05/10/2022
It is with a very heavy heart that it is necessary to announce the passing of Equal Time's unforgettable host, Frank Blair. It isn't possible to fully express what a loss this is, for his friends, the community, and most of all, his wonderful family.
Frank hit the mic at KLAY in 1999, offering audiences an option to counter the unpalatable ravings of Rush Limbaugh - something that didn't exist at the time for those seeking political discourse from a different point of view. Thus, Equal Time for the Progressive Side was born. There were a handful of co-hosts along the way, and in 2005, Frank welcomed me on board to be by his side. It was a life changing experience, and I can never thank him enough.
Frank and I would spend the week commiserating and planning topics and guests for the program, and then for one magical hour - noon on Fridays - we brought it to life. Frank would joke that he had a face for radio. But, the truth was, he had the voice for radio. His natural baritone could not be rivaled by those, who unlike Frank, had trained for years for the gig. Furthermore, he had the personality. He loved every moment that he was on the air, and it showed. And I loved having the honor of being his Second Banana.
Frank was a pillar to the community both on the air and off. He was respected by politicos, law enforcement, musicians, authors, labor unions, and people of all types.
When his heart was in something, you knew it. He worked fervently to save the Manitou Community Center. It provided care and activities to youth who may not have had access elsewhere. While it eventually did come to its demise, Frank's efforts were not fruitless. He kept it on a lifeline while other projects took hold.
In 2010, tragedy struck the Blair family. Their eldest daughter, Sheena, was killed in a car crash perpetrated by another driver who was heavily under the influence of alcohol. Sheena's friend, Tony, was also killed, and two other friends were injured. It was a devastating blow. In the aftermath, Frank and his wife Carol worked with legislators to strengthen DUI laws. And Frank, an openly recovering alcoholic for more than 3 decades, conducted impact panels with those who had been arrested for driving under the influence, as a means to save lives, and prevent other families from enduring what their family had suffered.
But most of all, Frank was an extraordinary family man. Whether you actually met, knew Frank from the radio show, or were Facebook friends, you knew how much he loved his wife, Carol, and his daughters, Sheena and Amy. In fact, through the stories and photos Frank shared, Amy has become a bit of a local celebrity herself. Her sparkling personality even made her Police Chief for a Day. Even if you've never personally met her, you love her. There are no finer parents than Frank and Carol.
Words cannot express how much this amazing man will be missed.
Thank you, Frank, the owners and staff at KLAY, and you, the listeners, for your support. Together is how we get through this.
Traci Kelly
Co-host, Equal Time Radio
