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Rigamarole
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![[*]](./images/iconic/default_icon.gif) posted on 5-11-2008 at 08:06 PM |
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Gus Mircos has passed
Developing...
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The Little Guy
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| posted on 5-11-2008 at 09:00 PM |
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I'm very sorry to hear that. Thanks for passing the info along.
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Boondocker
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| posted on 5-11-2008 at 10:31 PM |
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What a great morning anchor he was on KOA for 20-odd years. A consummate professional, a reassuring voice, a good neighbor to folks in Frederick, and
a genuinely nice guy who, despite his grumpy on-air persona, had what Dusty Saunders once called "a heart as big as a Greek amphitheater."
Back in the early '80s, my little daughter was convinced that the radio show Dad listened to every morning was called "Good Morning, Gus!"
He died Sunday at University Hospital at age 70 -- less than three months shy of what would have been his 50th wedding anniversary.
Gus was born Jan. 7, 1938, in Boulder and moved with his parents to Frederick, where he lived until his death. After high school graduation, he went
to broadcasting school, securing his first job in 1958 as a DJ on KLMO-AM 1060 (now KRCN) in Longmont after marrying Myrna Ciocchetti on Aug. 9,
1958.
He came to KHOW-AM 630 in 1963 to do PM drive, then covered weekend sports for KOA-TV Channel 4 (now KCNC). and had a stint at KAAT-AM 1090 (now
KMXA), where he helped Peter Boyles get his start in radio. He worked for 22 years at KOA-AM 850 before being axed by then-PD Robin Bertolucci in
1997, and went to work for a short-lived talker, Chancellor's KRRF-AM 1280, better known as "Ralph." When KVOD took over 1280 for a time, Gus became a
midday classical-music host.
In 1999, Gus won a lengthy battle with thyroid cancer, which attacked his vocal cords. He also wrote a cookbook that year: "Gus's Cabin Kitchen." He
had recently been a restaurateur in Longmont for a time. He was scheduled to provide coverage of festivities surrounding the Olympic torch travels as
it passed through Denver en route to Salt Lake City for the Winter Games, but lost his voice shortly before the broadcast. After extensive surgery,
Gus did occasional voiceovers for local and national advertisers, but never again worked full time in radio.
Condolences to Gus's wife Myrna, son Dean Mircos, three daughters, Kari Mircos, Margo Mircos and Nicolle DeSantis; and five grandchildren, all of
Frederick.
A funeral service is scheduled at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4610 E. Alameda Ave. The family asks that contributions be sent to
the cathedral or the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 172625, Denver, CO 80217-2625 (one of Gus's and Myrna's
daughters has MS).
Howe Mortuary in Longmont is handling arrangements.
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copacetic
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| posted on 5-12-2008 at 05:27 AM |
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What a pity. I had the pleasure of working with him at Ralph/1280X. He was good to everyone and it was cool to work with someone like him.
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Boondocker
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| posted on 5-12-2008 at 10:30 AM |
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Here's some links:
Jerry Bell's tribute to Gus
Mircos
Rocky Mountain MS Center
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1Kahuna
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| posted on 5-12-2008 at 06:30 PM |
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Good bye, old friend.
O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death,
and overthrown the devil, and given life to Thy world: Do Thou,
Thyself, or Lord give rest to the soul of Thy departed
servant Costas, in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a
place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing are fled
away. Pardon every sin committed by him , in word,
deed or thought, in that Thou art a good God, the Lover of
mankind; For there is no man that liveth and sinneth not, for
Thou alone art without sin, Thy righteousness is an everlasting
righteousness, and Thy Word in Truth.
For Thou art the Resurrection, and the Life, and the repose
of Thy departed servant Costas, O Christ our God,
and to Thee we send up glory, together with Thine
unoriginate Father, and Thy most holy and good and lifecreating
Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Ellae Xcristos, kai Panayitsa koda.
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Boondocker
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| posted on 5-12-2008 at 07:58 PM |
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Kahuna, that's beautiful. Is it Greek Orthodox?
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1Kahuna
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| posted on 5-12-2008 at 08:00 PM |
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Yes. A traditional prayer for the departed.
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Gladiator
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| posted on 5-13-2008 at 12:31 AM |
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Amen... (sigh...)
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redstone1
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| posted on 5-13-2008 at 07:39 AM |
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KOA did tributes on the air Monday and talked about what a great broadcaster Gus Mircos was. Indeed, he was one of the best ever on the station and
in Denver. But what's sad is that KOA had let Gus go. THEY ended his run on the Blowtorch but they made as though Gus was someone that retired from
their station. Amazing how the station has declined over the years...from Gus Mircos to Steffan Tubbs. Talk about a contrast in talents! A man with
a great voice to one that sounds like a boy not yet through puberty.
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Boondocker
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| posted on 5-13-2008 at 08:10 AM |
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Well, also, Redstone, it was a change from news delivered as information to a more entertainment-centered approach. That change started with Jacor 10
years earlier, and was solidified with the arrival of AM/FM and Clear Channel. Sad indeed.
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Boondocker
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| posted on 5-13-2008 at 02:19 PM |
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Here's the complete obituary from the mortuary:
Gus George Mircos of Frederick, former radio personality died May 11, 2008 at University Hospital, Denver. He was 70.
Gus was born on January 7, 1938 in Boulder to George Mircos and Christine Bibias Mircos. He was raised in the Frederick area, attending school there.
Graduating from Frederick High School in 1955, he was active in many areas including; mixed choir, class plays, student council, football, Honor Guard
and the annual staff. He had the “golden voice” early, narrating many of the high school plays and programs.
On August 8, 1958, he married Myrna Ciocchetti at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, in Frederick.
After high school, Gus attended the University of Colorado and studied engineering. With encouragement and support of his new bride, he transferred
to broadcasting school and his future in radio and television.
In 1958, Gus entered the radio business with KLMO of Longmont. Hired in 1963 by KHOW, Denver, Gus held the afternoon drive time slot. He joined the
Channel 4 News team in 1966 as their weekend sports reporter and also did crossover work with KOA radio. He then joined KAAT radio in the early
1970’s, as their on-air personality and program director. In 1976, Gus secured the anchor position for KOA’s morning news program. For 22 years he
would presided over the top rated morning radio show in Denver. Following that era, he worked at KRRF, 1280 AM and KVOD. Throughout his career he
performed voice over work for local and national advertisers. Currently he was volunteering with dear friend George Baskos at KGUD-Longmont,
providing Public Service Announcement and voice over work.
Gus is on the ballot of the 2008 nominees for the Colorado Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Gus was a member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Denver. Professionally he was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, the American
Federation of Radio and Television Artists. An avid fisherman he was a member of Ish Lake Hunting and Fishing Club. The family has owned and spent
extensive time at their cabin in Allenspark for many years, there he was active in the Hilltop Guild. Gus was involved with the community through the
Carbon Valley Planning Commission in the early 1980’s. He also helped coach his grandson’s t-ball and baseball teams.
Preceding him in death were his parents and two infant children, Greg and Elaine Mircos and father-in-law Nello Ciocchetti.
Surviving are his wife of Frederick, a son Dean Mircos of Frederick, three daughters; Kari Mircos of Frederick, Margo Mircos of Dacono, and Nicolle
(Gennaro) DeSantis of Frederick, 5 grandchildren Gus, Niko and Alexandra Mircos and Maselli and Sophia DeSantis, all of Frederick and mother-in-law
Wilmadean Ciocchetti.
Visitation hours will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the family present from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Howe Mortuary Community
Room.
Vigil services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 17 at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Metropolis Cathedral of Denver, 4610 East Alameda Ave,
Denver, with Reverend Father Apostolos Hill officiating. Funeral services will follow immediately at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral. A funeral dinner
and gathering will be held at the Church hall, immediately following the services.
A private interment will be held later at the Lafayette Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the Rocky Mountain MS Center, 701 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 420, Englewood, CO 80113; 303-788-4030; http://www.mscenter.org or Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4610 East Alameda Ave., Denver, CO 80246-1301.
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Rigamarole
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| posted on 5-13-2008 at 05:16 PM |
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Gus was a poet. No mention has been made of that fact.
And if you've never heard his enthralling recitation of "Casey at Bat," I recommend attempting to locate the tape. It is wonderful!
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Boondocker
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| posted on 5-13-2008 at 08:34 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Rigamarole
And if you've never heard his enthralling recitation of "Casey at Bat," I recommend attempting to locate the tape. It is wonderful!
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This was priceless Mircos. Mike Rosen on Monday played a clip from one of his shows that had been based at Rockies training camp. Mircos was there and
read the poem, after which Rosen excitedly proclaimed, "This will become an annual tradition!" ... To which Gus deadpanned, "No it won't."
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Mason5280
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| posted on 5-14-2008 at 10:48 AM |
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How disappointing to find out about this news. Gus was my mentor, a colleague and a dear friend. My heart goes out to Myrna, Dean, Margo, Gus Jr and
all the family. His voice and personality will never be forgotten.
Today, my friend we all answer "<b>[Censored]</b>ty." Be well and I hope our paths cross the next round.
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Boondocker
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| posted on 5-14-2008 at 12:34 PM |
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Why does it take sad things like this to reconnect us with old friends?
Welcome, Mason. That was a great tribute to Gus in your LiveJournal. Glad to see you doing well in the land of CHUM. Come visit us more often. Denver
radio has been much poorer for your absence.
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Tim Dunbar
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| posted on 5-14-2008 at 03:03 PM |
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I also worked with Gus (right around the same time Mason did) and he was an inspiration. We shared a birthday and every year I would go upstairs after
getting off the air at The Fox to wish him a happy birthday. Every year I got the same response, which I cannot print here. I'm very sorry to hear of
his passing.
TD
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Mason5280
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| posted on 5-14-2008 at 06:10 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Boondocker
Why does it take sad things like this to reconnect us with old friends?
Welcome, Mason. That was a great tribute to Gus in your LiveJournal. Glad to see you doing well in the land of CHUM. Come visit us more often. Denver
radio has been much poorer for your absence. |
It is unfortunate that it was Gus's death, but somehow that doesn't surprise me because we know how much he respected and cherished friends. As with
the other version of chum, I've actually been with CTV and we gobbled up...er...merged with our colleagues at CHUM. And thank you for your kind
words.
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Boondocker
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| posted on 5-14-2008 at 08:05 PM |
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Well, I was thinking of the only decent oldies station left: 1050 CHUM!
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DenverDXer
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| posted on 5-15-2008 at 05:40 AM |
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Yo Mason! good to hear from you, hope Canada is still treating you well. And yes, it's "<b>[Censored]</b>ty". To those who didn't
know, that was always Gus' reply to "how are you?".
When I was at KOA it was usually afternoons, evenings or weekends so didn't see much of Gus. But occasionally I did get a chance to work with him, he
was always helpful to me and once you got past that gruff exterior he was a great guy. He had to tolerate a lot of crap from management. The way
KOA tossed him out was very trashy, I don't think anyone believed he was 'retiring'.
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Boondocker
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| posted on 5-15-2008 at 08:19 AM |
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It strikes me that our younger readers and Denver newcomers -- those who don't remember Gus Mircos -- also probably don't remember the old friend who
has joined us to pay tribute to Gus.
Mason Lewis -- actually Mason Lewis Byrne -- was one of the class acts of Denver radio and brought that class to KOA in everything he did, even on the
day when, during a newscast, he informed us that somebody had been "killed dead." 
Mason's resume -- and Mason, please tell me if I got any of this wrong -- includes stints at KSIR-AM in Estes Park, KSIR-FM and KFKA-AM in Greeley
before coming to KOA in 1987. He moved to KNUS in 1992, then became station manager at KHOW in 1995 -- Noble, right? -- and at Ralph from 1997 to
1999. His last Denver gigs were under pseudonyms as a traffic reporter: at Alice under the delicious name Kraven Moorehead, and at KIMN-FM as the
cutting-edge Nick Blades.
From there he became director of marketing for Comcast Cable in Denver in 1999. In September 2006, he and his partner moved to Toronto. Six months
later, Mason was hired as marketing and sales promotions manager for The Comedy Network, Canada's version of Comedy Central -- where I'm sure he's
STILL a class act.
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1Kahuna
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| posted on 5-15-2008 at 07:26 PM |
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Wo- Mason! Good hearing from you.
-From a fellow co-worker at 8975 E. Kenyon, Denver.
You and Steve Alexander, Da Boogieman, David Baronfeld, Tom Martino, Don Martin, Mary Rawlins, Terry Toke-a-Hashi, Chuck Woodford and Lois Todd up in
Boulder, Murphy Huston, Hal Moore, Charley Martin, Bill Hairass, the engineer.
Yes! We are the Lynch Mob! 95.7 KHIH, 97.3 KBCO, 630 KHOW and 1190 KBCO-AM.
KHOW was one hell of a radio station for many years.
Like they say, you only get together at weddings and funerals.
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Sleepy1
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| posted on 5-16-2008 at 11:26 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by copacetic
What a pity. I had the pleasure of working with him at Ralph/1280X. He was good to everyone and it was cool to work with someone like him.
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Same here - worked with him from Jan. to Mar. that year. Sad news. 
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Sleepy1
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| posted on 5-16-2008 at 11:28 PM |
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| Quote: | | Originally posted by Mason5280 |
THE Mason Lewis? Mason probably doesn't know who this is, but here's a hint - KHOW and 1280X.  How you been?
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sowsear
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| posted on 5-17-2008 at 01:36 PM |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Boondocker
It strikes me that our younger readers and Denver newcomers -- those who don't remember Gus Mircos -- also probably don't remember the old friend who
has joined us to pay tribute to Gus.
Mason Lewis -- actually Mason Lewis Byrne -- was one of the class acts of Denver radio and brought that class to KOA in everything he did, even on the
day when, during a newscast, he informed us that somebody had been "killed dead."
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Our Boondoggler going down (on?) memory lane peaked my curiosity.
And yes.
It was before my time here.
And yes.
The Boondoogler is correct.
About his famous friend.
word
Make that
Westword
http://entertainment.westword.com/1999-03-25/news/off-limits/
Shancady's not the only District 10 candidate with a new name: There's also Mason Lewis Byrne. If the first two-thirds of that sounds familiar, it's
because the man's been all over the news this past week as Mason Lewis, the subject of a suit filed against his employer, Chancellor Media, by former
KRRF-AM talk-show host Tom Jensen, who says he was dismissed by the station in a breach of contract and, oh, by the way, had also been sexually
harassed by longtime radio exec Lewis.
The suit was filed on Monday. Lewis, who's never made a secret of being gay--he headed the city's first gay journalists' group--denies having harassed
Jensen. On Tuesday he had to bail a brother out of jail. On Wednesday Chancellor decided that it was completely changing formats at its 1280-AM
frequency, dumping yet another attempt at talk and going to a simulcast of KOOL. On Friday, Lewis says, "I had to fire the staff"--or what remained of
it. In a word, his week was "nuts." And it's unlikely to get calmer anytime soon, although he notes that the station break at least gives him more
time to campaign. Chancellor is keeping Lewis around through the election, and if he loses, he can explore radio options outside the city. As it is,
he says, "I think I've hit every station in the city. I'm also the only candidate who's lived in every district."
That apparently didn't sway the PPA, even though Lewis has a long political lineage. His family has been in Colorado for five generations, his
great-grandfather was a territorial judge whose portrait hangs over U.S. District Judge Richard Matsch's bench, and his father, Chuck Byrne, was once
city auditor. Like Shancady, Lewis had changed his name for showbiz: "When I was first on the air in Greeley, with a guy named Berned, I was the
rookie, so I had to change my name." By taking back his original last name, he hoped to "capitalize on both the Byrne and the Mason Lewis name,
sullied as it now is."
Lewis blames another radio connection for the PPA's pick of Shancady: "All the boards said they'd do anything to get Ed out, and then Kevin was
endorsed by Jay Marvin." And here's Shancady's explanation of Marvin's support, which is "worth its weight in gold," he says: "An officer was getting
her hair done, complaining about Ed Thomas, and the stylist also does Mary, Jay Marvin's wife, and is a friend."
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