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Happy Hare Martin

S

SDRadio

Harry "Happy Hare" Martin died Monday morning (Jan. 5), 2009. Hare was a San Diego radio legend, icon ... and a generally funny guy.
 
Chris - I'm sorry to hear this news. Another person with a long time perspective of the business has left us.

My favorite story of Happy Hare was when he was on KPOP and told the story "I saw a guy in line at Costco with a box of condoms; that's what I call an optimist".

Jeff Williams
proud former K-popper.
 
I had the opportunity and pleasure to work with Harry Martin in his latter days. He was a one-of-a-kind genius.

He will be missed.

dr
 
WELL HI THERE! I too was one of the lucky ones who used to work with Hare at KCBQ back in the day. In fact when I first moved to San Diego, he was doing mornings at the Q. Later when I worked with him, he had gone into sales. He was truly a funny guy with a funny voice who made you smile when you listened to him. I think I have some old airchecks of his. Another San Diego radio legend gone. May he rest in peace.
 
Growing up in San Diego I went to school, high school, and college, listening to Jerry G., Ernie Meyers, and Happy Hare. My parents didn't believe in Jeff and Jerk or DSC, so the best choice was KPOP. I was a loyal KPOPPER until the station went dark with Communist Liberal talk, and all of the great talent on KPOP went away. I knew everyday day would be good waking up with KPOP. God Bless you Happy Hare, your antics on the radio helped teach me what broadcasting is SUPPOSED to be!

Happy Hare never sounded better than being on a 1937 RCA 816K 16 tube radio! Especially when he was talking up the post to Peggy Lee's "Fever".

On this somber occasion I wonder if Happy Hare's long time KCBQ co-worker, Jack Vincent, has any thoughts??
 
I too listened to Jerry G. and Happy Hare--but it was in Cleveland on the great KYW 1100. Harry, was teamed with Specs Howard forming one of the greatest partnerships in radio. The on air line up also included Jim Runyon (later of Chickenman narrator fame), and Jim Stagg. It was this kind of radio that left me no choice as to get into the business. I had the distinct pleasure about two years ago or "reuniting" Martin & Howard on the air right here in Cleveland on the occasion of their being inducted into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame. I will never forget it. I don't know what caused his death, but I would have to imagine tragically losing his daughter earlier this year--didn't help. RIP Hare.
 
Oh no, I used to wake up to Happy Hare on the "Q" when I was a kid. There will never be anyone like him again.
 
I, too, listened to Martin and Howard on KYW. I would listen to them as I was gettingready to go to elementary school. Too many of the icons are leaving us.
 
I grew up listening to Hare on KCBQ, and later got to know him socially at various radio goings-on. He was just like his on-air persona - cheerful, upbeat and always bullish on radio. Yes, he had a monster ego, but he was so affable you forgave him for it.

The last time I saw Harry was a couple of years ago at the funeral of another friend, KCBQ's Phil Flowers. He was his usual upbeat self even in those circumstances as he delivered a portion of Phil's eulogy, spinning tales about the good times.

I will miss him sorely.

-- Doc
 
Harry Martin's daughter, responsible for family archives and Harry's radio Hall Of Fame content, would dearly appreciate copies of all airchecks, photos, clippings, printed matter, etc., that anyone may have pertaining to the great Happy Hare. (An address will be provided; possibly c/o KOGO-Radio San Diego, pending permission, TBA.) The Hall of Fame content will be expanded by your contributions. Your memories, thoughts and reflections are quite equally valued meanwhile.
 
Hope I am doing this correctly here. I just wanted to pay my respects. I remember this man so well from my teen age years. He and Don Howard. Radio sure is not what it once was is it. Lots of memories from way back. Just a bit of sharing with you all here. Thanks for that time. Peace and blessings.....Jan
 
Very sorry to hear of Happy Hare's passing. He truly was one of a kind, with a magnificent sense of humor. In many ways he and KCBQ as it existed back then represented a golden age of radio. One of his most famous stunts was that when the yacht of the dictator of the Dominican Republic, Juan Trujillo, sailed into San Diego Bay, the Hare invited San Diegans down to visit, all on his own; flowers for the ladies, balloons for the kids. Seeing masses approaching the docks, the crew figured it was a massive demonstration lifted anchor and fled! I think he got in a bit of trouble over that one.

KCBQ of that era was home to dynamite talent including the Hare, Ralph James, Don Howard, Johnny Holliday, Jack Vincent, and newsman Ben Shirley. Radio made itself a compelling presence with such talents.

I met the Hare on a beach in La Jolla once. A perfect gentleman, polite and considerate to a young teenage fan. Sorry he is gone.
 
Anyone here catch the interview with Happy Hare and Morgino this past Sunday evening? Maybe it was on before but I did not see it and watched it . Think it was actually taped in 2003 if I caught that right. Funny little story if I may mention it here regarding Don Howard. I was a young teen age girl about 13 maybe almost 14 taking a tour with a junior high school group of the radio station he then worked at 1950 maybe ????. As I passed by he was clowning around and tossed .05 cents at me and said hey you ! Call me up when you are 18 will ya? I always wanted to run into him later in years and ask if it were too late. lol. Something a young teen age girl gets a kick out of. I believe there was a dinner for him at the Butcher Shop restaurant once maybe a retirement thing or something and my husband and I passed the room it was being held in and I think that was the last time I remember hearing of Don Howard. I know he has since passed. I remember so much of San Diego radio in its early years. Around 1949 I think there was a music station (old KSON ???) that played request tunes for girls and guys. A funny silly romantic thing at the time. Not sure of that DJ then. I must be getting old here. lol. My rememberer doesn't work as good as it once did. But what does? lol. Hope it was okay to share this here. Thanks. Jan ;
 
My apologies regarding Don Howard. I made mention if his passing. Was I wrong? If so I am so sorry. I hate to be one of those people who says something like that and it was not true. Gads! I must be getting old. Sorry guys. Jan
 
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