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Longtime Radio Station Owner Thurston DiesStaff Reports
iBerkshires
12:43AM / Wednesday, October 07, 2009
 | | Donald A. Thurston |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Longtime award-winning local radio broadcaster Donald A. Thurston died Tuesday. The 2008 inductee of the Massachusetts Broadcasting Hall of Fame had been in failing health for some time.
Born in 1930, Thurston established the Berkshire Broadcasting Network at age 36 after a number of years working in radio in northern Vermont. Two years later, he purchased WSBS in Great Barrington.
The full obituary is here.
Under his direction, WNAW and the former WMNB on Curran Highway would become the must-listen-to stations in North Berkshire, covering local sports, community events and news, and broadcasting the popular "Opinon Show" each morning and the "Trading Post" on Saturdays, along with music.
He retired in 2004 after selling the network to Vox Communications and more than a half-century in radio.
Thurston was active in the community, including as president of the Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the board of trustees of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He also was president of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association and a former commissioner of the Massachusetts Cable Television Commission. He was grand marshal of the 1964 Fall Foliage Parade.
He was chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters Joing Board from 1977 to 1979 and served for many years on its board of directors. He also was chairman of the board of Broadcast Music Inc., which collects and distributes music license fees.
Services for Mr. Thurston will be Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 at First Congregational Church. There will be no calling hours.
Editor: I saw the link to Mr. Collins' tribute Tuesday night but it didn't occur to me it was for our Donald Thurston or I would have included it in the story. It's a terrific tribute with wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing with us. |
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| Very sad to hear of this loss to the community and the Thurston Family. What a remarkable man that made a lasting impression in the community. My prayers are with you and your family during these times. | | from: AJ | on: 10-07-2009 12:00AM
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Don's memorial service will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. I'm not sure of the location yet, however.
I put a tribute to him together here:
http://rvbuildershotline.com/bob/don/ | | from: Bob Collins | on: 10-07-2009 12:00AM
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Bob... that was a very well done tribute to Don. I hope a lot of folks get to see this. He will be missed indeed.
| | from: Tom Conklin, WNAW & WSBS | on: 10-07-2009 12:00AM
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| Bob, thanks so much for posting that tribute to Don. He was a great man, a great broadcaster and a good friend to all who knew him. All my best to you, Carolie, Cory and Oralie. It was a great honor to have worked for him for six years and to have known such a dedicated community-minded broadcaster. | | from: Mike Leary | on: 10-07-2009 12:00AM
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| The artical forgot to mention that Don was chairman and treasurer of the trustees for the First United Methodist Church for years until his health forced him to give these position up,but he remained very active on the board of trustees.He will be dearly missed by all. | | from: mickey | on: 10-07-2009 12:00AM
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| I spent 11 years working for Don. He was my mentor and I know he will be missed. Thanks for everything Don. | | from: Mark Powell | on: 10-07-2009 12:00AM
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Here's the particulars:
A Methodist Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Donald A. Thurston will take place at Sunday at 2:00 P.M. at the First Congregational Church of North Adams with the Rev. Kim Kie, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of North Adams officiating. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Donald A. Thurston Communications Scholarship at MCLA or to the First United Methodist Church of North Adams through the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, Ma.
| | from: Bob Collins | on: 10-07-2009 12:00AM
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| Don was an inspirational, model leader at both the community and national levels. I never hesitated to call him if I had any questions in his areas of expertise, and he always graciously responded with his time and full attention. Condolences to his family and friends. Thanks, Don! | | from: Ken Swiatek | on: 10-08-2009 12:00AM
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