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Broadcast Professionals of Colorado In Memoriam |
Don Martin
Best known for his work on KIMN and later KHOW, Don Martin carved a unique, long and successful career at stations including KTLN, KOA, KMYR, KFML, KLAJ, KJAE and KICN.. It began at KDFM, when as a junior at South High School; Martin built and programmed his own station, using his own initials for call letters. It was licensed by the FCC and covered only his immediate neighborhood. Don's career as a broadcaster was officially launched after serving in Korea and following briefly working for the Denver Police Department, he joined KIMN working with Ken Palmer. For much of his career, Don not only was on the air but IN the air as Denver's first traffic reporter, flying over the skies of the metro area. It was Don Martin who coined the still-used "Mousetrap" to describe the traffic clogged intersection of I-25 and I-70.
He was KHOW's "Sky Spy" to a generation of Denver drivers, issuing traffic reports from the plane he flew over the city. He was also a commercial voice for the Shane Company and many other clients. He also voiced many of the Hall of Fame tribute videos for BPC.
For an example of his live news reporting, here's an excerpt of him covering the destruction of the old Hampden Street bridge during the 1965 South Platte River flood (courtesy Tom Peyton) We thank Don Martin for all he did for broadcasting in Colorado. Our thoughts are with all of Don's friends and family Westword's tribute to Don Martin
Noell Custer
A celebration of Noell's life will be held Sunday, March 3rd at 2:30pm at the Golden Community Center at 1470 10th Street in Golden, CO 80401. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Noell's memory to the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado (PO Box 261354 Lakewood, CO 80226). You may also click here to make an online donation via credit card. We thank Noell Custer for all she did for broadcasting in Colorado and for the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado. She touched many lives and helped educate many children. She made a difference. Our thoughts are with Ken and the entire Custer family.
Irv Brown The legendary Irv Brown, 2016 inductee into the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado Hall of Fame and BPC member, passed away this morning (Sunday) at age 83. According to 9News "Brown died in hospice in Denver due to an aggressive form of lymphoma."
Brown also was a renowned basketball referee who became director of officiating for the Western Athletic Conference and officiated six NCAA Final Fours.
Brown retired from the air in 2016. He was inducted into the BPC Hall of Fame later that same year. You can view his induction tribute video here. "Got a card?" was Irv's common question when meeting someone new or re-connecting with someone. He'd often be able to tell someone stories about their high school, typically who was a key player or coach of the time. Having worked with Irv at 950 the FAN it was amazing to watch him at his frequent remotes. Irv was one-of-a-kind. We honor Irv's contributions to broadcasting. Our thoughts are with his wife Pat and the rest of his family.
Merwin Smith
His most prominent work was at KLZ radio and television, where he was an announcer, news and weather anchor, produced and acted on the Funny Papers show and served as program director. He later oversaw the Time-Life 7 Productions which produced award winning documentary and industrial films and commercials. Aside from his broadcasting career, he was the advertising voice of Coors Beer for many years. He also narrated over 465 talking books, for which he was honored with the Alexander Scourby Award by American Foundation for the Blind. He was preceded in death by his wife Diane, and is survived by a son, Mark, and daughter. He was a longtime active member of the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado and will be greatly missed. Bill Armstrong (1937-2016)
Bill began his radio career in his hometown of Fremont, Nebraska. After moving to Denver, he became the owner of KOSI-AM and FM at age 22, and also served as president of television stations in Wyoming and Idaho. While involved in broadcasting, he won election as a Republican to the Colorado House of Representatives and Senate before moving on to federal office as U.S. Congressman for Colorado's 5th District in 1972 and U.S. Senator from 1978-90. In the Senate, he championed the effort for live television coverage of Senate proceedings. After his career in politics, he remained active in the business world and served as President of Colorado Christian University before stepping down in 2016. Bill Armstrong was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2006. Denver Post Obituary for Bill Armstrong. Bill Pierson
KBPI's transmitter intially was located in the historic Daniels and Fisher tower in Downtown Denver and Pierson's efforts helped preserve the historic landmark from destruction. In addition to his station duties, Pierson also founded a broadcasting school that trained hundreds of future broadcasters who worked all over the country. Pierson was a 2013 inductee into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame.
Ron Mitchell
Ron was the first inductee in the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame whose career was primarily as a general assignment reporter. Ron started in radio, working at several Denver area stations including KOSI and KBTR before moving to television in the early 1970s. He also filled in as a news and sports anchor and assignment editor. He remained at Channel 9 until his retirement in 1995. Ron was an active BPC member, most recently serving as Treasurer and had been compiling materials from the career of Carl Akers. Our condolences go out to his wife Judie and the rest of his family. He will be greatly missed. Denver TV Then and Now. Hosted by Ron Mitchell and featuring several BPC Hall of fame broadcasters.
Arch Andrews
Herb Schubarth We have learned that Broadcast Pioneer and 2010 BPC Hall of Fame Inductee Herb Schubarth passed away Wednesday, March 18th. He was named the VP of Engineering for Gannett Broadcasting and Combined Communications Corporation in 1981. While at Gannett he was a member of the capital committee overseeing and approving capital projects throughout the corporation. At retirement he was responsible for 16 TV stations and 13 radio stations. Claude Pettit We have learned that Broadcast Pioneer Claud Pettit has passed this week. In 1943, High school junior Claud Pettit worked Sundays for KFKA at their Record Stockman studios. That was the start of a broadcasting career that would span six decades. Reverend Claud Pettit pastored in several churches beginning in 1952. In 1955 he became known as "The Country Parson" on KLAK in Denver. He hosted a regular program featuring country style gospel music. (Coincidentally, January 8th marks the 60th anniversary of KLAK's sign-on). In 1960, Claud and his late wife Margaret bought KEOS Flagstaff. In April, 1966 they bought KWIV in Douglas Wyoming. In March of 1974 they applied to build a station in Brush, Colorado The license for KCMP AM was granted in 1976. In 1980, they were granted a license for an FM in Brush. They sold in 1981, and were temporarily out of radio ownership. In 1989, they again became owners in Brush, of KKDD and KKGZ (which had been KCMP, and is now KSIR). They sold the stations in 1990. Claud was a Trustee for Colorado Christian College which owned two radio stations and a TV station. Claud was 88. Our thoughts are with Claud's family, and we will remember his contributions to broadcasting in Colorado and beyond. Diane Smith and Jacqueline Askey You may already be aware that two BPC members spouses passed away recently. Jacqueline Askey, wife of Bob Askey, died December 18th. At Jacqueline's request there was no service. Diane Smith, wife of Merwin Smith died on December 16th. A memorial service is pending. Our thoughts are with both Bob and Merwin, and their families |
Fred Hobbs (1932-2014)
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Dick Lewis
His tagline "Tell 'em Dick Lewis Sent Ya!" was often heard and fondly remembered by viewers in Denver. |
Tom Mulvey
We have lost a friend, historian, supporter, leader... Tom began working in broadcasting in 1956 as an account executive. He sold at KLZ Radio, KTLN Radio, Channel 2 and KOA radio. He was at KHOW Radio as Sales Manager then General Manager. After the station was sold, he returned to the radio account executive ranks, selling at KLZ , KLAK and KOSI. In 1967, he became General Manager of KBTR and turned the station all-news (one of the first in the country). Tom then founded Media Memo Magazine and Colorado MAC News (which stood for Media, Agencies and Clients). In 1984, he was a co-founder of the Metro Denver Dinosaurs. He co-hosted programs on KLDR, KHOW, KEZW and KDEN. Tom taught broadcasting at Metro State College as an adjunct professor and in 1997, he was elected as a Littleton City councilman and served as mayor pro tem. Watch the tribute video from his Hall of Fame induction:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Mulvey family. |
Dave Segal - 1923-2013
Broadcasting Magazine's June 1953 profile of Dave Segall (PDF Format). |
George Kirkpatrick - 1926-2013
Born in Denver in 1926. Graduated from South High School in 1943 and served in the Marines in Guam during WWII. Graduated from Denver University in 1950. While at DU, George met Margaret Peterson and they were married in 1948. He had a long career in Denver media sales beginning in the early ‘50's at KFEL Channel 2 where he was the first sales person at the first TV station in the city. He worked at radio stations KIMN, KTLN and KOA, where he was General Sales Manager. He left KOA in 1984 to establish Best Investment Media Services with such clients as Bell Plumbing & Heating and Colorado Baggage. George enjoyed hunting and fishing and travelling the globe with his sweetheart, Margaret. He was heavily involved with The National Western Stock Show and the Junior Livestock Auction. George was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Margaret, and grandson Patrick Pierce. Survived by daughters Suzanne McNulty (Tom), Meredith Grabow (Rodney) and Barbara Merchant (Mike), granddaughters Margaret Beldyk (Matt) and Brooke Starr, great-granddaughter Kennedy Starr, brother John Kirkpatrick and several nieces and nephews. George was always outgoing and the life of the party and though in his last years he couldn't speak and was partially paralyzed he still communicated well with his sparkling eyes and great laugh, always effervescent and full of life. He will be greatly missed by his family and those he touched along the way, including the wonderful staff and residents of Bear Creek Care and Rehab Center in Morrison and friends near and family. |
Jack Miller - 1933-2013
Jack was born in Randolph, Neb. on Dec. 6, 1933, to Steven and Genevieve (Abts) Miller. He graduated from Norfolk High School in Norfolk, Neb. in 1951 and served in the U.S. Navy as a Radarman for nearly four years. Jack started his career in radio broadcast as a salesman for WJAG Radio in Norfolk in 1956 and was promoted as general manager for KCSR Radio in Chadron, Neb. in 1959. From there, Jack was vice president and general manager of KCOL AM/FM Radio in Fort Collins. Once KCOL was sold, Jack became a business development manager for KUAD-FM in Windsor, Colo. and continued to work in the radio broadcast industry until he retired in August 2003. His activities, honors and accomplishments were many, including being a past commander of the American Legion in Norfolk; past president of the Rotary Club in Chadron; served on the Board of Directors for the Community Hospital in Chadron; and was president of the Board of Education for Assumption Academy. Church was always an important part of Jack's life, keeping active at St. Patrick's Church in Chadron and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Collins. He served on St. Joseph's Parish Council and was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for many years. Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus; served on the Board and was past president of the Fort Collins United Way; was active in and assumed leadership positions with the Fort Collins Rotary Club; was past president of the Colorado Broadcasters Association; participated in Larimer County Extension Services and the Northern Colorado Better Business Bureau; was part of B.P.O. Elks #804; was past president and served on the Board for the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce; and was a well-known member of the Chamber's Red Carpet Committee for many years. Jack loved woodworking and enjoyed spending time outside in his yard. He was an avid fisherman and received a Master Angler Award. In 1955, Jack married Constance Palecek in Norfolk and they were blessed with eight children. Survivors include his wife, Constance; his twin brother and sister Jim Miller and Jeanie (Miller) Sellars of Norfolk, Neb.; his brother Michael Miller of Cushing, Okla.; his sister-in-law Liz (Abler) Miller of Norfolk, Neb.; his eight children and their spouses, Steve (Vicki) Miller, Colo., Julie (Paul) Anderson, Wis., Michelene Miller, Colo., Mark (Kristin) Miller, Colo., Jacque Miller, Colo., Kelley (Steve) Spight, Colo., Susan Miller, Colo. and Alison (Max) Rodriguez, Colo.; his fifteen grandchildren and his five great grandchildren. Welcoming him to Heaven are his parents, Steven and Genevieve Miller and his nephew Dick Miller. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church concluding with full military honors and luncheon/reception at Meredith Hall immediately following. Interment will be held later at Roselawn Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.goesfuneralcare.com. Any donations in Jack's honor would be preferred in lieu of flowers to St. Joseph's School in care of Goes Funeral Care. |
Jack Mumey
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2013 (PRESIDENT'S DAY) |
Jack Carver - 1932-2013
While attending Denver University, in 1950 he started in the business as a staff announcer on KFEL radio. KLZ Radio president Hugh B. Terry then recruited Jack to work in the mail room at KLZ Radio in the Shirley Savoy Hotel. He convinced Carver he had a chance to move into television soon. His duties also included training for the TV business. In early 1953 he became a TV cameraman and ran camera on KLZ-TV 's first broadcast day in November 1953. From 1954 to 57, Carver moved up to producer-director of key programs on the station, including the popular Sheriff Scotty show, and the #1 rated 10 PM News with Carl Akers, Starr Yelland, and Warren Chandler. In 1955 he was Producer/Director for CBS News feeds during President Dwight D. Eisenhower's heart attack and hospitalization in Denver. Carver was the first to direct major remote television events in Colorado, including the first NFL football game in Colorado, the 1961 NCAA hockey playoffs for CBS from DU arena, and was CBS liaison for FIS ski jumping championships from Steamboat Springs. In 1957, he was appointed Production Manager at Channel 7. Carver and Jerry Vondergeest founded JPI and Associates, a film and TV company in 1958. From 1962-65 he also became the broadcast liaison for the Denver University Centennial, producing four 1-hour specials for DU that aired on KLZ-TV. During this time, he also wrote and produced "Land of Legend", a TV series on Colorado History during the Rush to the Rockies Centennial, which was a DuPont award winner. Carver also wrote and published a book about making the TV series, also titled "Land of Legend." Returning full time to JPI, he produced syndicated television advertising campaigns for public utility companies around the western part of the country. His Denver based JPI Productions traveled the country shooting and producing horse shows and rodeos. He built a TV remote van that was used to shoot and produce "America's Horse," a TV series that aired on ESPN. Later he produced Horses USA, TV programs that aired on Prime Sports Network. From 1997 to 2000 Jack was the Senior Vice-President of TV and Video for Cowles Magazines. He coordinated production of weekly TV newscasts on the Cable TV business to TCI employees around the nation. Jack Carver retired at age 68 in 2000. Jack is survived by wife Bonnie E. Carver, son Jeff Carver of Lakewood, CO, daughter Kim Carver (Craig Velenski) of Centennial, CO, daughter Jenny Carver (John McLennan) of Hong Kong and stepsons Brian Hallisey of Fort Collins, and David Hallisey of Bethesda, MD, along with 9 grandchildren. There will be a private family service, but there is an online memorial. We invite people to participate by sharing memories and hopefully contributing photographs. |
Joe Cullinane 1923-2012 Longtime baseball broadcaster, Joe Cullinane, the voice of the Denver Bears and the Denver Zephyrs passed away in October 2012 at the age of 89. Before arriving in Denver, he called games in Omaha, Shreveport, IL and Rochester, NY. Throughout his lengthy broadcasting career, he conducted interviews with many sports legends, including Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and many other sports legends. Read the full Denver Post obituary here. |
Jim Lannon 1930-2012
A celebration of his life was held on Friday, November 9, 2012., at the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, 3500 South Logan Street. He was inducted into the Broadcast Professionals Of Colorado Hall of Fame in 2011. Click here for his video profile. |
'Russell Scott "Blinky The Clown" - 1921-2012
A native of Oklahoma, Scott began performing as a clown while working for Sears. After moving to Colorado Springs, Scott began his show on KKTV. Six years later, he moved to Denver, where his show ran for 32 years on KWGN Channel 2, becoming the longest-running children's show host in the United States, and had the second longest career of any children's show host in the world. He was the last TV clown to host a daily show in the country. "Blinky the Clown" was known for his advocacy for children's safety, for which he received numerous awards. He incorporated safety lessons amidst his vaudeville style humor and celebrations of children's birthdays. Blinky hosted multiple generations of Colorado children in his studio. Parents who appeared on the show when they were children often brought their own kids to the show decades later. When the show was canceled in 1998, Scott owned an antiques store on South Broadway in Denver and was the subject of a 2006 documentary "Blinky" that aired on Rocky Mountain PBS. Click here for The Denver Post's report on Russell Scott's memorial service.
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Charley Martin
After leaving KHOW, Martin moved to Phoenix where he continued working in radio and teaching at Scottsdale Community College. He is survived by 3 sons and 3 granddaughters. |
Al Perry (1928-2012)
In February of 1989, he became Chairman/CEO of Satterfield & Perry, Inc., by joining forces with Jack Satterfield who was based in Philadelphia after having retired as the Vice President and General Manager of the Philadelphia office of New York based John Blair & Company. In his role with Satterfield & Perry, he was elected President of the National Association of Media Brokers, (NAMB) 1995-1997. Other industry awards and honors include Co-founder of the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado Steering Committee Metro Denver Dinosaurs, Broadcaster of the Year, Colorado Broadcasters Association 1979; Advertising Professional of the Year, Advertising Club of Denver 1979; President, Advertising Club of Denver Private family services will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Al Perry's name to: BPC, 333 S. Allison Parkway, Suite 204, Lakewood, CO 80226. Thanks to Tom Mulvey for compiling the information in this obituary. |
Robert "Bob" Shriver Robert “Bob” Shriver, 84, passed away on Nov. 1, 2011. He is survived by wife “Sue” of 61 years, daughter Kimetha, son Kent “Sparky” (Shirley) and granddaughter Shelby. Bob Shriver was the first announcer on Denver television when KFEL-TV, Channel 2 went on the air in 1952. Over a 40 year span, Shriver spent 20 years on the air and 20 years in sales. Following service in the navy, he enrolled in the broadcast and radio curriculum at the University of Denver. In 1948, he began announcing part time at KFEL Radio, the Mutual network affiliate. Following his graduation from DU, Bob became a full-time announcer at the station. Soon, in addition to his announcing duties, he became one of the first Denver on-air Television personalities on locally produced programs. Bob was a pioneer in the early years of production in Colorado broadcasting. In 1955, he joined KOA Radio and Television, whose studios were in the NBC building on California Street in downtown Denver. He appeared on both Channel 4, and on KOA radio. Bob’s voice was heard on the 50,000 watt station broadcasting remotes of top big bands from the famous Trocadero Ballroom at Elitch Gardens. In 1969, Bob joined the sales staff of KLZ-TV, Channel 7. He rounded out his 4 decades in the business by serving as regional sales representative for Pikes Peak Broadcasting stations in Colorado Springs and Grand Junction. He served 40 years with the Arvada Volunteer Fire Department |
John McGuire (1918-2011) John L. McGuire 92 passed away peacefully on June 10. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen, and their two children, Kevin Scott and Maureen Sue McGuire and two grandchildren. John L. McGuire was born October 31, 1918, in Highland Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. A few years later they the family moved to Denver before moving to Nashville, Tennessee, where, as an elementary school student, John sold The Saturday Evening Post door-todoor, building a large group of subscribers. The family later lived in Falls Church, Virginia, when his father worked at Arlington National Cemetery. After his father's death in 1931, his mother, he and his brother moved to Downers Grove, Illinois. While attending high school, John held various jobs, enabling him to go to theater productions, opera and symphony concerts in Chicago. He graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1936. He worked a couple of years before enrolling in college, and graduating from the YMCA College in 1942 with a business major. In the summer of 1942, he joined the Marine Corps pilot training program at Iowa City. A year later he graduated from the Navy flight training program and was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant. Most of his service was in the South Pacific. He was stationed on Emirau and flew 53 combat missions as a pilot of a PBJ. He was awarded the Air Medal, and was honorably discharged from the reserves in 1956. He returned to Chicago and worked in several advertising sales positions, last of which was The National Provisioner, where he met his future wife, Helen. They were married February 4, 1950 in Chicago. In November of 1952 he accepted a position as a sales representative for the new television station in Denver, KOA-TV. A year later he resigned to start his own business, a sales representative company of TV and radio stations in the Rocky Mountain area. He sold the business in 1988 and retired. He then began taking European history and Russian language classes at the University of Denver, and he tutored Russian emigres in Denver until 2005. He enjoyed skiing and skied often in the Colorado mountains up to his 80th birthday. He also enjoyed traveling and made many trips in the United States, Mexico, Canada and, especially, Europe. In leisure time he enjoyed attending opera, symphony concerts and theater, playing bridge, reading current affairs books, playing the flute and getting together with colleagues in the broadcasting/ advertising field. He was a member of the Denver "Dinosaurs Club", the First Tuesday group, and the Denver Art Museum. John also planned many reunions for his Marine Corps Squadron; the group kept in close contact and had reunions every two or three years until 2004. Memorial services will be held at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver on Friday, June 17th at 10:30 am. Share condolences at www.HoranCares.com. |
Noel Jordan, died at his home August 4, 2011. He was a true pioneer of the television business in the Nation. Jordan developed his research, thinking and writing skills at Harvard. After he graduated in 1937 with a bachelor’s degree in history and literature, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) hired him as a file clerk. He acquired scripts and other content for the network. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but that was fine. Nobody else did either,” he recalled. He quietly moved up the ranks and into NBC’s newly created television division. He was property manager when the network introduced regularly scheduled commercial television to the United States. He was on the crew of NBC television’s first broadcast in 1939. It featured President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the 1939 World’s Fair. At that time, there were 6,000 sets in all of Manhattan. World War II interrupted his broadcast career, while he served in the Army’s Signal Corps, where he learned technical skills. Within a few months after the war, he was back and NBC. There he performed almost every major role in broadcasting, from writer to floor director to assistant director. It was as a producer and director that Jordan made his reputation in the industry. Among his firsts were remote broadcasts from a submarine, an aircraft carrier, the United Nations, and Toscanini’s NBS Symphony, and the Friday Night Fights. He also directed NBC’s coverage of the 1948 Democratic, Republican and Progressive political conventions. Later in 1948, his wife became ill, and the doctor advised them to leave New York. They decided to move to Denver. He soon was hired as the director the DU School of Communications Arts. He was the Chairman of the department from 1964 to 1975. He taught broadcasting and television production in Denver before any stations were on the air. Until he retired in 1978, he ushered thousands of Denver University students into distinguished careers in communications. He built the department into one of the most prestigious in the nation during the 1960’s. “During those years teaching, I hoped my students would graduate caring about quality and honesty. I emphasized independence in dramatic work, and openness, impartiality and lack of bias in news,” Jordan recalled. “I am so proud that many of my students have become leaders in the communications industry.” Jordan’s impact on Denver went beyond teaching. He worked in local television, both writing and producing for numerous projects. He helped found Western Cine, the region’s first motion picture processing lab. At it’s peak, it was the largest between Chicago and Los Angeles. He wrote many of Denver’s televised industrial films and commercials for Denver’s top corporations. He was honored as the first inductee into the prestigious National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Heartland Chapter, Golden Circle Award on Oct. 12, 1001. It is recognition of television professionals with fifty years or more of outstanding service in the industry. In 2009, he was awarded the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award by the Broadcast Professionals of Colorado. Noel Jordan was 96. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, two daughters and four grandchildren. Noel Jordan's Lifetime Achievement Award Profile and tribute video |
John Leaming McGuire John L. McGuire 92 passed away peacefully on June 10, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helen, and their two children, Kevin Scott and Maureen Sue McGuire and two grandchildren. John L. McGuire was born October 31, 1918, in Highland Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. A few years later they the family moved to Denver before moving to Nashville, Tennessee, where, as an elementary school student, John sold The Saturday Evening Post door-todoor, building a large group of subscribers. The family later lived in Falls Church, Virginia, when his father worked at Arlington National Cemetery. After his father's death in 1931, his mother, he and his brother moved to Downers Grove, Illinois. While attending high school, John held various jobs, enabling him to go to theater productions, opera and symphony concerts in Chicago. He graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1936. He worked a couple of years before enrolling in college, and graduating from the YMCA College in 1942 with a business major. In the summer of 1942, he joined the Marine Corps pilot training program at Iowa City. A year later he graduated from the Navy flight training program and was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant. Most of his service was in the South Pacific. He was stationed on Emirau and flew 53 combat missions as a pilot of a PBJ. He was awarded the Air Medal, and was honorably discharged from the reserves in 1956. He returned to Chicago and worked in several advertising sales positions, last of which was The National Provisioner, where he met his future wife, Helen. They were married February 4, 1950 in Chicago. In November of 1952 he accepted a position as a sales representative for the new television station in Denver, KOA-TV. A year later he resigned to start his own business, a sales representative company of TV and radio stations in the Rocky Mountain area. He sold the business in 1988 and retired. He then began taking European history and Russian language classes at the University of Denver, and he tutored Russian emigres in Denver until 2005. He enjoyed skiing and skied often in the Colorado mountains up to his 80th birthday. He also enjoyed traveling and made many trips in the United States, Mexico, Canada and, especially, Europe. In leisure time he enjoyed attending opera, symphony concerts and theater, playing bridge, reading current affairs books, playing the flute and getting together with colleagues in the broadcasting/ advertising field. He was a member of the Denver "Dinosaurs Club", the First Tuesday group, and the Denver Art Museum. John also planned many reunions for his Marine Corps Squadron; the group kept in close contact and had reunions every two or three years until 2004. Memorial services will be held at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver on Friday, June 17th at 10:30 am. Share condolences at www.HoranCares.com. |
Marty O’Fallon passed away on January 29, 2011 at the age of 84. A Denver native, he was born October 12, 1926 and attended Notre Dame, then served in the Navy and graduated from CU with a degree in engineering physics in 1951. He then received a law degree from DU in 1953. In 1961 he began his law career and practiced until 2010.
His first job in radio was as an office boy at KFEL Radio. During his career he worked as an engineer and in sales at KFEL and Channel 2, stations owned by his father, Gene O’Fallon. Gene O’Fallon is a member of the BPC Hall of Fame. Marty was a member of the Broadcast Professionals of Colorado.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kathy, children Molly, Martin Jr., James and Ann Clark, nine grandchildren and brother Charles. |
Betty Demarest From Merwin Smith and Tom Mulvey Betty May Demarest (81) of Denver died at home on October 18, 2010). No services were held. Burial was at Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, Colo. Miss Demarest was born in Rocky Ford on May 12, 1929 and graduated from Rky Ford High School (1947) and the University of Colorado in Boulder (1951). She worked as a continuity writer at KDZA in Pueblo and narrated a daily 15-min children's program "Aunt Betty's Story Time". She then worked 2 years at KKTV in Colorado Springs and from 1955-1989 at KLZ Radio in Denver where she narrated the weekly "Denver Post Funny Paper Show" and for several years was hostess of "The Pat Gay Show" - a daily call-in program for exchange of homemaking ideas. She is a member of the Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado, serving one term on the Board of Directors - and also of the Denver Metro Dinosaurs. Betty is survived by several cousins. From Betty Bencich |
Warren Chandler Longtime Denver television weatherman Warren Chandler passed away May 22, 2010. For a summary of his career, here's the obituary from the Denver Post Warren was inducted in the the BPC Hall Of Fame in 2010. |
BPC charter member Bill Baker, the nation's first black television cameraman, has passed away. More details from the Denver Press Club and his Denver Post Obituary
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Jim Hawthorne From Don Mueller - November 7, 2007 Scott Hawthorne called me and informed me that his father Jim Hawhorne passed away Tuesday. (natural causes, heart and lung failure) Jim would have been 89 next month. It is with a heavy heart that inform you fans of the passing of our Father, Jim Hawthorne. He died this afternoon shortly after visiting with him at the Buena Vista Care Center in Goleta, CA. He was sedated, but was able to say a few words. It did not appear that he was in any pain, it was just his time. More details as they become available, thank you all for your fanship of our Dad. Darr & Scott Hawthorne Don Muelller's Comments (The following YouTube video of a 2004 9News feature on Hawthorne including footage from Don Mueller's collection)
Myspace.com Blogs - 11//7/07 Jim Hawthorne, the father of free form radio, dies |
Legendary broadcaster Don Martin passed away Wednesday September 4, 2019. 
In 1968 she created Noell and Andy, a morning show for children that ran five days a week for nearly 15 years. Noell and her dragon hand puppet Andy became one of the most watched children's show on Denver television. Noell and Andy not only entertained grade school age children, but created expanded areas of interest to the young viewers.
Noell made frequent appearances in school classrooms and served as a regular host on both the Channel 6 Auction and the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. She was recognized by the Association for Children's Television (ACT) and the Colorado Coalition for Children" for her work providing positive entertainment for youth.
Irv Brown was an unlikely broadcaster. A graduate of Denver's North High and the University of Northern Colorado, Brown initially pursued a career coaching baseball, first at the junior high school level, and then at the University of Colorado, where he was also an assistant football coach under Eddie Crowder.
Throughout a career spanning over 40 years, Brown hosted sports talk at numerous stations...KLAK, KYBG, The Zone, The Fan and Mile High Sports Radio. For most of his career, he teamed with Joe Williams, a former caller who became his broadcasting partner. Irv & Joe also hosted a television version of their show for Comcast.
Brown was on ESPN's first live sporting event at a softball tournament in Wichita in 1979. He also called ESPN's first college football broadcast between Colorado and Oregon at Folsom Field. At ESPN, he announced college football and basketball, bowling, body building and billiards competitions. 
Bill Pierson spent over 40 years in broadcasting as an announcer on radio and television, primarily in the Denver market. His most lasting contribution to the industry was as the founder and owner of KBPI-FM which helped popularize the FM band in Denver. 
Arch Andrews passed peacefully on January 30 at his home with family by his side. Arch was born on February 6, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minn. He served in the US Marine Corps before beginning a career in TV and radio. He served as chief announcer of several radio stations in No. Dakota, Iowa and Colorado. He is best known in the Denver community as "the voice" of The Division of Wildlife where he worked as the Chief of Public Affairs. For nearly 17 years he was seen on Channel 9 with his program "Wildlife Reports," possibly the longest-running local TV series.He is survived by his loving wife Bev Andrews of Littleton, 2 sons Jeffrey and Charles "Buck", 2 daughters Janette and Patricia and 4 stepchildren - Pamela, Tim, John & Jodie. Together, Arch and Bev have 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. A reception to celebrate his life is scheduled for Saturday, February 6 (his 88th birthday) at Riverwalk Clubhouse, 2751 W. Riverwalk Cir, Littleton, CO 80123 from 4pm-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The International Order of Rocky Mountain Goats.
Longtime Denver television personality Dick Lewis has passed away. Dick was prominent on Denver television in the 1950s and 60s, primarily for hosting movies and live programs on KLZ Channel 7 and particularly for his live commercials. He was one of the most sought-after pitchmen in Denver and continued appearing in commericals after leaving his television hosting job. 
There is sad news to report. Tom Mulvey, a co-founder of the Broadcast Pioneers (Professionals) of Colorado and Hall of Fame member, passed away this morning (Friday, December 13). 
Dave Segal was my boss for 9 years in the 1970s when I worked for KDKO Soul radio! He bought and sold radio stations and had various hotel and motel properties. With an ever-present cigar clenched in his mouth, he could be controversial in doing things his way -- which sometimes was very impulsive! In 1954, he owned KOSI, and it became Denver's first rock station, right before KIMN turned rock. (Segal sold KOSI to a young Bill Armstrong, who later became a Senator) Segal had one other interest -- he owned his own boat in San Deigo, it was called the "Sea-Gull"...
John "Jack" Joseph Miller, 79, of Fort Collins, Colo. passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at his home with his family by his side.
It is with sadness that I tell you of the death of my husband, Jack Mumey, on February 5, 2013. He died peacefully in Rose Hospital after a short bout with the flu. Our family has planned a Celebration of Life Memorial Service, to which you are cordially invited to attend in person and/or in spirit, on:
Broadcast Professioals of Colorado 
Longtime Denver radio personality Charley Martin has passed away at the age of 67. He started at KHOW radio in 1969 after beginning his career in Des Moines, Iowa. He partnered with Rosemary Barnwell and Marti Martin in the mornng drive slot before teaming up with Hal Moore in 1976. "Hal and Charley" dominated the morning drive ratings for much of the 1970s and 80s, continuing until KHOW switched to an all-talk format in 1995. 
Noel Jordan (1914-2011)
Martin Joseph O’Fallon 
