Sad news, former WKLU midday personality Kevin Spencer died yesterday. He battled throat cancer a few years ago. He was loved by everyone, most especially his two children, Carrie and George. He worked for Metro Traffic for a number of years as well. More info as it comes.
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Kevin Spencer RIP
- Thread starter On The Air Everywhere
- Start date
Too young!
He was at WGGR in 1994 and worked for Chris. Condolences to the family.
He was at WGGR in 1994 and worked for Chris. Condolences to the family.
E
EStreeter
Guest
I worked with Kevin for 3 years at WKLU under the management of both the Quinns and Oasis. He was a very funny and witty guy. I always used to feel the audience never got to hear half of what humor he brought to the table, because when he popped the microphone he was a total pro. I would often times see him during a shift change on the weekends. Kevin always had a one liner that would leave you rolling on his way out the door. Thanks Kevin for the memories.
R
richmcdonald
Guest
Very shocked and saddened to learn of Kevins passing. You just done expect to hear such tragic news about someone so young. He was a person that regardless of what was going on around him could see the humor in it. Many times over the 15-years I knew him, he would keep me laughing, and his wit was sharp as razors. Just one of those great people that makes it easier to come into work everyday and makes work not seem like work. If I think of all the many people I have known and worked with in the course of my life, Kevin Spencer has always been on the top of my list as a favorite. We will will miss Kevin and our prayers go out to his children.
I had the pleasure of working with Kevin. He was a class act on, and off, the air. A great guy who loved his kids, brought joy to everyone he came in contact with, and would give anyone the shirt off his back. Usually straight as an arrow when the mic was on, but one of the funniest guys you'd ever meet when it wasn't.
You will be missed Kevin!
You will be missed Kevin!
S
smoothassilk
Guest
I am so sad to hear this news. Kevin was one of brightest stars that shined in this world of radio. His humor and compassion surpassed the norm, and his encouragement really made a difference in my career in radio. My heart and prayers go out to his beloved children whom he adored and his family.
You will be missed my friend.
You will be missed my friend.
Hey guys and gals. I just spoke with Kevin's brother and he needs all of our help pulling together stations that Kevin worked at for the obituary. So far I can remember WKLU, WFMS, WXXP (Anderson), WFYI-TV, WENS, METRO Traffic, WGLD plus his First Impressions on Hold Services. If you have any others will you please post them on this board so we can help out his family. Still no word on services or cause. Hope you can help.
Libby
Libby
I met him when he worked for Shirk in the mid 1990's. Always a positive and engaging force in the stations(s) - a talented pro without any pretense or over-active-ego. You can at least add WGGR (Maybe oldies, maybe country at the time) and, maybe WXLW to your list. Don't think he covered at HHH back then....anyone?
Indy radio just got less interesting and enjoyable. RIP.
Indy radio just got less interesting and enjoyable. RIP.
Completely speechless. He just turned 50. If anyone knows how we can help those two kids please post the information here. My family and I would love to give to a scholarship fund or something. I know Kevin made his entire life about making sure those children were protected.
Kevin was one of the best guys I ever worked with in radio. Talented. A team player. A leader. He was really
good. But he was also humble. He was your friend to your face and he was your friend behind your back. You
could really trust him. We miss you Kevin!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bruce Quinn
good. But he was also humble. He was your friend to your face and he was your friend behind your back. You
could really trust him. We miss you Kevin!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bruce Quinn
http://www2.indystar.com/cgi-bin/obituaries/index.php?action=show&id=95101
Spencer, Kevin C.
August 29, 2008
Kevin C. Spencer 49, Indianapolis, died Aug. 25, 2008. Services: 1 p.m. Sat. Sept. 6 at Northminster Presbyterian Church with calling 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sat. Sept 6 at Leppert Mortuary, Noral Chapel. A full obituary will appear soon.
Bruce you are a class act. Your words mean the world to the family. The above was the short obit found on the Star's Website.
[Link added as a courtesy by Radio Info]
Spencer, Kevin C.
August 29, 2008
Kevin C. Spencer 49, Indianapolis, died Aug. 25, 2008. Services: 1 p.m. Sat. Sept. 6 at Northminster Presbyterian Church with calling 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sat. Sept 6 at Leppert Mortuary, Noral Chapel. A full obituary will appear soon.
Bruce you are a class act. Your words mean the world to the family. The above was the short obit found on the Star's Website.
[Link added as a courtesy by Radio Info]
E
emel
Guest
So shocked and sorry to hear about Kevin. If you'd like to add another station to his career-I met him when he was working at WEWZ in Elwood in 1991. He was the highlight of my brief time there-so kind and funny and generous. Later on I also worked with him at Shirk's stations. I've not seen him in many years, but I certainly heard him around in the market.
He will be missed by many. My prayers and condolences are with his family and friends...
He will be missed by many. My prayers and condolences are with his family and friends...
S
smoothassilk
Guest
Oleta Martin-McClurkinsmoothassilk said:
Well, regarding Spence - I do not know where to begin. I am so profoundly saddened by his passing, especially since we were the best of friends and I mean 'Best' in a very intimate and important manner. We go back a ways. I first met him in Bill Shirk's office when I was looking for a production director at WGGR - instantly I liked him and instantly I hired him. If you work for (with) me you'd better be real, professional, funny and honest --- and an entertaining personality is a pre-req to all of that. Kevin was off-the-hook in every category.
I just now found out about his passing! Big John called me and I was quite taken aback by the news and more so that I didn't get a chance to say good-bye in a timelier manner.
But no worries - I know Spence is getting a good laugh over my concerns down here - he was that sort of guy. We shared so much in history and he said WNAP was the reason he was hooked on our medium when in truth, he didn't need radio to prosper as he was a much accomplished gentleman outside of radio. And by that I mean enormously successful.
Kevin was straight arrow all the way. The greatest of fathers who earned and richly deserved the name 'Daddy' to George and Kari, Kevin was a rock in his family regardless of which direction you go in his unique family tree. To say that Vanessa and I will forever miss him is a tremendous understatement. He was family.
So how is it that we missed this entire and tragic event? I cannot say. Different artistic directions, mere email communications in place of one-on-one engagements? Yes. Incomplete connections to his family and friends? Yes. My reclusive and quiet, low-keyed private relationship with Kevin? Yes.
So much left to say about Spence and so much I would have said to him had I known he was leaving and especially that I loved him so.
It matters not – it only matters that he was so loved and respected by all of us and will so sadly be missed by so many. I love you Kevin Spencer - you were a great man and an unbelievable personal friend.
If anyone knows how to contact either Nan or Tom, George or Kari, I would be ever grateful.
Cris
I just now found out about his passing! Big John called me and I was quite taken aback by the news and more so that I didn't get a chance to say good-bye in a timelier manner.
But no worries - I know Spence is getting a good laugh over my concerns down here - he was that sort of guy. We shared so much in history and he said WNAP was the reason he was hooked on our medium when in truth, he didn't need radio to prosper as he was a much accomplished gentleman outside of radio. And by that I mean enormously successful.
Kevin was straight arrow all the way. The greatest of fathers who earned and richly deserved the name 'Daddy' to George and Kari, Kevin was a rock in his family regardless of which direction you go in his unique family tree. To say that Vanessa and I will forever miss him is a tremendous understatement. He was family.
So how is it that we missed this entire and tragic event? I cannot say. Different artistic directions, mere email communications in place of one-on-one engagements? Yes. Incomplete connections to his family and friends? Yes. My reclusive and quiet, low-keyed private relationship with Kevin? Yes.
So much left to say about Spence and so much I would have said to him had I known he was leaving and especially that I loved him so.
It matters not – it only matters that he was so loved and respected by all of us and will so sadly be missed by so many. I love you Kevin Spencer - you were a great man and an unbelievable personal friend.
If anyone knows how to contact either Nan or Tom, George or Kari, I would be ever grateful.
Cris
O
otterantigone
Guest
Kevin was an amazing guy. So genuinely friendly and helpful. He'll be hugely missed and foundly remembered.
M
MrArchive
Guest
Ahhhh Kevin!! You big goof, you died! What are you doing?!
Listen, anyone who knew Kevin knows he's somewhere, right now, having a big laugh about all of us remembering him. I will never, ever, ever forget how entertaining it was to sit and have a conversation with Kevin. Of all the people I've worked with through the years, Kevin is a guy I won't ever forget.
Like some here, I first met Kevin when we worked together at WEWZ in Elwood in the early 90s. Mix 101.7. For one or two magical years, we were all playin' radio at this little trailered up station on the edge of Elwood. We were like a band of outlaws trying to make this small station sound big. And we did. And Kevin was the guy who helped us keep it fun. I'll never forget being on-air, doing a long talk segment, a promo liner I think. When out of the corner of my eye I see Spencer on the other side of the glass holding my wallet. Ear to ear smile. You know the one. Holds my wallet up up. I'm talking, I can't do anything about it. He pulls out the front of his pants and drops it in, and then gives me that slow "ohhhhh yeeeaaaaah" head nod. Reaches in, pulls my wallet out and puts it back on the counter. Flipping him the bird, I'm still talking. Trying not to laugh. Oh He's laughing .. all the way out the door.
I got em back. I won't tell you how.
That's Kevin. Spence-o-matic.
RIP Kevin. I can't believe you're really gone.
Listen, anyone who knew Kevin knows he's somewhere, right now, having a big laugh about all of us remembering him. I will never, ever, ever forget how entertaining it was to sit and have a conversation with Kevin. Of all the people I've worked with through the years, Kevin is a guy I won't ever forget.
Like some here, I first met Kevin when we worked together at WEWZ in Elwood in the early 90s. Mix 101.7. For one or two magical years, we were all playin' radio at this little trailered up station on the edge of Elwood. We were like a band of outlaws trying to make this small station sound big. And we did. And Kevin was the guy who helped us keep it fun. I'll never forget being on-air, doing a long talk segment, a promo liner I think. When out of the corner of my eye I see Spencer on the other side of the glass holding my wallet. Ear to ear smile. You know the one. Holds my wallet up up. I'm talking, I can't do anything about it. He pulls out the front of his pants and drops it in, and then gives me that slow "ohhhhh yeeeaaaaah" head nod. Reaches in, pulls my wallet out and puts it back on the counter. Flipping him the bird, I'm still talking. Trying not to laugh. Oh He's laughing .. all the way out the door.
I got em back. I won't tell you how.
That's Kevin. Spence-o-matic.
RIP Kevin. I can't believe you're really gone.
Matt Albro told a story of how he was doing the WKLU race for the record, and at about midnight on day two of five, he was talking on the air about how ice cream sounded good. Mind you, Kevin had been gone for about 10 hours, but a few minutes after Albro mentioned it on the air, Spence showed up with two banana splits. Big smile ... ear to ear... you know the one... and then just left. I have also heard stories of him leaving $500 in a former employee's mailbox who was going through a tough time. Yes, he is having a laugh on us right now. The wallet story made me laugh out loud!! Thank you for sharing it.
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