Columnist Bob Bridge
A few decades ago I was asked to host a new daily morning show to air on Bedford’s WBIW radio station.
It sounded like an interesting interlude from my newspaper role of providing comprehensive coverage of area sporting events.
“Talk of the Town” started as a full hour of conversation ranging from topics of abortion to movie reviews to war heroes. A multitude of guests joined me to offer expertise and personal opinion that fostered both questions and diverse comments from a loyal listening audience.
Dean Spencer was my boss. Dean was a proud Purdue graduate and Boilermaker booster while I was a proud Indiana fan and a member of the Hoosier faithful.
Some would consider it a reliable recipe for a rugged relationship. However, it was not.
Dean met me each morning with a smile and usually a comment or two about recent shows and suggestions for new guests and topics. He was an extremely upbeat person, personifying positivity and professionalism.
All went well until I contracted a serious spinal infection during the final week of 2003. It took me six months to defeat the disease and return to the seat my friend, retired Mayor John Williams, kept warm for me.
Following the urging of both John and Dean, I returned to the air for a few more fun-filled years with “Talk of the Town” until changes at the newspaper compelled me to focus all my attention there.
Saturday afternoon, during a tribute for Dean on the lawn in front of the radio station where I gathered with old friends, the memories were warm, many and meaningful.
A smile flashed across my face when I realized all the tables were adorned in Purdue black and gold.
Dean Spencer was a good man. Good to Bedford … and good to me.
Thank you to all WBIW and WQRK staff plus the loyal listeners who made my remembrances so warm.
Bob Bridge welcomes comments at 812-276-9646 or bbbbridge@gmail.com.
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