DOC WEST

By Stacie Ball |

Photo by Leaha Meinika

Doc West has been serving up rock and roll since 1979 as a radio personality. The Ohio State graduate devours music, movies, and old TV shows, making him known for his encyclopedia-like knowledge of rock music. Additionally, this local celebrity is passionate about helping the community and others in need worldwide.

West developed an interest in radio early. “My stepmother worked in management at WFUN in Miami, Florida,” he explained. “She introduced me to their staff and told me that most DJ’s enjoyed their gig for the status it gave them and the freebies of records, concert tickets, food, and new relationships.”

When he was working his way through college at the Limited Stores Warehouse in Columbus, Ohio, a fellow worker suggested that “I consider radio because I talk rock so much, and I had a different sense of humor,” West remembered. He loves Mel Brooks, Monty Python, Robin Williams, and Jonathon Winters.

On August 20, 1979, West completed his first on-air shift for WXKE Rock104 in Fort Wayne. He planned to stay here for six months but fell in love with the city and has been rocking our socks off for 43 years. He raised his children, Jazz (37) and Noah (39) (known as ‘The Rocktots’), with his wife, Jandy, who has been a nurse for 40 years. He plans to keep rocking, learning, and influencing others on and off the air.

“I believe we should learn something today that we didn’t know yesterday,” West said. The lifelong learner reads books that “rock” every day and enjoys passing on his knowledge to listeners.

West also pours his heart into creating awareness for those in need. He participates in many fund-raising events promoted by 963WKE, most recently an on-air rock-a-thon to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. He has visited Jamaica 30 times with loyal listeners through the Friends of Jamaica charitable organization. Part of the trips shows people how Jamaicans live outside the resort. One favorite stop is the Pell River Primary School near Negril, where the students have stolen their hearts. The radio station has made monetary and sports equipment donations to the school to improve the quality of education.

The rock expert shared that his greatest accomplishment is seeing how people near and dear to him have grown and changed. “I hired passionate rock and roll lovers and watched them develop into rock and roll broadcasters,” he explained, referring to announcers he has hired over the years. “The high schoolers I met in the 80s are now grandparents. These three generations of rockers have developed their musical tastes because of WXKE,” he said.

West encourages readers to help Fort Wayne continue embracing the future by supporting the arts. Aside from radio, he believes the Clyde Theater, the Clubroom, and Sweetwater have positively impacted Fort Wayne and need our support.

Above all, the Monty Python fan leaves readers and listeners with this thought, “Always look on the bright side of life.” a

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These fire safety tips can help ensure you and your family stay safe:

• Create an exit plan with everyone in mind.

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children so they don’t get mistaken for toys.

• Do not sleep with a space heater on.

• Make sure your family knows to stay low to avoid smoke in case of a fire.

• Have a fire ladder or other method for leaving a second, or higher, story.

For more tips on Fire Safety go to scanfw.org/fire-safety

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