Happy Trails, R.L. Garrigus!
• Sending our very best wishes to Oregon Hall of Fame broadcaster R.L. Garrigus, who officially retired on the morning of New Year’s Eve after serving Central Oregon for more than 45 years, and delivering an estimated 400,000 newscasts on numerous radio stations in Bend, OR, most recently for Bend Radio Group Country KSJJ, Top 40 KXIX (Power 94), Alternative 92.9 KRXF 92.9 and Classic Rock KMGX (X 100.7).
As chronicled by the Central Oregon Daily News, “Garrigus came to Bend [in the summer of 1979] when there were five radio stations and 16,000 people. Ever since then, he’s been getting up at 2:30am to prepare for the morning news, which he delivered live on air on multiple radio stations, multiple times a day.” Explaining his entry into the market, Garrigus said, “The thing that got me through the door with the old KICE was that I had my third class FCC license. The guy who was program director at the time was leaving to go to Mt. Hood Community College to teach. Just because I had my ticket they said, ‘You’re hired.'”
When asked what he will do after 400,000 broadcasts, Garrigus said, “I’m going to be doing things with the radio station. Outdoorsman tip of the day. Public affairs, probably the two main ones. I hope to do more things with Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. My voice is for hire, folks!”
Another radio legend, our pal Dave “The Duke” Sholin, afternoon talent on KSJJ, said of Garrigus, “R.L. showed me the ropes and took me under his wing at KSJJ when I first got to Bend. He is one truly special person who is the first name listeners mention soon as someone says those call letters. No one works harder and more dedicated. Quite an amazing career.”
