The folks did a nice job putting two memorial services together last night for Webb. Also a nice video by Jeremy Grater (Webb producer) and his wife, which they graciously gave away (DVD copies) to anyone who was interested.
I'm appreciative of the efforts they did ... but a couple things were very frustrating (although understandable). Since Jeremy was acting as host, he kind of "produced" the service -- so comments had to pre-register as if they were screened calls, and there was no context to Webb's guest comments other than his involvement at KIRO. Many did not "edit", and that meant in the end time "ran short" and others interested in offering feedback had no chance to do so. Traditionally it is so much easier when they just allow people to step up as podium empties rather than having the host put each speaker in context and offer anecdotes between each guest comment.
So if you wanted a chance to remember Mike's LAST ten years of life it was cathartic ... but on the upside, I'm sure it was an event his family members clearly appreciated and from which they were able to glean some benefit.
I'll share the story here that time/format did not allow me to share at the event:
When KVI was still at Tower Bldg (17 stories) the building had a mail chute running top-to-bottom so people could send outgoing mail to a master outgoing box from any floor. Our glass panel on the 8th floor was loose, causing mail to often spill from mail chute onto our elevator lobby floor.
Mike would pick through these and find the ones from the upstairs law office. He would put something "cute" on the envelope ... such as CARE BEAR stickers, lipstick imprint & "SWAK" and so forth, and put the letter back on its way ... so presumably those who were in process of being notified of a deposition or status in their ultra-serious case had this new-found "personal touch" from the law firm.
The IMPISH side of Mike was the most fun, and what I want to remember along with his passion for most of the better oldies and great radio across the country. The darker moments were unfortunate, but also an undeniable part of his mix.
I'm appreciative of the efforts they did ... but a couple things were very frustrating (although understandable). Since Jeremy was acting as host, he kind of "produced" the service -- so comments had to pre-register as if they were screened calls, and there was no context to Webb's guest comments other than his involvement at KIRO. Many did not "edit", and that meant in the end time "ran short" and others interested in offering feedback had no chance to do so. Traditionally it is so much easier when they just allow people to step up as podium empties rather than having the host put each speaker in context and offer anecdotes between each guest comment.
So if you wanted a chance to remember Mike's LAST ten years of life it was cathartic ... but on the upside, I'm sure it was an event his family members clearly appreciated and from which they were able to glean some benefit.
I'll share the story here that time/format did not allow me to share at the event:
When KVI was still at Tower Bldg (17 stories) the building had a mail chute running top-to-bottom so people could send outgoing mail to a master outgoing box from any floor. Our glass panel on the 8th floor was loose, causing mail to often spill from mail chute onto our elevator lobby floor.
Mike would pick through these and find the ones from the upstairs law office. He would put something "cute" on the envelope ... such as CARE BEAR stickers, lipstick imprint & "SWAK" and so forth, and put the letter back on its way ... so presumably those who were in process of being notified of a deposition or status in their ultra-serious case had this new-found "personal touch" from the law firm.
The IMPISH side of Mike was the most fun, and what I want to remember along with his passion for most of the better oldies and great radio across the country. The darker moments were unfortunate, but also an undeniable part of his mix.