Remembering Harvey J. Steele
• Harvey J. Steele, popular longtime morning co-host on Cumulus Country WKKO (K100)/Toledo, OH, died on December 28 at the age of 60. His last day on the air was December 20, capping 17 years as co-host the K100 morning show with his on-air partner and friend, Gary Shores, who have been with K100 for 23 years, the first six in afternoon drive before moving to mornings in 2000. Steele notably helped many people facing organ transplantation, a cause he was particularly committed to, having been the beneficiary of two liver transplants 20 years ago.
Andy Stuart, RVP/Market Manager for Cumulus Media Toledo, OH & Monroe, MI, said, “Harvey was a brilliant broadcaster who through his singularly entertaining sense of humor and chemistry with Gary made us laugh every day. And by his example of persevering through his health issues over the last 20 years, he showed us all how to go on despite all of it. We will all miss him very much. Morning radio will never be the same.” Mike McVay, EVP of Content & Programming for Cumulus Media and Westwood One, commented, “Shores and Steele have touched so many lives, on and off the air, during their many years on the radio. Harvey Steele will be missed by his family, his co-workers and thousands of Ohio and Michigan listeners. May he never be forgotten.”
Shores remarked, “Harvey has made radio in Toledo a blast. He always said we have the greatest listeners in the world, and he’s right. Thank you all for your support over the years. Harvey will continue to touch lives in the future. If Harvey were here right now, he would ask you to become an organ donor. Please do. Get more information at lifeconnectionofohio.org.”
In lieu of flowers, Steele’s family asks that donations be made to The Harvey J. Steele Memorial Fund through the Toledo Community Foundation — visit toledocf.org and designate “The Harvey J. Steele Memorial Fund.” A celebration of Harvey’s life will be held tomorrow, January 3, from noon-8pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue in Toledo. The K100 website features a nice tribute to Steele.
