I am searching my memory for the first time I met Victor K. and I can't exactly remember. What I recall most, is getting to know him. It was like peeling off layers of clothing during a game of strip poker. Every time he exposed another part of himself, he became more intriguing, and more real. The man people saw in the hallways was but a shadow of the depth of his character.
I pissed him off once by forwarding something he'd written without his permission. It was right after 9/11 and it was a brilliantly crafted appraisal of what was then, only beginning to take shape. I sent it to a few friends, they sent it to a few friends and so on, and don't ya know, that piece, somehow made it's way around the world and he received a threatening e-mail from someone he'd never met. We were close enough that he could get angry at me for that and I could apologize and we would still be friends.
We shared the same things most friends and coworkers do...laughs, rants, disappointments, joys....and some things friends and coworkers don't...political and spiritual views. I knew Victor as a thinker and a writer and his love for radio was palpable. He truly appreciated being on the air.
Victor, I will miss our electric political conversations. I will miss your hugs. I will miss the smell of Old Spice as you sauntered into the studio to do a shift or just to say hello.
Victor K. I am so grateful to have known you, learned from you and I can't believe you are gone. your friend, Julie
43 comments:
Victor was my Friend
we Both Loved Westerns
like HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL
I used to bring in my Episodes
for him to watch
He dropped by my house in Plymouth
one Afternoon and All we did
was watch PALIDIN and talk radio
His Passing Hurts
he was a VERY REAL person
God Bless you Victor!!
Joe Mc Millan
WNSX/Ellsworth/Bangor Me
I miss Victor already. I miss his hugs. I miss his enthusiasm. I miss his energy. I miss his team spirit. I miss his selflessness. I miss his laugh. I miss his e-mails with words of encouragement. I miss his kindness. I miss listening to him on the radio.
He was part of our family and I miss him.
I just saw Victor on Tuesday. He was upbeat and funny as always. I actually thought he looked quite good. He complimented me on my new postion as he was always complimenting me on something. Nothing like having someone around to make you feel good.
This is a sad day. Victor will be remembered in my thoughts and is missed!
VICTOR K YOU WERE ONE OF A KIND. YOU WILL BE SURELY MISSED BY YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND THOSE OF US WHO LISTENED TO YOU ALL THE TIME. GOD ALWAYS TAKES THE SPECIAL ONES EARLY. NOW YOU ARE OUR ANGEL WATCHING OVER US. UNTIL WE MET AGAIN.
Victor "Harry Nelson" Pryles was a fabulous afternoon jock on the old Mighty 1190 KLIF in Dallas.
I remember how he and traffic reporter Dick Seigel would try to one-up each other with their prepared bits. It was always a fun listen.
I'm glad we got to visit again and tell the old stories.
My prayers to his mom, Gloria.
Buzz Knight said:
Victor was one of the absolute sweetest people I have run into in this life. He was an original...full of love for everyone!
We are all fortunate that he touched us.
Let his memory burn bright.
One of the many things I appreciated about Victor is that when you passed him in the halls, he was not the type to keep his head down and breeze past. There was always a smile - always a hello and a good word. It was hard to be grumpy after running into Victor.
It was really nice having Victor in the world. I'm going to miss him.
Vic (I called him Vic) and I were technology buddies. When one or the other of us would pick up a new gadget — whether a cell phone, a media player, a camera or what have you — it was absolutely vital that we show it off to the other as soon as possible. I think what I'll remember most from here on out is the way his face lit up when I helped him figure out how to hit a decent shot off the tee in some silly golf game he downloaded for his prized laptop.
Like everyone else, I'll miss you, Vic.
Victor K's sense of humor and knowledge of music, combined with an uncanny ability to make anyone around him feel good, will be missed.
Barry Scott
"The Lost 45s"
I worked with Victor in the 70s when the public knew him as Penrod Rideout,at WFEA-Manchester.
You got the same person both on and off air. A quick wit and most importantly, a kind soul.
I already miss your "check this out" e-mails.
God Bless You Vic!!
Warren Bailey
Nassau Broadcasting N.H.-V.T.
I would see Vic every single weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday we worked the same shifts at different stations. We were both friends and co-workers. I especially enjoyed all his stories about radio. He truly lived the radio life. Traveling to different cities from gig to gig. Dropping everything to rush to the station for a last minute shift. It won't be the same with out you Vic. I will keep you in my prayers and may you rest in peace!
Melissa Gaudette
Vic was an amazing guy. Whenever I worked a shift with him, he was quick with a hug and a big "How ya doing sweety". You could be having the worst day, and in would walk Vic with a big smile, and you couldn't help but smile too. He loved to make people smile. He would leave funny photos of animals and people in the studio to be found after his shifts. He had a good laugh when I got spooked out by his morphed Jack Nicholson picture(believe me it was creepy!)
Vic you will be missed...I am glad to have known you.
To Victors' family and his WROR family, Victor will be sorely missed. I never met Victor but after listening to him for so long, you start to feel a kinship for the great DJ. My condolences to Victors family. He will be missed by the WROR Nation.
Leah
I was very sad and shocked to hear of Victors passing. When I first heard him on the air I thought who is this guy. But after we got to know him. He was fantastic. I looked forward to when he was on.
I am sure you will be missed by all. I am sure the big guy upstairs has bigger and better plans for you. Rest in Peace.
My condolences to the family of Victor and also his ror family. Our prayers are with you. Always remember the good times as this will help ease the pain a little.
Take care
Kathy Bussolari
Holbrook Ma.
I didn’t know Victor in person, but I always enjoyed his voice on the radio. When I call to the radio station for a request Victor was always upbeat and very kind. Victor's voice on Radio, will be missed by all listeners.
Dave & Lori Marvill
No Dighton MA
God bless
Victor was a really sweet man with a very kind soul.
He always greeted me with a big smile and a 'hi darlin'. I can't believe I won't hear him say that again.
Victor was one of the most genuine people I've ever known. He really cared...and you always knew it.
I miss you, Victor. May God bless you.
Victor, if I were half the writer that you were, this would be easier. I'll miss everything about you. You were a wonderful friend to me and to Cameron. I've heard it said "you should expose children to noble people," and I'm glad he had the chance to know you. How do I explain death to a 7 year old child? Ironically, you would have been able to find all the right words. I've loved reading everyone's memories of you...I hope you knew how much we all loved you. My Saturdays at WROR will never be the same.
Until we meet again!
Kristin Lessard
WROR-Boston B101-Providence
I WAS ONE OF THIS LISTENERS WE GOT TO
KNOW ONE ANOTHER JUST JUST BY TALKING & WHEN I HEARD OF HIS UNTIMLY DEATH I WAS VERY SAD.
I EVEN DEDICATED YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND"
& FROM TIME TO TIME HE'D PLAY IT FOR ME TOO.
TO HIS FAMILY I AM SORRY.
AND HOPE HE'S PLAYING 'THE SONGS WE GREW UP W/ 'IN THE SKY.
we'll miss you deeply
Victor Was a great guy he and a great radio man i looked forward to heraing him on wror saturdays and sundays i will miss that about victor miss his pride for radio and miss him a lot. Victor was my friend and a great guy to know we will miss him for sure. Eric DiMartino from Abington Ma.
HI FRANKIE & MARIE FROM BROCKTON WE WERE VERY GOOD FRIENDS WITH VIC WE WORKED SIDE BY SIDE WITH HIM AT D'ANN'S IN ABINGTON COUNTRY NIGHT WE WERE WITH HIM THE NIGHT OF HIS PASSING HE WAS IN A FANTASTIC MOOD LAUGHING & JOKING ALL NIGHT WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS GREAT RADIO VOICE A TRUE PROFESSIONAL IN EVERYTHING HE HAS DONE YOU COULD NOT ASK FOR A BETTER FRIEND HE WOULD GIVE YOU THE WORLD HIS WRITING HIS POEMS HE WAS JUST AN AMAZING GUY WE LOVED HIM SO MUCH AND WILL REALLY MISS HIM THURSDAY NIGHTS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME VIC WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU WE WILL MEET AGAIN IN ANOTHER PLACE THAT IS MUCH BETTER THAN THIS ONE
Hutch here.....totally in disbelief that an old friend has gone. I only found out this afternoon and I am stunned. Vic and I shared many a laugh over a cigarette at the back door of Greater Media, before after and sometimes during the swing shifts that we would do at the weekends between 'ROR,'BOS and 'KLB. We always worked around the same times so we would always see each other. What a super guy you were Vic. When I have actually absorbed the hard and cold fact that you are gone, I will miss you, old chum.
"Hutch"
John Hutchinson
limeyhutch@yahoo.com
I worked with Victor exactly 25 years ago in San Antonio. He was what I wanted to be. I never quite made it.
Victor "Harry Nelson" and I worked together at Satellite Music Network back in the 80's. An incredibly gifted human and a true gentleman. He'll be sorely missed by all of us.
Jay Noble
VP/Sales
JonesTM, Inc.
Dallas, TX
Being from the other side of radio... Entering the studio was never just getting my business done and out the door when Victor was working! He would turn the music down and welcome your company into the studio with a big smile and a "Hi Darlin!" He always had something nice to say and I find it really sad that it is after his passing I return that favor. He was refreshing and smart. And little did I know- quite eclectic! To living it to the fullest Victor! You did it!
-Jamie
Victor was a great guy. I worked with him in Rockland and have known him for many years. We always joked about him being full of useless knowledge, he was great at Trivia. I always knew when he came in I would get a hug and a "hey, darlin'" He was always the first to help out with our fundraisers, he will be missed!
Victor and his dear mother Gloria were always so kind and special to me and my late mother. From summer barbecues in their Rockland backyard to summer Sunday concerts at Nantasket beach, we always had so much fun together. Victor was one of the most kind and caring people that I have ever met. I met Victor in 1971 at WFEA in Manchester. He let me drive his convertible Mustang even though I wasn't very experienced. He was that kind of guy. Thanks for all you gave. Godspeed gentle soul.
Love Elizabeth
It was always a pleasure to see Victor. He always had a great outlook on things. He really loved people and people loved him back. It's hard to think that a guy who really gave of himself to others won't be here any longer. He will not be forgotten. He's one of those people who'll always be with you.
WE MISS YOU, VICTOR!!!!
Victor always called me Hankster and I'd do my best, really low voice and reply Vic-tor......
Rock on in heaven, baby!
Hankster
It's been decades since I saw Vic (I called him Penrod) when we worked together at WFEA in the 70s. What I remember most about Penrod was his enthusiasm.
A while back, while Googling, I was pleased to discover that he had become a prolific author and self-help guru. What he lacked in formal education he more than made up for in creativity.
He was exactly the kind of person the radio industry needs more of (but these days seems to have fewer of): someone who understood that radio's greatest strength is the personal connection between the person on this side of the mic and the person on that side of the speaker. He also knew that radio is supposed to be fun. Working with him, it was.
Victor was a genine guy. What you saw is what you got. My husband and I didn't know him long but that didn't matter with Vic. Once you met him you were his friend. He always had a nice thing to say about everyone. We meet Vic at D'Ann's in Abington. He would always came around to say Hi and make sure everything was OK. We saw him on his last night and he was showing everyone is photo album and of how proud he was of his pictures of thursday nights at D'Ann's. My heart goes out to his Mom. They were best friends. That in itself speaks volumes about the kind of man he was. He will missed.
Mary & Joe
Oh this is so sad:(.........
From reading your post and all of the comments, it just shows how much this person was loved and loved. He touched many lives and I'm sure his memory will be a happy and lifting one to all those he surrounded. I do believe the soul lives on and we are all part of a bigger picture, so I encourage not to only mourn, but to also remember this person fondly with happy thoughts and that you were blessed to have them in your life.
Thank you Julie for starting this blog.
I met Victor 6 years ago while working as a Karaoke host in Rockland. He approached me, introduced himself, stayed all night, and sang a couple songs while he was there. He came back a couple times a month for the next 3 years and we became good friends and penpals. He was always quick with a compliment, always encouraging, and always wishing me well. Every holiday, he would send out his e-cards, or his own creative blog, and because of that, he was a constant presence. Most friends and aquantences drift over time and sometimes you lose touch, but it was very clear early on that Victor would remain in my life for a long time. He helped me make my daughters 16 birthday a great one by inviting us in to the radio station and after, when we left to go see a concert together, Victor wished me a happy fathers day on the radio mentioning my daughters name. She lit up that day in a time that was tough for her, and I will always remember that day. Victor even pulled out his Darth Vader voice scrambler in the studio, and got my daughter belly laughing. Dedication was his middle name. Amongst all the friends he made and kept in touch with, he worked, worked worked. I use to joke with him about returning my emails faster than anyone and asked if he ever slept. A couple hours here and there he would say. Too much to do. I'll miss you Victor..thanks for the friendship and the memories...
Author-artist, Beautiful, Calm, Devoted, Ethereal, Fantastic Fun, Gracious, Hilarious, Intelligent, Journalist, Kind, Lively, Musical, Noteworthy, Open-minded, Perfect, Quixotic, Real Rare, Superb, Trustworthy, Urbane, VICTOR I MISS YOU SO MUCH !!, Wonderful, X-tra special, Young at heart, Zesty. Love always
I am saddened by Victor's passing The WROR nation will miss him. My sympathy goes to his co-workers & family. Victor, you will be missed,
Glenn C.
I was at the memorial service on Thursday night at D'Anns in Abington- What a WONDERFUL celebration of his life! My husband and I go WAY BACK to knowing Victor. Months could go by without seeing him and when we did, he was always quick to buy us a beer and a hand shake and a hug.
RIP Vic.
I LOVE YOU, I ALWAYS WILL LOVE YOU.
SUE LITCHFIELD...IT'S BEEN OVER A WEEK SINCE YOU LEFT AND I AM STILL PIECING MY HEART TOGETHER, IT WILL ALWAYS BE MISSING A PIECE. VIC WAS A TALENTED, LOVING, FUN MAN. I MET HIM A YEAR AGO AT D'ANN'S IN ABINGTON AND WE INSTANTLY BECAME FRIENDS. I SAW HIM EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT, WE E MAILED EACH OTHER DAILY SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONCE. I WOULD READ HIS POETRY ON AUTHORS DEN, PURCHASE HIS E BOOKS AND READ HIS SHORT STORIES. HE WAS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE. JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW HIM UP WOULD POP ANOTHER SIDE. THINGS YOU THOUGHT YOU WOULD NEVER BE INTERESTED IN WOULD BECOME PART OF YOUR LIFE AFTER TALKING TO VIC. I LOVED HIM DEARLY, AS DID MANY. WE AT D'ANN'S BECAME ONE BIG COUNTRY FAMILY AND HE LOVED US ALL. THANK YOU VIC FOR EXPOSING ME TO MANY NEW THINGS IN LIFE AND ALL THE NEW FRIENDS I MADE BECAUSE OF YOU. THANK YOU FOR MY JOURNAL THAT HAS TAUGHT ME ALOT ABOUT MYSELF, JUST AS YOU SAID IT WOULD. I CHERISH EVERY MINUTE WE HAD, I ONLY WISH WE COULD HAVE MORE. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART. YOUR RUNAROUND SUE
VICTOR
Just want you to know
I will NEVER forget YOU!
All The Years I may have
or Have Not left!
Your Friend
Joe Mc Millan
victor, dear victor,
why did you leave us?
i wanted you to know i dedicated a song to you yesterday, did you hear it in the sky above?
god bless you victor, you are terribly
missed.
Victor...
What can you say about a guy who just always made you feel great and knew the right words every time. He gave me the greatest compliment once and I'll treasure it forever. Even tho we emailed several weeks ago...we were never able to hook up as we had planned. I'll always be sad that I never got to say goodbye. He was a true radio pro...no attitude...just constant praise and adoration. I'll miss that and I'll miss you Vic.
With much love,
Kim Collins
I knew "Harry Nelson" during his tenure at Satellite Music Network (now ABC Radio Networks). I'm afraid that back then he was not the likable guy you see in these posts. He was a raging alcoholic, sweating whiskey and playing cruel mind-games with the DJs under his leadership. He is most famous for almost biting the ear off another Jock, Tyson-style, following an argument about -- of all stupid and pointless things -- jingle packages. He once threatened to cut my "effing head off" because I disagreed with him about something. Frankly, I thought he was destined for the gutter.
Imagine my surprise to find out how dramatically he turned his life around and how so many people came to love him. What a testament to the power of hope. God luv ya, pal. You done good.
Having had relatives in the media field, it's not unusual to hear someone on the radio one day and then gone the next. I realized Victor K. was off the air, but until just now did I realize he has passed away. I'm so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful radio personality, and still have his voice in my head saying, "this is Victor K.". He was a great part of the WROR family and he will be missed by all.
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