Gary Myhre's Radio Timeline -- 45 years in The Business

KMWX 1460AM -- Sales and Sales Manager, Dec. 13, 1970-1988

KMWX 1460AM -- Minority Owner/GM, June 1989-December 1989

KXDD/KUTI -- General Manager, January 1990-June 1994

New Northwest Broadcasters -- Sales, July 1994 to Nov 2000

Townsquare Media -- Account Executive/Sales Trainer, November 2000-May 2015

I asked Gary what his favorite part of the business has been:

"The people I've worked with," he said. "The friends I call on and the friends that I work with at the station."

A good man who likes to make people laugh and truly cares about the clients he represents -- that's how I would describe Gary Myhre. I can remember as a young man starting in radio back in 2000 and meeting Gary at the station. I remember thinking how cool Gary was in my eyes. He carried himself with confidence, was always willing to give me advice about the business and he's been a lot of fun to work with over the past 15 years.

He told me recently that when we first met he thought to himself "Who the &*#% does this young kid think he is?" Despite the fact I wasn't very mature at the time, Gary told me he saw the passion I had. Passion for the radio business. Gary said that passion couldn't be taught.

What Gary did teach me was how to act on remotes, how to present quality products to our clients and listeners, and how to take pride in my work.

Anyone who knows Gary Myhre knows well that he cares about our youth, and that's not just something he says. Gary has been a mentor through the YMCA's Aspire program for many years.

He was featured on billboards and ad campaigns with Tyler Barnes, a young man who I know is thankful Gary is a part of his life to this day. Gary could care less about the publicity he received, though. His main concern was making sure Tyler was brought up with manners and respect for others. His goal was for a young man with raw potential to realize what was inside of him. To show Tyler how to live life with the same passion Gary has had during his 45 years in radio. Gary even got Tyler a part-time job working here at the radio station, which gave Tyler real-world experience in an environment Gary through which could guide him.

Today Tyler is a successful IT guy, making more money than most of us. I know he credits Gary with giving him the tools and attitude he needed to be successful.

Here's something else I want you to know about Gary:

Gary is a man who always shows up early and leaves late. Gary is the guy around the office who supplies the coffee and makes the first brew upon arriving at 6 a.m. Gary is the one who cares so much about the appearance of our parking lot that he sprays and pulls weeds on his own time, and Gary is the same guy who sent me home to press my wrinkled dress shirt.

It's truly been a pleasure to work with Gary Myhre over the past 15 years and I'm proud to call him my friend. Friday marks Gary's last day in Yakima radio, a business where he's spent 45 years helping small- to medium-sized businesses grow. Gary is truly one of the all-time greats, and I wish him the best in the next stage of his life.

On behalf of the Morning Bull Pen, we will miss you, Gary.

More From 92.9 The Bull