Columbia's Gene McKay: A Rich Life, Well-Lived, Shared With His Listeners

Take a moment to click on Doug Nye's great obit, a moving reminder of why we do what we in radio do (be sure to listen to the audio clip too): For more than four decades, Gene McKay’s quick wit and satirical commentary entertained thousands of radio listeners across the Midlands.

But McKay, whose real last name was Klemick, could get serious when talking about America or commenting on music or just the everyday wonders and problems of life. It was a mix that connected with his audience.

This weekend, those listeners and his colleagues are mourning the loss of McKay, 73, who died Thursday morning. He had suffered a heart attack two days after having back surgery March 12.