The former longtime owner and radio personality of WBUT has died.
Bob Brandon of Butler passed away this morning; the cause of death is not known.
Brandon started his broadcast career with WBUT in 1961 when he was still in high school. Bob became the host of the morning show in 1978 at the same time his family purchased the station.
He later became the general manager of WBUT and WLER, and would purchase WISR in 1996, before selling all three stations to the current local ownership.
“My partners and I owe him a debt of gratitude for the strong radio foundation he provided for our group,” Butler Radio Network General Manager and co-owner Vicki Hinterberger said.
After retirement, Bob doubled down on his commitment to the Butler area according to his friend and tourism president Jack Cohen.
“Everything mattered from Butler to him. Out of every sentence he would speak, would have to do something from home because he was passionate about this community,” Cohen said.
Brandon was especially enamored with all things Bantam. He was currently in the process of restoring a Bantam vehicle, with another one that was already completed according to Cohen.
“He was a special, special man,” Cohen said.
Final arrangements for Bob Brandon are not known at this time.
Bob Brandon joined Bob Cupp last year in celebration of WBUT’s 70th anniversary. You can hear the full Breakfast Club broadcast here.
