Longtime radio host Gary Shores posted on the K100 (WKKO) Toledo Facebook page that he’s leaving radio because of his lung disease. Shores has certainly battled adversity recently. In November his wife of 43 years died from cancer. His longtime radio partner, Harvey Steele died in December of 2017. Here’s Gary’s entire Facebook post…
“Hi all, Gary Shores here. As you may or may not know, This is my last week at K-100, at least for now. I’m going out on disability starting this Friday, because of my lung disease, Pulmonary Fibrosis, which is scarring of the lungs, and makes it very difficult to breathe, and get oxygen in my blood stream. I get completely out of breath after talking for a minute or so, it’s very frustrating. I’ve struggled with this disease for about 3 years now, it’s a progressive disease, and there’s no cure, except a lung transplant. I was on track for that with the Cleveland Clinic, but my recent cancer episode has put that on hold for at least one year, maybe more. In the mean time, I want to thank everyone for all the thoughts and prayers when my wife of almost 43 years, Joanie, died in November. And thank you for all of your prayers and positive thoughts when I had cancer surgery last month. You all taught me the power of prayer. I was totally blown away! I’ve always said we have the best listeners on the planet. You prove that day in and day out. Thank you! 2 of my favorite people in the world, Lyn and Cliff, joined me for mornings on K-100, with me gone, you will be in great hands with these 2 fine broadcasters, and great friends. I can’t think of anyone in radio that could do better than these 2, both born and raised right here in Toledo. I may show up occasionally on the air or on the K-100 facebook page with updates, or just to say hi. Thanks for listening to K-100 all these years, I sure hope you continue!”
So sad to see you leave the job you love.
You truly are radios best friend.
Good wishes.
I grew up near Toledo, and when I started listening to country music back in the 90’s it was “Shores and Steel” in the afternoon that kept me entertained. I wish Gary all the best and hope he gets some good health news soon. While Nashville has had some good air personalities, nothing ever compares to Shores and Steele. What ever happened to Office Boy Bob?
Its not often that you get to work with the “real” pros in our industry, like Gary Shores and his late radio partner Harvey Steele. I enjoyed working with Gary in Toledo, and learned that he brings an incredible vibe to his job every day, as well as creating a “can do” attitude among all of the air hosts in the Toledo cluster. For Gary, I hope his time away from his passion, is no more than a health speed-bump, and that with proper care and rest, he is able to return to K100 and the audience he loves and serves. God Speed Gary…every day is a gift, and you continue to be a gift to all of NW Ohio.