!

[flamingyouth]

4. Ah, RIP

I've only watched a little bit of the news in Houston and even I know who he is.

[TXN in WA]

5. :(

I just got off the phone with my mom; she told me he died just this evening- it's all over the news. I knew a lot of people were always annoyed by his restaurant reports, but he never bothered me- unlike Mattress Mac ("Gallery Furniture saves YOU money!"). Anyway- I'll miss hearing his voice when I return home over the holidays. He was a good guy.

[texanwitch]

6. Have a good journey Marvin.

Going to miss him saying EYE Witness News.

He helped my sister get some much need medical help with Marvin's Angels when she couldn't afford it.

Channel 13 won't be the same without him.

[Vidar]

7. RIP Marvin

[Rick Myers]

8. Marvin was a broadcast legend!!!

Godspeed, Marvin. What ever makes you happy...

[datasuspect]

9. that dude was around forever

SLIME IN THE ICE MACHINE!

[Phrogman]

10. Maaaaaarvin Zindler, Eyeeeeewitness News.

R.I.P. Marvin, we loved ya!

[SeattleGirl]

11. Sounds like he was a very cool guy.

RIP, Marvin. The world could use more people like you.

[texasleo]

12. RIP

[Drunken Irishman]

13. He was actually a decent Republican.

And Republican in probably the loosest terms. An unabashed liberal Republican, that is.

I remember when I spent some time in Houston watching him. An interesting guy.

[PDittie]

16. He was a Democrat before he was a Republican

Zindler became involved in Democratic Party politics, serving as a delegate one year at the state Democratic convention where a conservative delegate slugged him after Zindler had made disparaging comments about the conservative wing of the party in a speech.

Zindler went on to work in the senatorial campaign of Lyndon Johnson and in other Democratic campaigns before switching to the Republican Party, where he continued to espouse liberal notions such as national health insurance.

More, including many old photos, here:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl//5009880.html

[nealmhughes]

14. Marvin was the inspiration for the newscaster character in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

His rather um . . . loud wardrobe came from his parents' store, Zindlers Western Wear. Every time I was in Houston, I had to watch Marvin! The signoff is unforgettable!

He was simultaneously a butt of jokes and much admired, and it seems he laughed all the way to the bank/hospital for sick children!

[babylonsister]

15. Awww, so sad. He was an inspiration for many; RIP, Marvin. nt

[Sweet Freedom]

17. I heard on the radio this morning

he worked up until Saturday, reporting from his hospital room.

During his career, he received thousands of letters from those needing help. He was passionate about his work and dedicated to helping those in need ("It's hell to be poor.") A mild-mannered man, he became infuriated when faced with injustice and never settled for PR stunts. He insisted on speaking with presidents of companies so he could tell them exactly what he thought.

The DJs commented that everyday Houstonians have lost some power today. Never again can we use the threat of calling Marvin Zindler to rectify a wrong.

RIP Marvin.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

19. He was 86 ???

Dayum, he looked good.

Sounds like we lost a good man