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Longtime KLCC Music Director Michael Canning Has Died

He passed early Sunday morning of pneumonia. Michael was 66.

KLCC's Tripp Sommer has this remembrance.

I remember Michael using the expression “big ears”. It referred to people with broad musical interests and tastes. He was the ultimate example. He loved Classical music, Jazz, folk, and the blues. He worked with and inspired KLCC music hosts for decades.

Credit Deb Trist
Michael used to bring his beautiful dahlias to KLCC.

After more than 30 years at KLCC, Michael retired just over a year ago. An avid dahlia aficionado, he traded the world of sounds for a world of color. Michael brightened the gardens of those who knew him with his brilliant, vibrant blooms. He was also an enthusiastic bicyclist.

Michael is survived by his wife Cheryle Hawkins, his mother, and a brother and sister. The family has not yet made plans for a memorial.
 

Rachael McDonald is KLCC’s host for All Things Considered on weekday afternoons. She also is the editor of the KLCC Extra, the daily digital newspaper. Rachael has a BA in English from the University of Oregon. She started out in public radio as a newsroom volunteer at KLCC in 2000.
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