During my time at WVBR-FM, I worked with an amazing collection of talented people. They all had something to give, something to learn, something to teach. A few of the cast of characters at VBR had been there for long spans of time -- even decades -- and provided the thread of continuity that bound the rest of us, who were there for no more than three or for years at a stretch.

One such character was John Barry Hill, our "JBH". He was the station's chief engineer when I was there, and had been for decades before. He was, at the time, one of the station's three living memory keepers; he knew the crews from by-gone days, and helped (and, to be honest, sometimes hindered) the development of the station's overall character by providing us with continuity.

JBH was not a perfect man, and he was not necessarily perfect for the radio station. But he was a good man, and he was, on the whole, good for the station. I'm glad to have known him.

I enjoyed his story-telling, and all of the many technical tricks he taught me. He was a gifted practical joker, and had a lively sense of humor. And the man had a voice -- both in the character sense, but also in the vocal sense -- that was compelling. Today, as a writer, I tend to focus on narrative and character voice. As a listener, I'm enthralled by good 'pipes'. JBH had it all. He had Voice. He could put you at ease, or rile you up, but mostly, he just told great stories and explained in just the right words how to do what needed to be done.

JBH is the second good friend of mine from my VBR days to have passed this scene. I have yet to comment on the passing of one of the station's other great "memory keepers" -- Atley Nesbitt. I will, in time. Both men deserve to have their memories honored. While it may be some time before Atley gets his recognition, I was touched to learn about a brief tribute paid to JBH by fellow WVBR alum, Keith Olbermann:

Here's to you, JBH. You made a lasting impression on all of us who knew you.