[grc] Todd Fisher Wallin -- a Linux / community radio memory the list

[Michael J White]

In 2010, I was attending the La Crosse Linux User's Group meeting.  I am 
only a semi-Geek.

Todd and David Klann gave a presentation on how they used open source 
(free) Linux software to get WDRT, in Viroqua, WI, up and running.

I said, "Gee, that's different than when I was a DJ in college ..."

Todd, said, "What?!  We need DJs!  You have to do a show for us! We need 
you!"

I replied, "Go away.  I am our only dermatologist.  We used to be three 
and now I'm it.  I don't have time.  Go the heck away."  It was 
friendly, because he was  my friend, but very emphatic.  So, he left me 
alone, for two years.

In 2012, they asked again.  By this time, I had more help.  But, I 
replied, again.  "No Way.  I just don't have enough free time to drive 
45 min to Viroqua, on a schedule, to do a show.  And, I don't want to be 
getting home, after midnight."

Quothe Todd, "You can do it at home, and just send it to us.  Do it on 
your own schedule."

"Oh," said I, my last objection having been removed.

So, I learned how to do it and submitted some 4 hours of a classical 
music show.  They ran it, but only for a month.

A month later, Todd called me.  "Michael, I have some bad news. Our 
music director found someone local to do a classical show. But, I'm 
afraid you still have to produce the show, even if we are not running it."

"What?!" I exclaimed. "Why would I produce a show that is never broadcast?"

"Ah," he said, "You see, I forgot to tell you.  We also gave your show 
to KPVL, down in Postville and Decorah.  They need more content, also.  
You have been on the air in Iowa, for the last month."

I had been traded.

KPVL was followed by going on KHOI about two months later.  For the next 
two years, the cows in Iowa loved me, but I was not sure anyone else was 
listening.

After Ursula, Todd, and David talked me into going to GRC 2014, in Ames, 
Iowa, one thing led to another and my show was made public on 
Audioport.  There are now some 12-15 stations that download Baroque and 
Beyond, around the country.

Todd didn't even like classical music that much.

He came by to visit often.  He loved coming over for breakfast with his 
kids (either my home made waffles, or scrambled eggs from my free range 
chickens) and he didn't mind taking home some of the honey from my bees.

So, if you listen to Baroque and Beyond, think of Todd.

If any of you ever get to western Wisconsin, drop by and visit. We will 
raise a class in memory of my friend, Todd Fisher Wallin.

Michael J. White


On 07/30/2017 08:19 PM, Susan Raybuck via grc wrote:
> Perry and I were hoping for a miracle too. Sad for his family and his many friends. What a wonderful guy and friend. I’m thankful we got to know him when the two of you came down to help KWVH-LP.
>
> Susan
>
> Susan Raybuck
> Wimberley, Texas
>
>> On Jul 30, 2017, at 3:49 PM, Tom Voorhees via grc <grc at maillist.peak.org> wrote:
>>
>> I will really really miss Todd, as I participate in upping the power on
>> KRFP in Idaho, a somewhat similar Detroit station as Todd and David put on
>> air some three mounts ago.
>> Thank you both for your dedication to community radio.
>> If there is some way I can assist Todd's wife and kids, please let me know
>> David?
>> Tom.
>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>
>>> From: "Simon Frech" <simon at kmud.org>
>>>
>>> To:"David Klann" <dklann at wdrt.org>
>>>
>>> Cc:"GRCmaillist" <grc at maillist.peak.org>
>>>
>>> Sent:Sat, 29 Jul 2017 09:12:23 -0700
>>>
>>> Subject:Re: [grc] Todd Fisher Wallin
>>>
>>> So sad. I was still hoping for a miracle.
>>> I will definitely miss him, his brilliant mind, shrewd humor, and
>>> distinctive laugh.
>>>
>>> Thanks so much David for keeping us updated.
>>>
>>> Much love,
>>>
>>> Simon
>>>
>>>> On Jul 29, 2017, at 8:38 AM, David Klann via grc
>>> <grc at maillist.peak.org> wrote:
>>>> Todd passed away this morning after his fall Wednesday, July 19.
>>>>
>>>> He was surrounded with love by his family and friends in these past few
>>>> days. He was well cared for but the injuries were simply too many and
>>> too
>>>> severe.
>>>>
>>>> I'll post more on Todd's family's needs and desires for memorials in
>>> the
>>>> coming days.
>>>>
>>>> Thank you for all your kind words and your support. Todd truly loved
>>> all of
>>>> you and Community Radio.
>>>>
>>>> Farewell good friend!
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>> http://maillist.peak.org/mailman/listinfo/grc
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