Bidding farewell
February 3, 2011
A public farewell to Doug Hoerth was held on Thursday afternoon at the Holiday Inn on McKnight Road. If I had to guess, there had to be about 250 people – made up of dignitaries, listeners, friends and admirers filled the small hotel ballroom. Among those who were there and did not speak were former WPXI-TV reporter and WPTT Handyman Jack Etzel as well as former WTAE-AM newsman Alan Boal.
There were laughs as listeners were treated to stories and a replay of Gertrude Wilson looking for her pumpkin pie recipe. There were tears as some regretted not having done more for Doug. Someone remarked, “as listeners we didn’t do as much for Doug as he did for us”. There was little, if any, disagreement in the room.
Lynn Cullen served as emcee while local engineer and event organizer Phil Lenz supplied recordings of Hoerth Interviews, gags and favorite music. Some of the speakers included:
Post-Gazette writer, Tony Norman
Former Allegheny County Coroner, Cyril Wecht
WJAS Personality, “Chilly Billy” Cardille
Former Doug Hoerth Show advice giver, Elaine
At the end of the ceremony, Lenz said it would not be complete without the proper closing and proceeded to play “Hello, I Must Be Going” by Groucho Marx.
What a beautiful way to bid farewell.
