You knew him as 'Topher

[DeltaDon]

Chris Rathaus, known on the air as Chris Randall, or "'Topher," for short, at WPTR-AM in the late 1960s has died. He was 63.Randall took over WPTR's all-night show from Ed Dague (known in his disc jockey days as Ed Day) in 1968, then moved up to hosting evenings after his longtime friend, Mark Allen, left that slot and the station for Detroit. The next year, Randall followed Allen to WKNR where he was back on overnights for a year as Chris Ryan.In the early 1970s, Rathaus was the Production Director of KDKA-Pittsburgh, moving to Program Director of WOWO-Ft. Wayne and then WDAE-Tampa.He returned to his first love, audio production, in the 1980s and stayed with it through various production houses and stations in Florida and California, landing at Sirius Satellite Radio in New York three years ago as a production specialist for one of their Talk channels.Details of his final days were not revealed by Sirius, at his request. Rathaus, who was a heavy smoker, is believed to have died from lung cancer at a New York City hospice on May 18. Funeral arrangements are pending. He leaves an ex-wife, no children, a legacy of broadcast excellence, as well as innumerable friends and associates who will miss his personality, character and friendship even more than his considerable talent.

 

[Reporter]

For someone who has canceer in their family, our condolences.

 

[bmprfg]

As one of the old farts on the board, I remember Chris Topher. That was such an exciting time to listen to PTR. They were fun and energetic, and they all really influenced me to get into the business. RIP.

 

[Time Traveler]

As one of the old farts on the board, I remember Chris Topher. That was such an exciting time to listen to PTR. They were fun and energetic, and they all really influenced me to get into the business. RIP.[/quoteWPTR was a great station during that era...J.W. Wagner, Roy Reynolds, Gil David, Boom Boom,Ferdnand B, Jim "Doc" Holiday, Christopher Randall....."Take it from your Topher".....]

 

[DeltaDon]

They also had an excellent news operation then with people like Bob Lawson, Doug Meyers, Bruce Wayne and Bob Walker.

 

[DeltaDon]

Chris worked with Boom Boom Brannigan at 'PTR. If anyone on this board knows Boomer, kindly tell him about 'Topher's passing. I'm sure he'd want to know.