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William Bill Edwardsen

William Edwardsen Obituary

ALBANY Bill Edwardsen, 78, died at St. Peter's Hospital on February 6, 2006 after a short illness. He was the long-time area morning radio host of Breakfast with Bill starting at WGY from 1954-1970, followed by WQBK, WMVI, WABY, WGNA and WVCR. After serving in the Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Bill worked at several jobs until he found his true calling in 1949 working for WNLK in Norwalk, Connecticut. He then moved to radio stations in Bridgeport, Conn. and Albuquerque, N.M. and to a TV station in Fresno, Calif., before coming to WGY. He did an afternoon radio show at WJW in Cleveland from 1970 to 1972. Bill was well known for playing the Great American Standards by Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, the Four Freshmen, Duke Ellington, and others, although he also hosted a radio talk show from 1976 to 1982 on WQBK. Bill was an avid golfer and belonged to several area golf courses throughout the years and until recently, played an average of four to five days a week in season. To his delight, he played the Old Course at St. Andrews twice. Bill loved to travel and hosted several listener tours to Europe and one to South America to hear the Bossa Nova played. He also traveled extensively with his wife to Europe, China, Tahiti, and Costa Rica. Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Jean Stern Edwardsen of Albany; his daughters, Melody and Elizabeth; and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held later in the spring at the convenience of the family. Donations in Bill's name may be made to the Capital City Rescue Mission, 259 South Pearl St., Albany, NY 12202; The Peter G Young Foundation, PO Box 1338, Albany, NY 12201; or to a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are by the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.

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Published by Albany Times Union from Feb. 8 to Feb. 9, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William Edwardsen

21 Entries

Ginny Cairns-Callan

February 4, 2007

I miss my conversations with Bill Edwardsen, my good pal with whom I worked at WGY/WRGB. My husband, Albert Callan,who predeceased Bill, was also a great fan and friend, Albert and Bill are great losses in my life, who shall never be forgotten. Ginny Cairns Callan

Larry Barnet

February 23, 2006

I just returned from mid-winter break to hear the news of Bill's passing. My condolences to Jean and to Bill's two daughters, Melody and Elizabeth.

I was the general manager of WQBK doing interviews for the periodic "needs and interests" survey required at that time by the FCC when I asked Erastus Corning, 2nd, what we could do to "meet" the community's needs. He said, without hesitation, "Bring back Bill Edwardsen." So, we did. Bill used radio to create intimacy with the listener, as Arthur Godfrey and a few others have done as well.

Dick and Joan Healy

February 21, 2006

When ever we hear a good song it will remind us of Bill. Our prayers are with Jean, his daughters and grandchildren. He was unique, and he will be missed.

Mike Baniak

February 9, 2006

May Lona and I join Bill's family in mourning their loss..

Bill and I worked mornings at WMVI...

It was great fun, not "work" and many happy memories remain.

Reading Bill's obituary is very sad news here in Southern California...

Lou Roberts

February 9, 2006

My deepest sympathy to Bill's family.

I worked with Bill at WABY/WWOM and WGNA-AM. It was always a pleasure to run into Bill. I'll miss him and his stories of "the old days". Always interesting.

Ken Hunter

February 9, 2006

Have pleasant memories of Bill who went out of his way to welcome me as a college student fill-in during summers and early falls between semesters. While I worked later doing public relations for the United Fund in Albany, I asked Bill to be a spokesman for us during our annual fund efforts and he responded yes even before I finished making the requests. Bill was a pleasure to work with and certainly made those efforts the successes they were. He was also a great supporter of the music scene at the old Petit Paris on Madison Avenue in the "good old days" when music and radio was a true gem. Bill will be sorely missed -- there's no one on the scene today to fill his shoes. To Bill's family -- may God give you the strength to bear up in these difficult days ahead.

Jim DeTore

February 9, 2006

My sympathy to Bill's family. During the 25 years we lived in East Greenbush, our home and car radios were tuned to which ever station was wise enough, and fortunate enough to employ him.

Larry

February 9, 2006

I worked with Bill at WABY in the summer of 1988. I was a "youngster" (22) as Bill called me, but Bill took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I will never forget that. It has been a pleasure to have known such a great person as Bill. My sincerest condolences to Bill's family.

Jerry Fagan

February 9, 2006

To Bill's Family,

Bill was truly one of the great people one meets in a liftime. He will be missed by all who"s lives he touched,and that is millions of people over the years.I had the great pleasure of working with Bill in the early 90"s at WABY/WKLI radio in Albany. He was a man that when you think back he still makes you laugh. I wanted to let the family know You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I just know Bill in in Heaven gettings his rewards for a good life.

God Bless..Jerry and Samantha Fagan and Sons.

Barbara Dana

February 8, 2006

Charlie and I used to get up early on Saturday morning to listen to Bill's radio show. He was one of the last of a 'special breed of cat'. He shall be missed. Our condolences to Jean.

Jerry Bruno

February 8, 2006

Condolences to Bill's family.

I have fond memories of the many times I was a guest on Bill's show. He was always so challenging and thoughtful, spiced with humor. He was also a great friend to Cathy and I. He will be missed by so many.

Jerry

PAUL MASTRIANI

February 8, 2006

Bill was a good friend and his

encouragement meant a lot to me.

An era has truly passed.

Dave DiSisto

February 8, 2006

A true legend of Capital District radio is gone. Many come and go unnoticed; Bill remained noticed until the end and will continue to live on in the memory of many thankful fans.

DONALD MCGRATH

February 8, 2006

NEVER MET BILL BUT ENJOYED HIS SHOWS FOR YEARS

WE WILL MISS HIS MUSIC AND HIS LIFE

Peg Ferraioli

February 8, 2006

Dear Jean & family,

Bill was a friend who was

remembered by Dick and I often. Although Dick wasn't much for Jazz they always chatted for a while. And I just sat and enjoyed the talked. Maybe they will meet in heaven.

Ric Mitchell

February 8, 2006

I worked with Bill for a few years at K-Lite and WABY and will miss him. His wit and love of life will be missed.

John Graney

February 8, 2006

My son called me moments ago to convey the sad message of Bill's passing. He will always remain dear to me for many reasons but in particular, for his encouragement during my beginning days in broadcasting. Bill was not a man of fluff -- he said exactly what he was thinking and did not dole out false praise. So if he found someone worthy of it, a compliment from Bill Edwardsen was very, very real. My first year at WQBK was filled with doubt but when Bill took me under his wing and told me I had the ability to make it, that meant more than any other occurance in my career. He was a friend and THE dominant voice on Capital District radio for so many years. God Bless You Jean. I know you made him so happy.

Sincerely,

John Graney

Joyce Rhubin

February 8, 2006

Bill was always a preset on my radio dial during commutes between Schenectady and Rensselaer. I thought I remembered him on WGY, prior to WQBK. He did make me laugh and he did shape my preferences in music. Condolences to the family, I have been missing his voice and dry humor for a long time. I wonder if he's goofing off now with Harry Downey, and some of my other personal favorites.

Greer Morgan

February 8, 2006

With sympathy to the family on the loss of a local legend. I recall many hours as a child listening to "BILL' on the radio with my mother. He is still broadcasting, this time with the ultimate listener.

Ginny Cairns Callan

February 8, 2006

Jazz musicians and performers all over the world have lost their number one fan and promoter. Bill was unique in his knowledge of music which he shared with his loyal fans throughout his career and kept jazz alive for all who cared about this art form. He will be greatly missed as a performer and a friend to all who knew him.

Stan Marsden

February 8, 2006

Condolences to Bill's family.

He was a good friend of local musicians and vocalists,especially those in the jazz field .

If you had a concert, jam session, or a special benefit show , Bill could be relied upon to be a knowledgeable and humorous master of ceremonies.

Jerome Kern anticipated his 'arrival' - and was'nt far off when he wrote "Bill" in 1927.

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