Sad news for radio listeners when one of the best passes away. Casey Kasem was host of American Top 40, one of the most popular syndicated radio series in history. AT40 was heard worldwide and we all waited for the weekly countdown of hits. Casey had a warm, friendly approach to it all and it won listeners wherever it was heard. He began American Top 40 in 1970 and was the main host for decades. 

Casey retired from radio in 2009. He was also known for the cartoon voices of Shaggy on the series Scooby Doo and the voice of Robin on Super Friends. The cause of death was advanced Parkinson’s disease and dementia. His final days were gruesome as he was involved in a family feud. He will be missed.

Locally, former talk show host Barrie Clark had a nasty fall and broke his hip. He has been in St. Paul’s hospital recuperating. Barrie began his radio career at CJOR and moved on to CKWX where he hosted a show for many years. He then joined CKNW in the afternoon where he again hosted a talk show. From there he ran for the legislature in Victoria and became an MLA and progressed to become B.C.’s first Rentalsman. He later moved to Kelowna and again appeared on radio. Barrie’s mishap is a lesson to all of us to enjoy every day as if it were the last.

Rafe Mair, another well known talk show host is home recovering from several months in Lions Gate Hospital. I had a call from him the other day and he is on the mend.