John Bell
Issue #89 January 14, 2021
This edition of Sky Studio is dedicated to John Bell
who joined former colleagues in Sky Studio, January 10 , 2021.
Soo, Michigan long-time radio broadcaster John Bell started with area media in 1986 and in 2005 after almost 20 years at YES-FM and its sister station Talk Radio 1400, moved to rival 1230 WSOO-AM as afternoon drive host. A news report at the time detailed the move by adding, “He'll also be anchoring the station's local newscasts at noon, 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., and will be the Saturday-morning host starting at 6 a.m. Bell's daily shows will include music, news and weather, as well as live studio guests. Ontario Sault broadcast legend Karl Sepkowski will continue in his current news duties at WSOO's sister operation, WSUE-FM.” John was originally from Minnesota.
Then General Manager of WSOO-AM and WSUE-FM, Tom Ewing said at the time, “The outspoken Bell will bring his strong local news and sports knowledge and dynamic personality to the 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. time slot on WSOO, Sault Ste. Marie’s original hometown radio station.”
Keith Neve, Chief Operating Officer, Sovereign Communications owners of five Soo, Michigan stations tells us, “John succumbed to congestive heart failure after complications with diabetes January 9/10 in Traverse City.” He’d been in a care facility in Charlevoix due to his frail condition.
"John was a larger than life person who had a zest for life and a laugh that was infectious," adds Mark SanAngelo of Sovereign. " He was a great broadcaster and had an amazing career. Thanks for all the great sports games you called and, for all the laughs and good memories we have from working with you."
The Twin Sault’s longest serving broadcaster, Lou Turco extends his condolences to John’s family and notes, “JB, as he is known to many of us, and I go back to 1991 and, during that time we shared wonderful memories. It was John who afforded me the opportunity to keep doing what I still love doing not once, but twice First, on KNOW 1400 and then, encouraging me to consider Oldies 93. In addition to his love of local radio, he loved his family and always talked about them on the air. His interest in community events was for both sides of the St. Mary’s River. He will be missed. R.I.P. ‘Mick’.”
Sault, Ontario listener and well-known in the area when he was Air Canada General Manager, Tyler Wilson, posted on Oldies 93 Facebook, “I remember John calling the Sault football games on this side of the river. He also had a knack of putting his spin on his newscast which I always thought was brave and well done.”
Posts to WSOO radio’s Facebook included comments such as, “...one of a kind, so special to so many…always enjoyed listening to him on radio and calling games…sad day for broadcast radio…it was great listening to you... rest in peace John Bell.”
Special Announcement
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/coon-rapids-mn/morningside-memorial-gardens/6261
(at time of this circulation the Obituary had not been posted to the above site)
Johnny M. Bell (John), 65. Sault St Marie, MI. January 10, 2021. Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, MI. Cause of death: heart failure.
Johnny Bell was preceded in death by his mother, Annetta L. Korus (Charles), and his father, Johnny N Bell (Shirley). Loved and dearly missed by his friend and companion Fran Heath. He is survived by his four siblings Anita Adriaens (Tom), Jimmy Bell (Allison), Dan Bell (Laura), Jeff Bell (Jodi), his 13 nieces and nephews, Uncle Bob Bell (Linda), Aunt Karlyn, and step-father Charles Korus (Donna).
John worked for over 30 years in radio broadcasting, most recently at WSOO in Sault St Marie, Michigan. At WSOO, John was the afternoon drive host, news director, and Soo Eagles play-by-play announcer with ESPN-1400. John enjoyed announcing Soo hockey and sports most of all. He was a local radio and sports broadcasting legend known as the "King of Kilowatt." His commitment and love of radio were renowned.
To his family, Mick (a childhood nickname) was a man of many and unreserved opinions. He shone brightest through his deep devotion to and love of family and by his non-stop humor, wit, and often un-airable wise-cracks.
However, his highlight each year was the annual 4th of July celebration at his sister Anita and husband Tom's cabin at Tank Lake in Northern Minnesota, his home state.
We love you, Mick, and believe you are at peace with our mom and dad and, now we say a sorrowful goodbye to you, our dear brother.
A private service will be held at Morningside Memorial Gardens in Coon Rapids, MN, at a still-to-be-determined date.
An onair tribute by Lou Turco is planned Saturday January 16, 2021 on his Weekend Club show at approximately 10:35 AM with Fran Heath as his guest on Oldies 93.
Oldies 93 Newberry can be heard online
and through your online radio app, such as TunedIn