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Maine radio engineering legend Gene Terwilliger passes

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He started his career in the mid-60s at Top 40 WLOB/Portland on the all-night show as "the world's worst disc jockey" (no hyperbole there.) He parlayed that experience into decades of service as an engineer at a plethora of radio groups in Maine and New Hampshire. He was beloved by station employees and fellow radio engineers alike. Everybody has a Gene story, and suffice it to say that we will never see the likes of him again. He will be missed.
 
I knew Gene well....nice man. He used to do a lot of his work as an engineer overnight and use a 45 RPM automatic record player on the air and let it run through a stack of records. He would do some announcing in between and thus became the "world's worst disc jockey". He got his start in much the same way as Arnie "Woo Woo" Ginsburg in Boston. Gene helped put a lot of stations on the air. His genius was unparalleled. Yes, he will be missed. Great sense of humor. A true pioneer in the world of broadcasting.
 
From his son Devin:

I wanted you to know that there will be a funeral service for my father.

Nov 26th at 7pm

@409 Long Plains road (rte 22) Buxton Maine 04093

Buxton Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

no collections taken

the service will be religious in nature but it is open to everyone regardless of their beliefs. We are expecting a full house with standing room only left so carpooling and arriving early is highly recommended.
 
I met Gene when I worked at WJBQ PORTLAND MAINE back in the Middle 70s
Always Smiling!!! I loved walking back to his workshop and asking Questions about how
things worked...He ALWAYS took the time to explain it to me
I have NEVER met in my 40 years of radio a Kinder.....More Caring Soul
 
I had the pleasure of working with Gene at WMGX, WIGY/WJTO, and WPOR. Not only was his engineering expertise a virtue, he also possessed the patience of a saint, often phone-walking this technically challenged DJ through what seemed like defusing a time bomb. His generosity of knowledge, kindness and sincerity will be remembered by all who had the privilege of his friendship.
 
I being one who don't mind working the Holidays and Gene coming to work on equipment during these times knowing it will be less disruptive to the work in the building on a Holiday, it was a pleasure seeing Gene on Thanksgiving and Christmas come into the building and chit chat and share stories with each other. In the past Gene would have his family with him sometimes and it was nice getting to know them and having great conversations with them. Gene would also walk through things with me over the phone and was always concerned about the station's on air sound. But most importantly he cared about the staff and people he knew. A great kind man who I will truly miss and it was tough on Thanksgiving knowing I wouldn't see Gene coming through the door. My prayers are with his family.
 
I worked with Gene at WLOB in 1970-71 doing nights.

Since I had a 1st ticket I was a combo guy, among my duties was taking base current readings at the tower array outside the studios on Warren Avenue. One winter night I slipped on some ice in the doghouse and fell onto the relay switch that activated the meter. I got zapped by RF that burned through a heavy sweater, a turtle neck, and a T-shirt. I smelled my flesh burn and felt what was still the worse pain of my life. Still have the scar! I don't remember if I actually entered any readings onto the log but I know I went back in and did my 7-midnight airshift feeling nothing but love for Gene.

He was a wonderful man and yes on Sunday nights he did play disc jockey while doing maintenance. He really wasn't that bad!
 
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