BURT GOODMAN Brian Rackham writes: I am sad to announce that Burt Goodman, long time local broadcaster and Associated Press reporter passed away Monday, November 26, 2007.. I am told he suffered several strokes over the past several years. I am told by his widow Jane that a service has been scheduled for 1:30 pm Saturday, December 1, at Messenger Mortuary, in Downtown Scottsdale. I worked for Burt at KARZ (KOOL-AM) in the early 1980's and he was instrumental in my hiring at AP Radio In Washington, DC. He was also a mentor to other local Broadcasters, including John Hook (KSAZ), Mark Carlson (AP) and many others. |
W J (BILL) LESTER 3/15/1918 - 2/1/2007 by Janel (Lester) Croy (His daughter) William John (Bill) Lester Jr. was a survivor of the 1921 polio epidemic that left him with little use of his legs. Never allowing this to be a hindrance to him, Bill moved with his father, William John Lester and his mother, Gertrude Mary (Bradley) Lester from Portland to Phoenix in 1927 along with his three sisters, Blanche, Gertrude, and Bette. After graduating from Phoenix Union High School in 1935, Bill had various secretary and bookkeeping jobs with prominent businesses in Phoenix until 1941 when he started participating in half-hour dramatic programs at KTAR Radio. KOY program director Jack Williams (who later became governor) recognized the potential talents of Bill and offered him a job. In 1943, at the age of 25, he became a full-time announcer for KOY radio. In June of 1967 Bill moved over to KOOL Radio AM-FM as station manager and soon after became vice-president. Bill's career was varied and diverse. Working with many prominent entertainers, broadcasters, and celebrities, his talent seemed endless. He had the longest running Sunday morning show in Arizona's history, "Sunday Morning Records", ending in 1974 after 25 continuous years of broadcast. As well as others, some of Bill's broadcast programs included, "Tea Timers", "I Vote For", "Luncheon in Phoenix", "Uncle Bill", and "Top of the Desk". As well, he collaborated with Steve Allen and Wendell Noble on the original "Smile Time" during WWII. Bill has been a Board Member for numerous entities including: National Association of Broadcasters, Arizona Broadcasters Association, CBS Affiliates, Red Cross, Phoenix Metropolitan Broadcasters Association, Campfire Girls, Arizona Chapter of the American Cancer Society, Phoenix Press Club, YMCA, March of Dimes, Civil Defense, Valley of the Sun Electric League and the AZ Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. He also was a member of the Arizona Academy, National Alliance of Businessmen, the advisory council for COMPAS III and the public relations administration for the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs. Other accomplishments include past President of Kiwanis (which he was a member of for over 47 years), EPI-HAB, Inc, (which he was on the board for 45 years), The West Phoenix High School Parents Teachers Association and Clarendon Elementary School Parents Teachers Students Assoc. He also recorded books for the blind for several years. While his office at home was honored with many plaques and awards of merit, one of his cherished achievements was his induction into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame November 12, 1993. If you asked which award he was proudest of though, he'd quickly show you his prestigious and coveted PERCY award. This one is reserved for an outstanding member of the Phoenix Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Towards the end of the award the following was engraved: ".he has run up more mileage on those two sticks than a healthy centipede. The nervous type. Lester may very well be the best PR type around. But mainly he's loveable. That's what he is. Loveable". While broadcasting was an important part of his life, his first love was his wife of 65 years, Jeanette, whom he married July 12, 1941. They were a rare couple always devoted to each other. Together they had three children, Kathryn Diane (Haddock), William John (Bill) Lester III, and Cynthia Janel (Croy) as well as five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great grand-daughter. A love of his family, a devotion to the broadcasting industry and a dedication to public service have characterized Bill Lester's life. |
Dick Stuart passed away Dec. 16, 2006. He had been a resident of Phoenix since 1953. He was a 1956 graduate of West High and an Honors Graduate with a B.A. in Journalism from ASU. Early in his career, he was a sports writer for the AZ Republic and a reporter for the Associated Press. He spent the majority of his career as a public relations director for several advertising agencies. He was a founding member and past president of the Ronald McDonald House and a life member of the Fiesta Bowl committee, where he was the founding member of the National Pageant of Bands. He was also vice president of Valley of the Sun Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame and he was a past president of the Brophy Dad's Club. He was a member of the Public Relations Society of America, a life member of the Phoenix Advertising Club and a past president of the Phoenix Press Box Assn. where he received the President's Meritorious Service Award for the AZ Sports Hall of Fame Program. He shared his knowledge of journalism and public relations by lecturing at ASU and at Phoenix College. One of his proudest accomplishments was authoring "The Phoenix Open - A Fifty Year History" for the Phoenix Thunderbirds. Submitted by Dee Courtwright Smoot deecs219@Juno.com |
Bill Gately Bob Gately writes: WILLIAM PATRICK WHALEN GATELY He goes now today, from this difficult world, into memory, rememberance, respect, Always the tale gunner, FlyBoy, Master Sargent, William Patrick Gately, USN/USAF/KRIZ/KDKB, Brother, Love. Amen. Irish blood, thick as Guiness brew, smooth as Tillamore Dew, An American proud defender, red, white & blue, Theough and through a Man of towering convictions, A credit always to his catholic benediction... A Universal Soldier..frontline fighter for the cause, A maker of Music..Just cause..It's what ya do... Son of a Red organizer, William III...Son of a Saint ! Margaret, Maggie Regina, Queen of Heaven, Welcome your Son...Amen. In dreams of tomorrow He always exclaimed...! We can do better...it could be worse... the truth will come on through...trust, the gut...heart & experience ! Amen. Helpmate & soulmate, lover and loved, A marriage made in Heaven, thru hell.. never to part..Betty the Blessing, the heart, soul and expressive soul of her Man...gods plan, fulfilled...Ah-men. Survivor, decider, delineator of dreams, Seeing opportunity in every someones schemes, Promote the future, respectful of the past, In the end, tis only gas, a blast. So come, gather round the bier, Raise a pint of Guiness high..pass the cheer, He is with us always, so dear, oh dear, Bill is with us forever...No fear... Gone only for now to join his Mates..So dear & near... -30- Bill received full military honors on Monday November 7, 2005 in the National Cemetary on Pinnacle Peak Road east of Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona at 10:30 AM. |
Hugh Williams, Show Low Radio Station Owner Hugh J. Williams passed away on October 14, 2005 in Phoenix at Banner Samaritan Hospital at the age of 69. Hugh came to Show Low in 1975 from Pennsylvania. He was a devoted member of St. Rita's Catholic Church and he enjoyed singing in the church choir. He had a commitment to his Lord, his church and the community of Show Low. Hugh owned and operated Radio Station KVSL until he sold it and retired in August 1998. Hugh was always very interested in what was going on in the city of Show Low. He was an active member and Past President of the Show Low Chamber of Commerce. He regularly attended the city council meetings and always tried to accurately report the proceeding on his newscast the following day. Hugh would sometimes be the only one left in the council chambers when the council would return from Executive Session late into the night. Because of his interest in all of the events and activities in Show Low from school to civic organizations, he was referred to as "Mr. Show Low" by many who knew him. His voice, now stilled, will long be remembered. Hugh has no known family survivors, but a host of friends, probable the closest being Marla Haynick and her family now living in Pennsylvania. We thank Steve Johnson, radiodad32003@yahoo.com, for supplying us this information. |
Gordon "Doc" Hamilton Larry Schnebly reports from Tucson that legendary TV executive Doc Hamilton passed away Saturday, April 9. He was General Manager of KVOA-TV in the 60's and 70's. After retirement he taught at the University of Arizona. Funeral plans are not known at this time, however, there is a memorial service tentatively scheduled for May 5. Doc left us peacefully and comfortably in hospice care. Check the Arizona Daily Star for obituary and arrangements. |
This page is dedicated to those advertising and media people who are no longer with us. Since this is a new website, we have but few listed here, even though many have left us. It is up to the rest of us to not let these friends be forgotten. If you wish to submit information on somebody you would like to be included, or add to the biography of somebody already here, please go to our IN MEMORIAM INFORMATION SUBMISSION PAGE by CLICKING HERE. |
">
">
">
">
A special meeting place for MEDIA AND ADVERTISING VETERANS! |
ARIZONA SURVIVORS |
IN MEMORIAM |
This page is dedicated to those advertising and media people who are no longer with us. Since this is a new website, we have but few listed here, even though many have left us. It is up to the rest of us to not let these friends be forgotten. If you wish to submit information on somebody you would like to be included, or add to the biography of somebody already here, please go to our IN MEMORIAM INFORMATION SUBMISSION PAGE by CLICKING HERE. |
Monte Kobey |
Ray Lindstrom writes: Monte Kobey was one of a kind. He and I met in 1965 when we both sold radio advertising at KRUX in Phoenix. We were in many businesses together and enjoyed each other's company. In the 1970's he started Kobey's Swap Meet in San Diego which became a huge success, and is still going strong to this day under the capable leadership of his daughter, Kim. Monte was irrepressible. Nothing could keep him down; business, personal, health failures, he took all with a cheerful spirit and would do what it took to win. The only thing he couldn't win was his battle with his blood transfusion caused AIDS and he left us much too early in 1989. I will never forget his raucous laugh, his love of family, and his non-judgemental acceptance of all people regardless of their station in life. I learned much from Monte and I miss him. |
">
">
">
">
Monte at his 50th birthday party in 1985. Those were good times, soon to change. |
">
">
">
">
Lucky Lawrence KRUX (Larry Wright) From The Arizona Republic, October 10, 2001. Larry Wright was born February 6, 1933 and died on October 7, 2001. After graduating from college, Larry and his wife, Sue, moved to Phoenix from Oklahoma. Larry was in radio broadcasting for 26 years and became Arizona's leading disc jockey in the 1960s under the name Lucky Lawrence. At the pinnacle of what was termed business success, Larry sensed an emptiness in his life and described his marriage as in shambles. Sue, with no place to turn, was introduced into a personal relationship with Jesus at Bethany Bible Church. Larry, noticing the change in Sue's life, initially rejected her new walk with Jesus Christ, but the reality in her everyday living eventually led Larry to receive Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. Romans 5:1. says, "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ'. His new walk restored his marriage and relationship with his three young daughters. Soon he was leading Bible studies and teaching a class at Bethany Bible Church. After mentioning the possible desire to leave radio, a few Christian businessmen contacted Larry about going into full-time Christian ministry. In June of 1979, Abundant Life, a non-denominational outreach directed primarily to unchurched businessmen was formed. From the original 18 that attended at the Phoenix Country Club Bible study, Abundant Life grew to multiple Bible studies throughout the Valley. Tom Shrader, was one of the early attendees and through Larry's teaching and mentoring, received Jesus Christ and went on to pastor East Valley Bible Church. Having a deep desire to be used to save and enhance marriages through God's plan, Larry and Sue spoke often at marriage seminars both locally and nationally. Larry and Sue's program on Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family entitled "Back from the Brink of Divorce" has been a favorite and repeated many times. Deteriorating health including rheumatoid arthritis and throat cancer started to limit Larry's traveling, but his schedule remained full with two Bible Studies and a position as teaching pastor at Northwest Community Church. Larry always said he wouldn't stop talking about Jesus Christ until he was physically and verbally unable. It was Sunday morning at Northwest Community Church when Larry, preparing to do what God had gifted him to do so many times before, suffered a heart attack. A short time later at Thunderbird Hospital he went home to be with his magnificent Lord. Larry is survived by Sue, his wife of 46 years, three daughters, sons-in-law and 9 grandchildren. Larry's life verse was John 17:3 "This is life eternal, that they may know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent'. Abundant Life, Inc. will continue through Sue's teaching at Valley West Women's Bible Study and through the teaching of son-in-law Skip Ast at various valley Bible studies. |
Jim Winters (From the Wichita Eagle-Beacon) Winters, James L., 66, retired advertising executive, died Thursday, November 18, 2004 of lung cancer. Jim, a native of Wichita, attended Wichita University. He is survived by his wife, Peggy (Churchman) Winters of 47 years; son, James Winters & grandson, Tynan Winters of Los Angeles; daughter, Susan Schelberger of Colorado Springs; sister, Jeanne Houghton of Derby and brother, Bill Winters of Wichita. Jim's career began at KARD in Wichita as Copywriter in 1960. From there to J&T Advertising, Foote, Cone & Belding and Young & Rubicam West, Phoenix, as VP/Creative Services. From 1978 to 1988 he was a founder & President of Winters, Franceschi,Callahan (WFC), Phoenix & San Diego. Then later was Chairman/CEO of Evans Communications, Los Angeles. Jim was the recipient of numerous advertising awards. Writing was his passion, along with golf and a good novel - but mostly he enjoyed being a husband, dad, friend and mentor. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire life to forget them. We won't forget you, Jim. |
">
">
">
">
Kathleen Mattingly Fulwiler writes: Paul Hughes, Bob Martin Could someone please submit bios on these two guys? I worked for Paul Hughes in his PR shop just prior to going over to KOOL. Bob Martin at KOOL was full of wonderful stories about "live" TV. They're both gone and I miss both of them. |
We will never forget Stan Richards Ira Lavin Emmett Lancaster Len Burkland Earl Baldwin Paul Hughes Bob Martin Kent Stanford Arnold Jeffers Duncan Jennings Jeff Morris Harry Ebbeson Frank Peddie Dick Gray Howard Pyle Harold Gates Joe Brandt Ray Curtis George Lasley Jack Williams Carl Kent Scott Hollander George Guyan Van Shun Don Tuckwood Chuck Abbott Frank Peddie Adelle Davis Maxine Huddleston Steve Allen |
Ray Smucker Ray C. Smucker passed away quietly on March 12, 2005, at his home in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 92 years old. He was born on a farm near Blairstown, Iowa in 1913. He attended the University of Iowa, majoring in Journalism and Radio Broadcasting. In the sixth grade Ray met Nadine Tiedemann, they went to high school together, and then married in 1934. At this time he sold magazines door-to-door to farmers and often accepted live chickens as subscription payment. They lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked as a department store clerk until he auditioned as imitator with the Horace Heidt band, who were touring and playing at a local theater. Shortly afterward he was called to join the band in New York. In 1940 he was diagnosed as having tuberculosis and went to a medical sanitarium for 15 months in Tucson for a rest cure. He rejoined the Heidt organization who toured military bases during World War II, and together with two other men wore wigs and dresses to appear as the then popular Andrew Sisters mouthing their records and performing dance routines. In 1944 his family moved to Yuma, before there were any stoplights in town, where he managed Radio Station KYUM and later the first television station in the area. He spent 14 delightful years in Yuma, and among other things originated the 1949 "World Endurance" flight which kept Woody Jongeward and Bob Woodhouse in the air for 7 weeks. This community activity helped to keep the air base open by proving that Yuma had the most and best flying weather in the USA. They fed the NBC radio network every night for 7 weeks from the plane, signing off with, "Reporting from Yuma, the City with a Future." Ray was very proud of the 40 acre park in Yuma dedicated in his name. In 1958, Smucker and his wife moved to Phoenix and where he managed KTAR Radio and later managed Channel 12, the NBC outlet in Phoenix. In the 1970's he was instrumental in his company being awarded cable TV franchises in numerous towns in the Midwest. In later years he owned Candleworld, a long burning candle manufacturing company, and was a vocal advocate for using Hydrogen to power automobiles. Smucker served as president of many organizations including: Rotary 100 in Phoenix, Rotary in Yuma, Arizona Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1949, President of the Arizona Jaycee's in 1949, Phoenix Library Board, and Arizona Broadcasters Association. He was pleased to be appointed to the broadcasters "Hall of Fame." He had the pleasure of serving on the Arizona Blue Cross Board and the Community Council. Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years in 2000 and is survived by two children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. At Ray's request, his interment shall be private in Blairstown (Northovershoe), Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made in Ray's name to Rotary Club #100's Youth Foundation, 501 E. Osborn Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary. Published in The Arizona Republic on 3/20/2005. |
">
">
">
">
Gordon "Doc" Hamilton Larry Schnebly reports from Tucson that legendary TV executive Doc Hamilton passed away Saturday, April 9. He was General Manager of KVOA-TV in the 60's and 70's. After retirement he taught at the University of Arizona. Funeral plans are not known at this time, however, there is a memorial service tentatively scheduled for May 5. Doc left us peacefully and comfortably in hospice care. Check the Arizona Daily Star for obituary and arrangements. |
Dave Reaban (From The Arizona Daily Star) "REABAN, DAVID, A long time Tucson resident died on February 17, 2005. He was the program and operations manager at KGUN-TV ('60-'65) and KOLD-TV ('65-'79) and worked as a DJ for KGVY in the '80s. He has been a realtor for the past 20 years with Denton and most recently Long Realty. He is survived by his son Derek, daughter-in-law Michelle, and three grandsons: Jonathan, Jake and Micah." |
Chuck DeWall Chuck DeWall, 66, of Phoenix passed away April 21st, 2005 of complications of heart disease. Known to his grandchildren, Carter and Chase as "Papa" and to many Phoenix Thunderbirds as "Mom", he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his daughter Leslie and son-in-law Bob Barrett. Born in Iowa, Chuck arrived in Phoenix 39 years ago to begin a career in advertising while fueling his passion for sailing and the ocean. As President of the Board of the Crossroads Rehab Center, he was instrumental in raising funds for its reconstruction and was recipient of the Thunderbirds' Leroy Lanuti Award. A memorial has been scheduled for Saturday, May 7th at 5:30pm, please call Diane at 602/577-4466 for directions. Donations in Chuck's memory can be made to Crossroads, 1845 E. Ocotillo, Phx, AZ 85016. Published in The Arizona Republic on 4/24/2005. |
">
">
">
">
Hugh Williams, Show Low Radio Station Owner Hugh J. Williams passed away on October 14, 2005 in Phoenix at Banner Samaritan Hospital at the age of 69. Hugh came to Show Low in 1975 from Pennsylvania. He was a devoted member of St. Rita's Catholic Church and he enjoyed singing in the church choir. He had a commitment to his Lord, his church and the community of Show Low. Hugh owned and operated Radio Station KVSL until he sold it and retired in August 1998. Hugh was always very interested in what was going on in the city of Show Low. He was an active member and Past President of the Show Low Chamber of Commerce. He regularly attended the city council meetings and always tried to accurately report the proceeding on his newscast the following day. Hugh would sometimes be the only one left in the council chambers when the council would return from Executive Session late into the night. Because of his interest in all of the events and activities in Show Low from school to civic organizations, he was referred to as "Mr. Show |