KINK just announced that Les Sarnoff passed away late last night.

Sadness for all of Portland.

Nothing on the KINK website....can someone official confirm this please?

This is indeed sad. My heart goes out to family and friends who knew Les personally.

His grace and dignity as he faced this disease was truly inspirational.

KINK says they'll have some kind of a retrospective on this afternoon about him.

It was announced on-air about 10:25am in a prepared statement from management.

Rebecca Webb writes a beautiful piece here:

http://www.oregonmediainsiders.com/

Very sad to lose such a treasured part of our community and long time friend.

Confirmed. Remembrance from Rebecca Webb on the front page of OMI: http://www.oregonmediainsiders.com/node/1882

Thanks for the confirmation. I am truely speechlees....just talked to one of his old co-workers from the 80s/90s who echoed my sadness. Though I never met him and I don't think I talked to him, I sure listened to him for years. He along with Cindy, Jeff and Sean WERE KINK for many years...

Lets all take his memory and work a little harder at doing great radio!

Cancer is such a bitch! My father died of Colon Cancer when I was just 13. I was at the Supermarket the other day and saw the tabloid magazines with Pictures of Patrick Swayze on them, and boy does that guy look sick. Sadly, I think his days are numbered!

My prayers go out to Les Sarnof's family and anyone else who has a family member dealing with cancer.

I just now found out about it on KINK. I remember Les as an ordinary fellow, someone I would like to have met. Same with the rest of their jocks. They didn't try to force their way like some jocks do, they also were ordinary people. My dad died of prostate cancer, I had cancer myself in 85, and a lady at church whom I knew died of cancer two weeks ago. We aren't getting any younger folks! I wish the best for the staff and the rest of Les' family.

The passing of Les is sad ,Iknow it sounds sort of corny but through the years ,Les every morning was a breath of fresh air. I heard more from Les than my wife and son .Imet Les several years ago in Bend were my than small son was wearing a Kink true to the music shirt >Les struck up a rather lengthy conversation with the both of us .Iam truly saddened for the radio community and especially the Sarnoff family

After seeing the recent Oregonian piece it came as quite a shock to hear of Les' passing. He was a great guy.

Much has been written and said about his hard work and professionalism, which can't be overstated. During my years as the guy "sittin' in" when we could get him to take time off and preceding him most other nights, I came to partially know in a unique way just how much he brought to the control room each and every day and the incredibly close connection he had with his audience. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel they were his entire focus when he was with them. There didn't appear to be any strangers in Les' world, only friends he was in the process of making.

I still remember how he would arrive around two a.m. and dig right into preparing his show, writing out literally reams of paper, word for word sometimes, for the bits he planned on doing. Then he would come in and put away almost all the music I had pulled for his show that was listed on the music log and pull and meticulously stack and restack the music he would eventually end up using. There were other nights when he would come in right after a concert and put his stockinged feet up in the news room and doze after asking me to make sure he was awake no later than two. It was rare that I wouldn't find him already going strong before then.

I could write volumes about how much I learned from and grew by knowing Les and how much I regret not staying in closer contact with him in recent years. His breed of radio personality is too rapidly approaching extinction.

It used to be a standing joke that he would always laugh out loud at, even tho he must have heard it a million times, and now is sadly too true -- "Less Sarnoff on KINK."

David Shult

Thanks David, as part of the KINK Family 1981-1984, I had the pleasure to work with Les several times. I can still remember filling in for Terry Travis for news and doing the newscasts with Les in the control room. What a riot when I couldn't get an actuality of protesting Russians to stop playing from my keyboard. Les just took it in stride and smiled and went to commecials. Wow Les, I and all of Portland will miss you honey.

I just turned on KINK about 1/2 hour ago, while cleaning - how sad. They played some very nice tributes and phone calls; and there were some stories in there as well.

Worked only briefly with Les at KGON but he did a great job on KINK for so many years. Condolences to his family, friends and co-workers

Grew up here in PDX listening to Les and all the KINK folks. They generally always did radio the right way; live, local, caring, music-centered.

KINK today ran a wonderful interview Les did with Paul McCartney. They both came across as warm, nice human beings.

Carry on Les.

I only met Les once, but he was gracious to me. He was someone I always admired from afar. At least now he no longer hurts, no longer has to deal with the monster that is cancer. My thoughts are with Rita and his family. He fought the good fight.

Les, you will be missed greatly.

I have a lot of respect for Les and he will be missed dearly. I always said that Les was Mr. KINK. So my prayers goes to his lovely family and thanks Les for your professional wisdom in the radio world.

I worked with Les from 1989 to 2003 at KINK and had known him as a friend prior to that time.

I have watched this scenario with a heavy heart. Hoping for a more positive outcome, but preparing for the worst.

Les was a great guy and a wonderful colleague. I truely enjoyed working with him.

My deepest condolences to Rita and the rest of his family. You are in my prayers.

Godspeed!

JF

I really am very sad and at a loss for words. I would like to try to make a few comments and observations about my friend and colleague.

Les and I had a lot of history together, dating back to KGON in 1975, and through many, many years at KINK. I saw him go from being primarily a school teacher (very talented, knowledgable in the realm of theater/dramatics), doing a few hours on the weekend at 'GON to...well, as has been noted, joining the same pantheon as Barney Keep and Craig Walker, some pretty rarified air.

Les was very, very good, and consistently so, day in, day out, year in, year out. And it wasn't happenstance or a cakewalk, something he just tossed off; it was the result of hard work. I've never seen anyone do more show prep or be more dilligent or devoted--he made most of us look like slackers--which a lot of us were--and really deserved the great success that was his for so many years. But not nearly long enough.

My condolences to Les's wife and family, his countless friends and fans, and my colleagues at my old alma mater, who must very keenly feel the pain and significance of this passing.

Les's passing is a Huge Loss to the Radio Community, as well as to his friends & listeners.

This from KATU:

http://www.katu.com/news/43229412.html

This from The Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/national-6/124010727669470.x ml&storylist=orlocal

Legend.

Never forgotten.

Not a chance.

loved him

New him only as a Portland KINK listener - 1st Class for his knowledge of local bands and music.

A loss to the City Of Roses.

My best to his family.

Knew Les , also, briefly, at KGON. A Real PRO ! Everybody used to kid around the station calling him "Les Signoff".

.........Light Speed Les....

I knew a Paul Hanson who went to Clark Grade school. It might have been a different Paul

It's the right high school so it could be.

Peter Ames Carlin of The Oregonian:

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/longtime_radio_host_les_sarnof. html

KGW TV:

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_041809_news_sarnoff_kink.e95b5757.html

KOIN TV:

http://www.koinlocal6.com/mostpopular/story/Radio-host-Les-Sarnoff-dies-of-cance r/Qqo5qP5jV0WBncgVPsZX6A.cspx

Fox 12:

http://www.kptv.com/entertainment/19222082/detail.html

NWCN:

http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/oregon/stories/NW_041809ORN-kink-KS.ea3f92d6.html

The Examiner:

http://www.examiner.com/a-1968692~Longtime_Oregon_radio_host_Les_Sarnoff_dies_at _60.html

The Statesman Journal:

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20090418/UPDATE/90418021

KTVZ Bend:

http://www.ktvz.com/global/story.asp?s=10208301

http://stumptownblogger.typepad.com/stumptownblogger/

a goodbye to a wonderful person....Les

This from All Access:

-------------------KINK's Les Sarnoff Dead At 60-------------------

LES SARNOFF, the 60-year-old iconic radio personality and voice of CBS RADIO AAA KINK/PORTLAND, OR's morning show for decades, died FRIDAY evening after a battle with cancer. KATU-TV reports SARNOFF served as morning host on KINK for 22 years and had been a familiar voice on the air in PORTLAND ever since he began his career with KGON in 1974.

SARNOFF had been diagnosed with melanoma last APRIL and had surgery before returning to work with a clean bill of health. Tests in DECEMBER showed the cancer had returned.

"There is perhaps no single person more closely associated with any radio station than LES is with KINK," said KINK GM DAVE MCDONALD in a statement released SATURDAY. "He has meant so much to so many with his positive energy, generous spirit, community commitment and his warm and open presence. PORTLAND and the KINK Community have lost a great one."

SARNOFF had chronicled his fight against cancer on his KINK blog since DECEMBER, after he abruptly left the station due to his illness. In those posts, he talked about his life, career and health and many listeners wrote in with words of support.

I worked with Les briefly, doing fill-in news while Mike Rich needed time off to promote 'Finding Forrester.'

The guy made deep sacrifices for his craft. He was sometimes there early enough to interact with the KGW-TV weather guys before they went home from the 11pm news.

Les was one of those local morning guys who was unique to his community, the kind of guy consultants passing through town could not understand.

Les is sleeping in today. Love and condolences to his family.

From the time we met over 30 years ago until his final moments, Les Sarnoff was a class act and a "professional" broadcaster in the truest sense of the word. He was a good person. He will be missed and he will always be remembered.

Is there any word about a memorial service? Where...when?? If anyone hears word about details, would you please share?
Thanks.

Hearing Les's voice first thing in the morning was like that first swig of coffee.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh.......

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Rolling Hills Community Church, 3550 S.W. Borland Road, Tualatin.

http://www.theoutlookonline.com/news/story.php?story_id=124036556467648300

Thats my church! I will be there on sunday to begin the day. thanks.

Jeffrey,
Thanks for the information.

Wayne, the Rolling Hills service is for friends and family

From KINK's website:

A Public Celebration of Les’ life will occur on Sunday May 17th at Pioneer Courthouse Square at 5:00 p.m. More details on that event will be coming soon

I have a friend that is a member of Rolling Hills and last night he told me he was asked to come in and help with some of the AV stuff. He made it sound like it was going to be a big event and they were expecting many people.
I don't know about family and friends but I would assume friends includes people he worked with and those that knew him and that possibly they expect a lot of them. It is different than a "Public" Celebration of life.

I am not negating anything that Jeffrey Kopp or Mrs. Merkin said. I am merely mentioning what I heard. It may or may not be relevant. Use your own judgement.

The key word is "friends" and family. Les had many friends, including those who listened to him every day. The service is open to anyone who shows up.

" The service is open to anyone who shows up."
That is what I was lead to understand.

It has certainly been an emotional week at the Kink radio ranch. The response from listeners and colleagues alike has been overwhelming. So much positive regard, so many warm memories.

Even though Les and I eventually became the two "greybeards" who'd been at the station the longest, our schedules were so opposite most of those years that it wasn't until he took over the Afternoon Show that we got to work together day to day and actually hang out. It was all too brief, but I'm so grateful for those times.

Though reasonable people may differ with regard to Les’ inimitable style on the air, everyone who knew him was fond of him, and those who didn’t know him personally have pretty much figured it out.

He was the real thing – a dedicated professional, an interested and therefore interesting person, and a genuinely nice guy. No amount of show-biz moxy could grind that out of him. His warmth and sincerity on the air wasn’t an act. All efforts to turn him into a cynic were left frustrated. His positive attitude remains undefeated.

Hi! I loved the ocean sets. I wish KINK would bring those back. I started listening to Les when he did evenings in 1977. I taped quite a few of the album previews he did too. until the station got wind of that. BTW how was the memorial service?

Wayne asks "BTW how was the memorial service?"

2 1/2 hours long

Zaffino spoke too long (mostly about himself). Rebecca Webb spoke confusingly about how she thought of herself as a surrogate for Les's wife which was awkward. Stan Mak showed why he never cracked a mic. Must have been interesting for them both to be up in front of the man who fired them.

Mike Rich was, as expected, eloquent, funny and used his few words with delicacy, insight and obvious affection. Peggy Lapoint was emotional but humorous and kind.

A lot of time was devoted to Les's spriritual journey during his later months.

The bulk of the music was of the manipulative, religious anthemic c**p variety you see advertised on the A & E, natgeo etc cable channels. ("if you ring in the next ten mintues we will send you another cd of dreadful hand raising, eyes closed drivel") Valerie Day did a stripped down version of "Wonderful world" with hubby, who looked like a younger Woody Allen.

Everyone who was involved I think wanted to make sure they gave their fullest tribute to Les. If Les had been there in body and mind, I imagine he might have got the razor blade out and left a lot of tape on the floor.

But.....in a memorial service for a man who spent most of his adult life speaking for a living, it was strange not to hear Les at all. Lots of pictures, a photo tribute, stories and remembrances by the ton, but not one minute of Les tape.

Les, if you logged on to "Heaven Web" this am, and are reading this, rest assured I won't forget what you sounded like

I was curious because Rolling Hills is my home church. I had heard that Les had become interested in spiritual things but I was wondering what the connection of my church was.

"I was curious because Rolling Hills is my home church..................I was wondering what the connection of my church was."

Not to be negative, but if that is your home church, you should know. It isn't mine, however, I know why it was there........fairly obvious.

This from All Access:

-------KINK Adjusts On-Air Lineup Following Loss Of Les Sarnoff--------

CBS RADIO AAA KINK/PORTLAND, OR appoints SEAN MARTEN to PM drive replacing LES SARNOFF, the iconic KINK on-air personality who died of cancer two weeks ago (NET NEWS 4/20).

MD DEAN KATTARI (aka DEAN K) fills MARTEN's night shift.

--------------------Les Sarnoff Memorial Concert---------------------

KINK will host a "LES SARNOFF MEMORIAL CONCERT" on MAY 17th at PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE. The public celebration begins at 5p with CURTIS SALGADO, PATRICK LAMB, TOM GRANT, and more.

KINK PD DENNIS CONTANTINE told ALL ACCESS, "I’ve been going through old airchecks as we’re putting together a CD of the essential LES SARNOFF to sell at the concert to help cover the hospital bills for his family."

I talked to someone at Rolling Hills and he told me that Les knew many of the members there. Whether or not he was a member himself I don't know. he may have been a Christian.