I’m deeply and genuinely saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Kelsey, the beloved Colonel of WFHB-Bloomington fame. Besides Michael’s gift for language and love for community broadcasting, which will be rightfully recalled and celebrated by many, I’ll always remember the Colonel as an extremely gracious old-school gentleman, courteous even to those with whom he strongly disagreed.
I know this first-hand, as he and I would often butt heads on the political hot potatoes of the day, and enjoyed many hours writing lengthy rebuttals to one another’s positions here on FB, and even occasionally in equally lengthy private chats. I’d like to think both of us felt challenged and enriched by these discussions, certainly I did.
The Colonel and I often lamented together the reactionary ad hominem approach to political debate which has infested all sides in recent years, and accordingly took pains to stick to the subject at hand and avoid killing the messenger. I can’t speak for the man, but for myself I always knew that when Michael would choose to chime in on a post of mine, I was in for a ready wit, a contrary opinion, and a delightful volley of language that, while seldom changing any minds, would nonetheless widen my own perspective on the topic in a very enjoyable way. I will sorely miss Michael’s snappy repartee.
My sincere condolences to Michael’s family and vast network of friends and followers. He was a gem of a guy.
