So Long George

Mayor Sam Yorty (the real one) and George Putnam in 1994

We didn't mention the passing Friday of legendary broadcaster George Putnam at the age of 94 of heart failure.  Putnam's career lasted nearly 75 years and spanned from the eras from Walter Winchell to Bill O'Reilly.

George had a long career in both radio and television having anchored the news for years in Los Angeles on most of the local independent stations.  Following his "retirement" from television, Putnam hosted a daily radio talk show, first on KIEV (now KRLA) and later on Cable Radio Network until just a few months before his death.  George was also a regular fixture in the Tournament of Roses Parade, riding his horse, until his horse passed away and George felt too old to train a new horse.

I once had the opportunity to meet George, albeit in an awkward way.  In the early 80s, George hosted his radio show from a studio in the basement mall below Arco Plaza in Downtown LA.  There was a small public seating area where the audience could watch George interview his guests.  Following the broadcast, I made my way to the men's room and George entered following me.  He said hello and I said "How are you doing George?" He was as friendly and genial as he has been described to me, even in a "private" moment.

George was really neither liberal nor conservative, he was a registered Democrat who was active in the civil rights movement in the 50s and 60s but in recent years opposed both illegal immigration and the Bush administration.  He was really the last of the good guys and will be sorely missed.