A Tribute to Larry Weir
larry-weir-bw-2.jpg My colleague and friend Larry Weir -- who passed away on January 13, 2010 -- didn't just make an impact here at KDHX -- he represented the heart and soul of the station. As one of the first five employees, Larry helped shape what this organization has become.

He literally helped build KDHX: He volunteered to lay the foundation for the 88.1 radio transmitter site and to renovate what was once an old bakery, transforming it into a great radio station.

Larry had a long history in the broadcast industry, beginning in commercial radio before becoming KDHX's operations manager for the past 22 years. He trained and produced the amazing work of many KDHX DJs, and his own show, Songwriters Showcase, has been a driving force in Americana music throughout the Midwest. His love of great songwriting was truly infectious. He built a strong following for the genre by introducing thousands of listeners to a kind of music they would otherwise have never heard on the radio.

During the many tributes to Larry over this past week, KDHX DJs have shared with listeners numerous stories about Larry's influence on their musical selections and about the vast array of artists they've discovered through him. Larry had a profound impact on his colleagues, listeners and co-workers. While his abrupt passing has left a deep hole here at KDHX and in the hearts of his listeners, his legacy will never be forgotten and his contributions will continue to be felt.

On behalf of all of us here at KDHX: Cheers, Larry. You will always remain in our hearts.

Beverly Hacker
Co-Executive Director, KDHX

Funeral arrangements for Larry Weir

Visitation: Sunday, January 17, 2010, 2-8 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home (2906 Gravois, Saint Louis)

Funeral: Monday, January 18, 11 a.m. at Kutis Funeral Home (2906 Gravois, Saint Louis) and burial at New St. Marcus Cemetery (7901 Gravois, Saint Louis)

Please join us for a luncheon and celebration of Larry's life (featuring music by Saint Louis-area artists) at Off Broadway on Monday, January 18, 2010, 1-5 p.m. Off Broadway is located at 3509 Lemp in the Historic Cherokee Lemp district of Saint Louis.

The Weir family requests that donations be sent to either the St. Louis Area Food Bank or KDHX. If you would like to donate in memory of Larry Weir, please choose "Songwriters Showcase" when you make your donation on our online support form.

Learn more about Larry at his CaringBridge.org page.

Read an in-depth article about Larry by Aimee Levitt at the Riverfront Times.

Photo by Sara Finke.