Lou Silverstein Obituary

Silverstein, Lou
Broadcaster Lou Silverstein of Prescott, Arizona died Saturday, January 18,2014 in Prescott from complications of pneumonia. He was born on July 14, 1926 to immigrants Max and Anna Silverstein in North Branch, New Jersey. The Family moved to Tucson, AZ when Lou was a small child and he lived there through all his school years, including several at the University of Arizona. His first job in radio was at KTUC in Tucson. He worked for many years as an advertising salesman for radio stations KRIZ and KUPD in Phoenix. With the help of two college friends, he purchased Prescott radio station KYCA in 1970 and was its general manager until his death. He was also the voice of J.P. Mulligan, whose Morning Report has been aired on "News 1490" since 1971. Lou created KAHM Radio in 1981, with the intent of giving "calm music" to central and northern Arizona. It is now enjoyed worldwide. He was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002. Swimming was another passion from childhood until his death. He is credited with creating the U of A swim team in 1945 and he earned many championships in college, Masters Swimming and Senior Olympics. He always supported youth swimming, believing it to be the best sport for building mind, body and spirit. Among the teams he supported were the Wildcat team under Frank Bush and those at Prescott and Bradshaw Mountain high schools. He was a U.S. Army veteran, a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and recipient of a Prescott VFW Post 541 Loyalty Award. He was a founder of the Yavapai Humane Society. Lou loved to travel, and saw much of the U.S. as he competed in swimming events. He especially treasured his three trips to Paris to celebrate his birthday on Bastille Day. He is survived by his wife Nancy, with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on March 9, 2014. A Gathering of Friends and a Celebration of life will be held Friday, February 7, 2014 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Marina Room of the Hassayampa Inn. The family suggest donations to the Yavapai Humane Society in the memory of Lou, at 1625 Sundog Ranch Road, Prescott, AZ 86301. Services entrusted to Hampton Funeral Home, Prescott, AZ.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Lou Silverstein

8 Entries

Ed Boks

February 3, 2014

Lou was a man of vision and compassion. He was the founder of the Yavapai Humane Society (March 20, 1972) and the producer of the longest running radio show in Arizona history, The YHS Pet Report, running since 1971. He will be missed

February 1, 2014

Nancy, all of us in Arizona Masters Swimming statewide, send love and sympathy at the news of Lou's passing. He is remembered by so many - those who swam with him 70+ years ago at U AZ in Tucson, and those who for years swam with Lou on endless
AZ Masters teams, free and medley relays for all ages....Lou was ever the quiet encourager, the steadfast supporter, and the true teacher for all, swimmer or no. He will be forever in our AZ Masters history books - for
his wonderful swims
and for his
unfailing kindness. A true cheerer-upper and role model for us all. From Helen Bayly, AZ Masters Swimming, Tucson AZ.

us all.

brigid bunch

January 28, 2014

I will miss Lou more than I can put in words. He was my inspiration in swimming. He gave so that Prescott could start the high school swim teams in 2001. Through that donation, he has touched hundreds of Prescott's kids -- giving them a chance at being on a team that they wouldn't otherwise have. Thank you Nancy, for sharing your wonderful husband with all of us. I truly miss seeing Lou swim butterfly in the middle lane of the YMCA.

nancy kinney

January 28, 2014

nancy..this from an old Prescott friend, who was nancy macbeth at that time....Lou and I started swimming together in the 40s at the UofA and kept
at it all our lives..we were pals for
a very long time and i will miss him.
nancy kinney

eric hauenstein

January 27, 2014

I was a fellow Az broadcaster and competitor for 20 years. I always admired Lou for his commitment to radio and Prescott.

January 26, 2014

Nancy, my deepest condolences. Lou was a very dear friend and mentor to me in broadcast and advertising. I will miss him at the Survivors gatherings.

Jim Fraser

Ruth Ann Morse Gray

January 26, 2014

I well remember Lou from swimming meets when I was younger, and my dad was the official starter. He was definitely a large presence in the swimming community, and at the U. of A. My sincere condolences to his family on their loss.

David German

January 26, 2014

My first memory of Lou is from his concession called "Louie's Lower Level" in the U of A Student Union when I was a student there. He provided ping pong, pool and low priced food for the students. When I moved to Prescott in 1979 I began to notice his quiet support of the community. He will be missed.

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