Monday, September 22, 2008

The Day the Music Died...

I lost a good friend last night. Wayne Richards, local d.j. and voice of the Melaleuca Freedom Festival Fireworks, passed away in Hawaii. He was snorkeling with his son-in-law and didn't come to the surface. They pulled him to shore, performed cpr, and sent him to the hospital. Unfortunately, they had to put him on life support and last night made the decision to take him off. My heart aches for his family. I hope that is a choice I never have to make. My day has been spent listening to the many tributes that are being paid to him over the airwaves. I can't bring myself to call in...the emotions are too close to the surface. Every song that comes on brings up another memory of Wayne. He was my best friend in the office...we quoted movies to each other, challenged each other to lyric contests, pulled plenty of pranks on co-workers, and went on endless junk food runs. He used my girls in radio ads, and taught me the art of music-mixing. He kept me laughing, and made me feel like I was the most indispensable member of the team. He was a mighty man among many, and will be sorely missed. To his wife, his son, two daughters, two son-laws, and two granddaughters, I send my prayers. He lived his life to the fullest, and we are blessed to have know him.

2 comments:

whitty said...

Speaking of dejavu, I've been thinking of connections to Wayne over the past few days, too. Last night at FHE I used my career as a radio voice during "Two Truths and a Lie," and today devotional was about the leper colony in Hawaii. Sorry again that such sad news had to come on your birthday.

Judy said...

Sorry to hear that you lost someone so dear to you. I remember you talking about him and also I think I heard him a few times while we were up visiting. Keep the memories alive.