Monday
Aug082011
Remembering Fred Imus
Please share your thoughts and memories of Fred Imus, who passed away August 6 at the age of 69
Top
Member Nav
This Isn’t Our Last Love Letter
Dear Don Don,
Way back in 92
I walked into the room and knew
Never felt this way before
I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes
And the feeling grew
As I took a seat I knew
A love that would have my heart
Forever
I knew
Way back in 92
They say love at first sight doesn’t always last or isn’t true
We were the exception to that rule
Our love had no where to hide
A spark set fire
As if this is how the universe started
I never doubted our love or what we could do
Together we grew
Forming a bond everlasting
That became our glue
My euphoria was YOU
I’m eternally grateful for the love and life we shared
For how fortunate we were :
“to have and to hold
through sickness and in health
Til death do us part”
Until we are together again
This isn’t our last love letter
I love you with all my heart and soul
Yours forever,
Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)
I’m fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.
A True American Hero
I don’t know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.
I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.
I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.
But what most people don’t talk enough about is what he did for all of us.
In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.
Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.
I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.
I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirde’s life.
No one will ever do what he did.
I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO
David Jurist
IMUS IN THE MORNING
FIRST DAY BACK!
Imus Ranch Foundation
The Imus Ranch Foundation was formed to donate 100% of all donations previously devoted to The Imus Ranch for Kids with Cancer to various other charities whose work and missions compliment those of the ranch. The initial donation from The Imus Ranch Foundation was awarded to Tackle Kids Cancer, a program of The HackensackUMC Foundation and the New York Giants.
Please send donations to The Imus Ranch Foundation here:
Imus Ranch
PO Box 1709
Brenham, Texas 77833
A Tribute To Don Imus
Children’s Health Defense joins parents of vaccine-injured children and advocates for health freedom in remembering the life of Don Imus, a media maverick in taking on uncomfortable topics that most in the mainstream press avoid or shut down altogether. His commitment to airing all sides of controversial issues became apparent to the autism community in 2005 and 2006 as the Combating Autism Act (CAA) was being discussed in Congress. The Act, which was ultimately signed into law by George W. Bush in December of 2006, created unprecedented friction among parents of vaccine-injured children and members of Congress; parents insisted that part of the bill’s billion-dollar funding be directed towards environmental causes of autism including vaccines, while most U.S. Senators and Representatives tried to sweep any such connections under the rug.
News Articles
Don Imus, Divisive Radio Shock Jock Pioneer, Dead at 79 - Imus in the Morning host earned legions of fans with boundary-pushing humor, though multiple accusations of racism and sexism followed him throughout his career By Kory Grow RollingStone
Don Imus Leaves a Trail of Way More Than Dust
Don Imus Was Abrupt, Harsh And A One-Of-A-Kind, Fearless Talent
By Michael Riedel - The one and only time I had a twinge of nerves before appearing on television was when I made my debut in 2011 on “Imus in the Morning” on the Fox Business Channel. I’d been listening to Don Imus, who died Friday at 79, since the 1990s as an antidote the serious (bordering on the pompous) hosts on National Public Radio. I always thought it would be fun to join Imus and his gang — news anchor Charles McCord, producer Bernard McGuirk, comedian Rob Bartlett — in the studio, flinging insults back and forth at one another. And now I had my chance. I was invited on to discuss to discuss “Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark,” the catastrophic Broadway musical that injured cast members daily.
Footer Nav
Reader Comments (2564)
I became a loyal listener of the I-Man in the 1990s and Fred was one of the guests I most looked forward to. His "wit and wisdom" made my day numerous times. My condolences to the Imus family.
Don,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I've been a listener for about 15 years now and always loved his appearances. I laughed for days when he said he turned off the State of Union when after a few minutes he realized Obama wasn't resigning. Even supporters of President Obama I know laughed when I told them the story!
My condolences to you and your entire family. I know it sounds corny but they don't make 'em like Fred anymore.
To the extended Imus Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. There are not enough laughs these days and Fred always made us laugh. He always got to the point and was in Don's words, "a good guest." I loved the canteloupe in the couch story, the four-legged Fred stories and Fred's football "locks". He made me laugh even when he had nothing, and wouldn't get of the air. Hearing him crack up Don and Charles, and their surprised laughs made it for me. I wish I had met him but feel like I knew this very decent man. Particular condolences go out to Don and Donny for your loss.
Rick S., Suffern, NY
Don,
As shocked as I was when I heard about Fred's passing, one comforting thought immediately sprang to mind. Like me and my brother, the last thing you and Fred always said to one another as you hung up the phone was "I Love You". I lost my brother to a heart attack 6 years ago and the most soothing thing to me since then has always been that he knew I loved him as that was the last thing he heard from my lips. Please try and take comfort in the same. My prayers go out to Fred and his family, You & your family, and the entire Imus Radio family who I am sure loved him as well.
My condolences to the Imus family. I have been a listener now for over 25 years, and always enjoyed Fred. Especially when he would give his football picks. You could see the relationship between Don and Fred simply by listening to their interactions over the phone.
RIP in Fred. You will be sorely missed
I got to meet Fred several times at WNBC radio when I was filling in for the regular producer on Imus in the Morning. Occasionally when Mr. Imus was out of the studio we would have Fred read a commercial for him and no one could tell because they sounded so much alike. He was a quiet, nice man when he came to visit on the show but you always knew there were a world of thoughts going through his mind. I will miss listening to Don and Fred on the air and the real love that came through.
God Bless.
I live in Los Angeles so I watch you REALLY early in the morning, but have enjoyed you for years. Fred was such a joy to listen to, was very honest easy going and his love of animals was so obvious. (That tugged at my heart the first time I heard him talking about his dog(s)). I always looked forward to the days when he was listed and made it a point to hear him. He always made me laugh. It was so clear to us all how close you were and I cannot even imagine the loss you and your family feel, but know that we share in that loss.
RIP dear Fred and I was pleased to hear your horses are on the ranch where you wanted them! Thank you Iman for taking care of his beloved ponies.
Jeri Biddle
Sherman Oaks CA
Fred was always one of my favorite guys to lsiten to on the radio, especially when he and Don would banter back and forth and tell funny stories. So long Fred.
Fred always cracked me up when on with Don. I guess being the age of Don and Fred, I really enjoyed enjoyed and could understand his wit. Fred, you will be missed my fiend. Don, I could tell from your show this morning, your hurting. Take care and keep up the good work!
Bill
R.I.P. Fred was about as down to earth as you can get.
To Fred,
I always liked your wit and sense of humor. A man who loves dogs and horses, as you did, is a good person. I will miss your comments on the world and your banter with your brother. I hope you are where you want to be.
To Don and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sharon Stett
From this Army vet to another, I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Imus family at this most difficult time.He served his country in the Army as myself and my Army retired husband. I know that there are no words that could adequately express my sympathies to his family. I watch Imus In The Morning everyday as I get ready for work. I was wondering where Don Imus was last week and now I know. I am truly sorry for your loss. I loved to hear Don and Fred go back and forth on the show over a wide range of topics. It was one of the fun aspects of the show. Fred Imus stayed true to his authentic self regardless of his own brand and fame in his own right. He allowed his human side to come forward in all his admitted shortcomings and flaws, in a personal sense. He was the best father and grandfather that he could be. He is with your mom and Dad now enjoying himself.
From the roll call, the firing of the volleys, to the sound of the bugler playing TAPS, I render my honors and salute to Mr. Fred Imus, a warrior who lived to the fullest and left in silence. As we say in the Army, HOOAH.
Linda Tatum
Fort Riley/Junction City Kansas
Home of the Big Red One/1st Inf. Div
To D. Imus and Family,
At 13 , I remember waiting in line at Caldor's on Rt 7. in Norwalk, CT for 3 hours to get a signature from you while you were promoting one of your records (1200 Hamburgers to go - I think). I just broke my leg and I stood there for 3 hours because you were 2 1/2 hours late. When you finally arrived , you walked by the crowd with a face that looked like you just got ripped off by a $5 hooker. I got to the front of the line, you looked at me, I shoved my cast on the table and you signed it with the nicest looking 'X" I ever seen. I looked at my brother said WTF and laughed. I'm now 53 and still haven't forgotten, you son of a gun!. But from the time I was around 12 making recordings off the radio of you (R U Naked?) and sending to my brother in Chicago, until now, I have always been an avid and dedicated listener. People have asked my how I come up and as fast I as I do, I say it's because I've listened to Imus all my life. I actually picked my job based on whether I could get you off the radio tower. Thank goodness for the Internet, now I can work anywheres.! When you started bring Fred on the program, I don't think that I've ever laughed so hard especially with the canteloupe story. He was perfect because he gave a taste of Americana to the Tri-state area that these people will never appreciate in their BMW's and wearing there Rolex's. Thank you for involving him in your program, bringing him into our living room and for teaching us about real America. I remember going up the road to Mohegan Sun and stopping Imus Brothers coffee, I got served by an Asian and being rung up by an Asian Indian. The closest thing I saw to a cowboy was the girl with the tequila and the shot glass in her holster. I'm sure Fred would have found that humorous. On behalf of my family, condolences to the entire Imus family.
RIP Fred Imus
Don:
I have 2 brothers; Don and Fred. Cant imagine one without the other.
Makes my heart hurt for you.
As a long-time listener of the I-Man, - Fred's 'call-in' to the show was always my favorite thing!, & when we started spending winters in Tucson, it didn't take me long to figure out that our park WAS the actual trailer park that Fred lived in. Over the years we'd become friends, how could anyone NOT love Fred?? On more than one occasion, I defended Fred’s “being” & set more than one person around the park straight about WHAT he really was - kind, sweet & gentle. I brought him home-cooked meals & cookies over the years and walked Dear John occasionally & the greatest thing was to hear him say "Thank you very much", in that genuine tone he said it in, because I'd like to think that he really did appreciate it. Since TPBash started - Fred has totally influenced & changed my choice in music preferences - I'm an 'Outlaw Country' girl now & I'm going to miss the show SO much. Missy, Buckskin & Fred were such a great combo. Not to be patronizing … you guys ARE my radio/television family! Even tho WE are all missing him terribly, knowing Fred as I did, it was most likely the best possible way for him to go to the Trailer Park in Heaven & I can’t wait to see him there. I-Man … Don’t forget another one of Fred’s favorite songs: Sunny Sweeney 'East Texas Pines'. Also, hope you’ll play the clip of when the goats jumped onto the hay bales on your set @ the ranch & you started hollering for Fred - that was the funniest! Love you, Fred!
I loved listening to him over the years ... a great and funny cowboy! Tis a shame he wasn't on more often! Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
My heartfelt condolenses. I loved the interaction between you and your brother--so much great wit in one family! And no matter how much you sparred on the air, the "I love you" sign-off always brought a smile to my face (your "tender side" exposed??). The picture of Fred you've used on your website and on Fox shows one gorgeous hunk of cowboy--Fred could have given Clint Eastwood a run for his money!
Your tribute on this morning's show was touching. I'm truly sorry for your loss you and your family have suffered--all your fans have lost something, too.
Carolyn
Remembering Fred and his wonderful stories will always be with me. Under neat that cowboy hat was a man with a great since of humor. My thoughts are with all of you during this time. Fred was special!
imus family !!
sorry for the loss of your brother fred!! I was schoked to read he passed away wow!! I enjoyed when he came on the radio to talk to you!!
i will never forget when i got my first fred order!! I still have the shirts i got !! of course food was gone a long time ago!!
again will be praying for you and your family at this time!! and for the kids that have been a big part of your ranch!!
by the way i have been a long time listner of your show!!
bruce billings r i p f
(((( imus family and friends )))
I'll think of Fred every time I put on my Auto Body Express T-shirt. That's a damn good t-shirt, by the way. I've probably worn it a couple of hundred times.
I always made sure that I tuned in around the time that Fred would be appearing. He was so funny....I remember when he had gone grocery shopping and lost three melons somewhere in his house....cracked me up........I can't imagine how sad you must be Iman.....my sincere sympathy to you and your family.
The unique Fred Imus
As a longtime IMUS fan I have grown to consider myself part of the "family". Donations to the IMUS ranch, sitting in the audience at your live shows, attending IMUS on Broadway ... these are some of the best moments in my life.
Because of that, I hurt last week as I thought about the pain you all must be feeling due to Fred's passing. Your love for your brother was well known and aptly demonstrated. I know the thought of his passing alone in his sleep is most unsettling to me.
Fred was so unique. There was not a lot of processing that went on between his brain and his mouth or the hand holding the pen. I do not mean that in a hurtful way, at all!
He said or wrote what he was thinking about without worrying about the thought process, or filtering it for correctness ... or hoping to sound more eloquent. He would have been the guy who, if asked to say grace before a meal, would have made it a conversation with God like they were sitting there together chewin' and cussin ... Instead of sounding like some phony doing his own version of the King James Bible.
I was glad to hear you on the air this morning . It seemed like all was right in the world again. Then ... as you talked about Fred and you being like a father to him, and your voice quivered ever so slightly and the quiet became overpowering ... I wept with you.
Thank you for all you do. You really are making a difference in the lives of your ranch kids and your millions of listeners.
I remember Don talking with two kids at the Ranch asking them what they did that morning. They stated that they were digging holes with the backhow with Fred. Don stated " you mean you were watching Fred dig holes with the backhoe, they stated no that Fred was letting them dig the holes. It is never easy losing the ones we love, my heart felt prayers are with you all.
IMAN- I can tell how much Fred's passing has affected you. It was clear your affection for your brother was unconditional and vice versa. I loved hearing his take on all things American, particularly our politics. Fred always called them as he saw them. I believe most cowboys want to die with their boots on. Fred got it half right-he died with his boot on. My heartfelt condolences!
Rick
New Jersey
I ALWAYS LOVED IT WHEN YOU HAD FRED ON THE SHOW. HE HAD HIS OWN WAY OF LOOKING AT THE WORLD, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT, HE WAS RIGHT MOST OF THE TIME. IT WAS ALWAYS NICE TO HEAR YOU TELL EACH OTHER "I LOVE YOU" BEFORE YOU HUNG UP THE PHONE. I WILL MISS THE OLD COWBOY, FRED IMUS.