Dick MAYERS

MAYERS, Dick longtime Tucson broadcaster and founder of Tucson Media Monitoring, died one year ago, on November 4, 2016. Richard Charles Mayers, eldest child of Dale Mayers and the former Maxine Chamberlain, was born in Ann Arbor, MI, on May 22, 1935. While still in high school, Dick began his career in broadcasting at WPAG, where he continued to work on the air while attending the University of Michigan. Pursuing his lifelong interest in the culture of Mexico and the Spanish language he traveled by car throughout Mexico following his graduation from college. He relocated to Tucson in 1959, attracted by its proximity to Mexico and the significant influence of Mexican culture. He worked for KVOA 4 as a news reporter, doing the Morning Report and the Pictorial Report. With Raúl Gamez he co-anchored Las Noticias. He also hosted the Dick Mayers Report, often featuring interviews with local people of interest; amongst the notables were a very young Linda Ronstadt, Ted DeGrazia, and a personal favorite, Alva Torres. After leaving KVOA in the early 1970s Dick continued to work in broadcasting, first at KGUN 9 and KAIR radio, and finally at KUAT. Ahead of his time he started a short-lived bilingual advertising agency, then went on to work as director of public relations for the Palo Verde Foundation. Dick's talent for black-and-white photography was used in service to many of his employers, and he also created stunning portraits of his loved ones. He loved airplanes and used his GI benefit to obtain a commercial pilot's license. Later, in his fifties and unemployed, he started a video clipping service, borrowing on credit cards to buy the equipment and operating from a home office. Early clients included IBM, UA, local hospitals, and many individuals who ended up on TV and wanted a copy of their proud moment. Tucson Media Monitoring was the fulfillment of his dream of independent self-employment. He enjoyed the long hours of exacting work, the business thrived, and its success became his proudest accomplishment. Preceded in death by his sister, Judy and his first wife, Kay Weil. Dick is survived by his sister, Jean Walden of Blairsville, GA; his sons, Richard (Suzanne) of Tucson and Clay (Cindy) of San Diego, and his granddaughters, Sydney and Shayla Mayers. Arrangements by FUNERARIA DEL ANGEL.