Monday
Aug082011
Remembering Fred Imus
Please share your thoughts and memories of Fred Imus, who passed away August 6 at the age of 69
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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.
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Reader Comments (2564)
damn, I just feel like I lost my favorite Uncle.
Dear Don,
I grew up listening to you when I was in high school in the 70's. As the years passed you and your brother Fred became a part of my morning ritual before school and later work. It was with disbelieving horror this morning that I heard Fred had passed away. Words typed here are inadequate to express the loss of your brother and how much he will be missed by your millions of listeners. He became a part of our families. He was a man of few words, but his message was as broad and sweeping as the Southwest. In many ways, with his humor, he was a modern Will Rogers. And this is how he should be remembered, someone who believed in the innate goodness of the American People and the greatness they can do.
With deepest prayers and thoughts to Fred's family and Yours,
Malcolm Minor
adios amigo
saturdays,and more,are now less
the trailer park is desolate and sad
vaya con dios
Don,
I thought you were out last week for the ranch and didn't know until this morning that Fred had died. I loved your brother's wonderful character and humor, on all topics ranging from politics to on-line dating. Every time he was on your show, Fred made me laugh out loud. I know that he must be in a place with open pastures for horses and long dirt roads where dogs can run. God speed Fred
Mr. Imus, We have been watching your show ever since we retired and always looked forward to seeing Fred. We enjoyed the way you two brothers worked off each other. We will miss him so much. It is so hard to lose a member of your family. Take care of yourself. Joe and Cindy Mondo, Syracuse, NY
God speed Fred. Enjoyed you on Outlaw Country . . . . I will Miss you. Condolences to the Imus family.
I just found out this evening that Fred had passed away and more than just a passing moment of sadness hit me. I've been a listener of the Imus in the Mornng Program for over 15 years (off and on depending upon whether I could find the program where I've lived, but now enjoy it online in Kansas City). I've enjoyed every apsect of the program and the characters who have made me laugh and helped lighten the daily load somewhat. However, I can honestly admit that Fred and Bill of White Plains have been my favorites for years. For me, Fred had a way of sorting things down to the bottom line better than anyone. I admired his simple lifestyle and ability to make fun of everything and everyone, including his brother. The love between Don and Fred was obvious in every conversation they shared with us listeners. Fred, we will miss you, but I'm sure you are already passing along some advice to God.
ed Dear Don, Losing someone you love is always difficult. When this occurs suddenly and unexpectedly it is even more so. As someone who has been in a similar situation I empathize with you sadness and your pain. I only hope your memories and the love of your family sustain you at this time. R Andron
Wow! We were shocked this morning while watching Imus in the Morning to learn about Fred's passing. We loved watching him when he was on the show - he was one of our all time favs. Sending our thoughts and prayers to everyone - RIP, Fred - you will be missed!
Hello Don! Doug Spero here from the "Class of "73/74/75" when you were less nice than you are now! I wanted to wait a few days until the dust settles. Who knows, you may be out of the reading mode by now but I just needed to send my regrets. I know how it hurts. I lost my brother in '90 in a car accident on 95 in West Palm Beach when
he was "under-the-weather". He got thrown out of his sports car when it flipped. It was one of the hardest things in my life to tell my Mom, on her birthday, that her younger son died in a car crash the night before. My brother was an MD. Funny....my brother made people well mentally (a "shrink") and Fred basically did the same thing. I could have listened to Fred all day! I just wish you had him on more.....always good for a deep thought and a laugh. I also have to believe what we heard was what we got. Sorry to take-up so much ink. Looks like we are now both in the same club...but I wish we didn't have to be. I hope notes like these keep coming for a while because that's when you will need them even more than now. Good luck and thanks for helping all of "the Imus kids" at the ranch. Best, Doug Spero
p.s. I hear the Jerry Lewis gig is open....any desire??
I man, Fred was one of a kind & will be missed dearly. He was always funny on the show & I knew he was a great guy by the way he spoke about his dogs & horses. You were lucky to have such a close & loving relationship with your brother. It was nice to hear you talk about him the way you did & the Cavuto piece was very touching. Ed
Don and Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been listening to you since 1986, and you have always brightened up my day. Fred was so funny and cool. He had a voice that was so unique. I feel bad for Wyatt, as I have lost several uncles throughout the years, and they were all father figures to myself. May God Bless Fred and all of you..
Funny "sum bitch"! So sad he left so soon. Ride hard my friend.
Dear Don and family. Truly a great loss for you and your family. I lost my brother 5 years ago and still not over it. We also talked everyday like you and Fred did. As sad as iit is what a blessing you were so close and that was obvious to all of us, My grandson is also in the 101st Airbourne, what an honor to know Fred Imus was among that elite group. Your show today was so sad and know it became difficult to talk about Fred, so sorry for your sudden loss. God Bless, Gail
Hey, so sorry for your loss, Don. .... I enjoyed hearing you and Fred bust chops and then confess love. ... As a 58 year old, still getting to know his 70 year old brother, and loving it, and wishing we had fought through the barriers that prevented us getting to know each other earlier, I thank you and Fred for showing it ain't ever too late. Not only for brothers, but for anyone.
Best to you and the fam.
Mike Nugent
Don and family. we are so sorry for the loss of your bother. No matter how many times you say that many others would love to have gotten to 69 it does not diminish the pain that you feel for your loss. We have always had so much fun listening to you and Fred. Thank you for all you do for those who are battleling their own war. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Don, I've followed you where ever you "played" for years, and whenever Fred was on I had to be sure to watch or DVR,it has been since you are at FBN,that Fred called about someone dying and he told them to come to his trailer,and he'd set it on fire,I don't remember the whole story, but it was a classic,it would be a real tribute, if FBN would play segments of all of Fred's call ins, it could be done in the next couple weeks, and I know all your listeners would love to hear ALL of them.
Fred was the kind of guy, that I would have loved to gone to a roadhouse, and danced to the juke box, playing Merle's "Every Fool Has A Rainbow".
The feeling of the 5 pound weight, just below your collar bone, when you think of him will be there for awhile,I lost my sister 2 years ago and I still feel it.
"It is What it Is", and there isn't a damn thing we can do about it. I hope that you are still reading these messages.
I accidentally discovered the Imus show back in 1998 because my wife kicked me out of our bedroom for snoring. Channel surfing in the wee hours, I happened upon Imus in the Morning and have been hooked ever since. It's a huge loss for the show's fans to have suffered the departure of Charles McCord and now the passing of Fred Imus. It just won't be the same ever again. It's still thoroughly enjoyable watching Imus however and everything that makes up the show. Losing these two unforgettable characters is hard to take. Bernie, Lou, Warner, Big Foot, Rob, Tony, Dagen, Connell, great guests, etc., all help to make the Imus show a great way to spend some time being entertained and informed. It's going to be a sad day when it's all over, so I'm going to try to enjoy it all I can for as long as it lasts.
Great tribute on the show today. We're gonna miss Fred here too.
Rod
Kingman, AZ
Dear Imus - If we do not believe we will see our loved ones in Heaven (including our dogs), we will lose our minds. HBO has an interesting documentary playing now and On Demand -- No One Dies in Lily Dale. It is about a spiritualist community located south of Buffalo, NY, which is the world's largest and oldest town of mediums. Fascinating and comforting. Best wishes always to you, dear sir.
Dear Mr. Imus,
Took a few days to post some thoughts here because your loss hit me unusually close to heart and after hearing Neil Cavuto's remembrance, I maybe understood my deep sorrow for your loss of your beloved brother, Fred. Like Mr. Cavuto, I never had the pleasure to meet Fred but I feel like I knew him well enough to say, "Hey Fred," if I ever saw him walking down the street. That in itself is pretty fine relating on the radio, don't you think? That is special because Fred was a special individual.
No matter what TV station you're been on and going back into the mid-80's when I lived in Philadelphia and listened to you daily on radio, I have always enjoyed your work immensely. And, most especially, I always looked forward to when your brother, Fred, would drop in and say whatever the hell was on his mind. I always knew it was going to be "something" and you two always made me smile (even when I would think, "Say what?"). The brotherly love there was easily felt and that was something I enjoyed very much.
I can only imagine your wrenching feelings of loss. I watched how you struggled at times on your first day back and tears hit my cheeks in amazement at how strong you were. I watched your co-workers there for you and that warmed my heart, too. You all did Fred proud. Your sense of family is something I admire and respect so much.
You know, I have long thought if "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" had lived in our era and lived to the around age 70 mark, I have a feeling those two guys would look and act something like Don and Fred Imus. Yes, that makes your other cast and crew, The Hole in the Wall Gang. Not bad in my book.
You, Mr. Imus, and Fred were great fun to watch and I will miss that gruff-voiced appearance from the big-hearted, honest to the bone, great joke telling Fred Imus. The Imus Brothers were and will always be something special together. Family working together that always ended with a proud ... "I love you" ... will always hold a special place in our hearts.
God Bless The Imus Brothers ... and All of You There ... Forever.
Most sincerely, Karen Fox
To the Imus Family,
My parents got me interested in your program on the radio about 10 years ago. We enjoyed during the years the humorous stories Don and Fred shared on the air as well as learning about your ranch for children with cancer. My parents and I would share the humorous stories or one liners we heard on the air that day. Thank you all for your long time service on the air. You all made our day every day! My comments are in line with Neil Cavuto's commentary. Fred will sorely be missed. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Imus family and friends. Thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends.
Best Regards to All,
The Chernous Family
I agree with one of your listeners you showed alot of class and spunk yesterday
Sorry for your loss. That photo of Fred showing his rugged "handsomeness" is priceless. Please identify the photographer.
Bob
Four Corners for Your Brother
“He died in his sleep.”
That’s what they said in the New York Times this morning.
“He wrote a hit country song in the 70’s.”
“He preferred to live a more low key life.”
Funny thing about being memorialized in the press; it just can’t quite hit the mark. Nothing can. A life distilled. Keep it simple. Keep to the facts and be respectful.
But the man who saved my life lost his brother last Saturday and that’s just got to hurt some bad. There’s nothing I can do about it either. So I sit here thinking about how we come into this world, into our family of origin, as the anthropologists and psychologists like to say. Or into a tribe, like our Native American brethren would call it. You can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family. How much irony looms in an old tenet spouted by many while they try to justify their various familial dysfunctions? If we could only choose to have our family returned to us when we lose them?
When a brother dies it can rip the guts out of you for any number of reasons that defy words. That’s the truth. It’s complicated. A brother either has your back or you have his at any given time in life’s continuum. The DNA, the blood, the pain and the joy, it all adds up to a bond that only death can really break. No more phone calls. No more worrying. Gone are frustrations or humor or expressions of love. No more sound of his voice but only the reverberating memory of that voice. And even that will trail off like a note held not long enough.
When a brother dies the brother left behind is changed forever. These are the truths that the obituaries cannot reveal, cannot even hint at.
This man who saved my life has a heart of gold barely concealed by his sometimes gruff, impatient, public persona. When his brother’s dog died, when his son’s horse died, when one of the cherished boys who attended the ranch lost his battle with cancer, this man revealed a compassion that runs deep. That’s why today I know his heart is breaking and I am helpless to offer any comfort.
So I sit here, holding their book in my hands, picturing them together, soaking in the majesty of an area of our world so beloved to them, envying their brotherhood and quietly lamenting his deep loss. That’s the best I can do and the only way I can thank him at this moment.