Sue and Jason we are truly sorry for your loss today. I hope you had the chance to say all the wonderful things you wanted to say over these past months and all the good memories remain forever for your whole family.
Sounds like you were able to be with him when he passed. I hope this was the case. I can only hope I am able to be with my family when my time comes.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ― WCCO-TV anchor Bill Carlson died Friday evening at home surrounded by friends and family. Bill was 73.
Bill had been fighting prostate cancer, and in recent days, the cancer had spread to his liver.
Bill died at 5:55 p.m. Friday. His wife, Nancy, was by his side.
Nancy said Bill was lucid to the very end and his last words to Nancy were "I love you."
Bill and Nancy married on June 13, 1970 and they were married for 38 years.
Bill had worked for WCCO-TV for nearly 50 years, covering the Arts and Entertainment beat for WCCO-TV. He started his journalism career in 1951 when he joined WCCO Radio while he was still in high school.
He moved to WCCO-TV in 1959 after graduating from the University of Minnesota.
Bill did just about everything at WCCO-TV, including anchoring the news, reporting the weather, hosting game shows, movies, events and even did the sports.
What Bill truly loved, was the interview format, which led to his specialty in arts and entertainment.
During his career, Bill interviewed thousands of Hollywood stars, including John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Paul McCartney, Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, Barbra Streisand and Britney Spears.
Bill and his wife Nancy are passionate about animal rights issues. They worked extensively with the Minnesota Humane Society, the Fund for Animals and other organizations.
Bill was born in Thief River Falls, Minn., and grew up in St. Paul.
In a message to the WCCO-TV staff, the station's Vice President and General Manager Susan Adams Loyd said, "To say that he will be sorely missed by the staff and the community seems a gross understatement ... I enjoyed a cup of coffee with Bill and his wife, Nancy, at their home just a couple of weeks ago. Please know how much he spoke of his love and respect for all of you, how proud he was to work at WCCO and how much he wished to return to work. It may be fitting that many of us heard Bill's voice for the last time in his contributions to our coverage of the Academy Awards just this past week."
Bill Carlson
Bill Carlson traveled more than three million miles in nearly 50 years, covering the Arts and Entertainment beat for WCCO-TV.
Bill interviewed thousands of Hollywood stars over the years, including John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Paul McCartney, Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, Barbra Streisand and Britney Spears.
He was born in Thief River Falls, Minn., but was raised in St. Paul and joined WCCO Radio in 1951, then moved to WCCO-TV in 1959, after graduating from the University of Minnesota.
At WCCO Radio, Bill handled audiences for the broadcasts that featured a staff orchestra, singers and actors. He said he enjoyed doing sound effects, such as steps, doors opening, thunder and rain during the dramatic shows. He eventually became a producer for Cedric Adams.
When Bill came to WCCO-TV, he tried a little bit of everything. He anchored the news, reported the weather and sports, and hosted game shows, movies and special events. What he discovered he loved, though, was the interview format. This led to his specialty in arts and entertainment.
Bill and his wife, Nancy Nelson, were very involved with animal rights issues. They worked extensively with the Minnesota Humane Society, the Fund for Animals and other such organizations.
The couple also worked with ex-offenders from the Minnesota prison system.
Before his death on February 29, 2008, Bill wrote several notes to viewers. In one of the latest he said: "I'm taking some time off from work to undergo an experimental protocol for my prostate cancer. Look forward to seeing you soon!"
In an earlier letter Bill wrote: "Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. As you know, because of the chemotherapy I'm undergoing due to prostate cancer, I've lost some hair. In fact, not much hair remained when I went to visit my friend Bob Hanson at Apollo Hair. He has been most helpful in fitting me with my new hair piece. It's a strange and unusual experience to put it on for the first time; it feels like wearing a tight cap. But of course, as soon as we cure this problem, my hair will grow back like normal. Again, I appreciate your concern and continued support."
And after learning that his cancer had come back Bill said in a letter: "As some of you know, I've had a return of prostate cancer for which I had surgery five years ago. As a result, I am undergoing chemotherapy and have lost a little hair. However, I'm going to win the cancer battle, and I'm going to grow that hair back. Thank you for your concern and for your continued support and prayers."
:sad: :sad: :sad:
Position? Anchor/Entertainment Reporter
Year Hired? Fall 1951 as WCCO Radio/CBS Page
First TV Appearance? I don't recall
Favorite Story? Shuttle launch with Deke Slayton
Memorable Interview? Martin Luther King - 1968
Dream Interview? Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg -- I talked to all of them several times.
Dream Job? Trial Attorney
Favorite Program? 60 Minutes
First Story? I don't recall
Role Model? Cedric Adams, I worked for him in the 50s
Why I'm A Journalist? Strong sense of curiosity
Hidden Talent? I'm married to Nancy Nelson
Alma Mater? University of Minnesota
Hometown? Born in Thief River Falls, Minn., Raised in St. Paul
Height? 5'9''
Kids? 1 daughter (lives in Apple Valley, Minn.)
Siblings? Brother (deceased), Sister (lives in Coon Rapids, Minn.)
Hobbies? History, Travel, Movies
Favorite Food? Chili, popcorn
Favorite Sports Team? Minnesota Vikings of the mid-70s
Favorite Musician? Sinatra, Pavaroti, Striesand
Favorite Author? Changes frequently
Favorite Moviestar? Changes frequently, currently DiCaprio, Streep, DeNiro
Favorite Destination? Hawaii -- Nancy and I just made our 24th trip!
Sad news Sue. I'm a genuine fan of your fathers. I'lll miss his good looks and relaxed demeanor. Big hugs to you, the girls and Jason as well as the rest of your family.
thank you, all of you, for such kind words. they mean the world to us at this time. like zeph said elsewhere in these threads, the cooler is like a huge family, and it is a great comfort to be embraced by your family at a time like this. sue and i want you all to know that we would be very honored if any of you felt you would like to attend either the visitation or the funeral service or both, you are all invited. you're a great bunch of friends and we thank you for your support in this difficult time.
from sue: thank you so much for your support. i feel like the luckiest person in the world to have had the privilege of calling him dad. its still pretty surreal, and kind of like mourning in a fishbowl. to have familiar faces of friends and family would be a welcome sight.
I am SO SORRY!! I hope I can make it out to one or the other!! if not you are in my thoughts!!! love you guys and I am sorry!!
I will be coming out on a suspended lic.!! but I still want to make it!! I dont need to live with what I did the last time!!
I LOVE YOU BOTH And if there is anything I can DO CALL!!!
No one should have to go throw this expischaley with hearts as big as you to!! give my love to the family and keep your heads UP!! again LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!
I never thought of how it must feel to have so many strangers mourning the loss of your father and how strange it must be to not know them and feel isolated or "in a fishbowl" like TC says. I'm hoping to make it to the visitation.
I think that 'fishbowl' feeling happens to everyone who loses someone close. The fact Bill was such a well-known and well-loved public figure probably amplifies that situation even more. Whatever happens, you'll still know him as 'Dad', and that's what counts.
Hopefully everyone will be able to get back into the 'swim' of things sooner rather than later. Again, my sympathies...
Sue and Jason, I haven't been on in in over a week and I just heard the news. I am so sorry for your loss! I know how hard it is to lose someone you love to that horrible disease. It's been a year since I lost my dad to the same. I can't imagine how much harder it is with all the public eye on you. Please let Sue know she can call anytime she has my number. :sad:
Bill Carlson's final show should be a doozy. The much beloved WCCO personality, who died Friday night after a long struggle with prostate cancer, will be feted at two locations that reflect his love for spectacle and showmanship.
The visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Excelsior's Old Log Theater, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. Thursday at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Both events are open to everyone, a testimony to Carlson's joy of being in the public eye.
"I can just hear Billy saying, 'What are you doing?'" his widow, Nancy Carlson, said Saturday. "Everyone who knows me knows my greatest capacity is overdoing things, but Bill had an ultimate love of entertainment and people, and I wanted to do this at places that were large enough for people to come."
The Old Log Theater, where Nancy performed for many years, was such a favorite spot for the couple that they held their wedding reception there in 1970. Later, the couple performed "Love Letters" on its stage. The State Theatre was also a beloved destination, Carlson said, and made more sense than going to a church.
"Bill had not been a member of any specific denomination for many years," Carlson said. "He sometimes worried that specific religions could be exclusive and close other ones out. He was a very inclusive person."
The Rev. Harold Bury, who married the couple, has flown in from Indonesia to officiate Thursday's events. Guest speakers are to include former Viking Jim Marshall, longtime Twin Cities broadcaster Charlie Boone and attorney Ron Meshbesher.
Anita Ruth, former musical director for the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, will oversee the music with performances by Cyril Paul, Vegas mainstay Fred Travalena and Carlson's granddaughter, Sarah Lampe.
Nancy Carlson said her husband, who was 73, was lucid right up to the end, greeting family and friends until his final hours. When he passed, Nancy said, she held him in her arms while their four dogs surrounded him on his bed.
"He couldn't say, 'I love you' and 'thank you' enough," she said.
I'm not good at putting words of sympathy together as I know it can't just can't take away the pain.
Whats strange is that your dad brought so many gifts to our lifes through the television I couldn't even begin to imagine what he was like as a father.
But I know this.....I could see his love in his eyes from some of the family photos you shared with us.
Again....my heart heart go out to you and your family.
Sue and Jason-I am sorry for your loss. I was listening to the radio and Mark Rosen was talking about Bill and could not say enough nice things. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I planned on catching the light rail this afternoon for the funeral, but got a call this morning to take care of a grandson who is sick and not able to go to school. I'll be there in spirit, however.
As a Twins fan, today is a very sad day. It is the anniversary of the passing of Kirby Puckett. I grew up idolizing him and loved the Minnesota Twins. If you get a chance today to give someone close to you a hug or let them know that they mean a lot to you. His death was unexpected and I think that many of us take the special people in our lives for granted. I remember the day that Puckett died, some of my most macho and hardened friends shed tears and it really made us think about the people that make life great and how they should be appreciated. I think that many of you have enriched my life not only as fellow hunters, but also as people that I really enjoy spending time with. So thank you all.
In addition to the already super-mega-famous Cooler Crew members, RB, me2, TC, ares, LAM, TMK, Coco, Icesis, Kat, & CamoTerry, I also saw the following local celebs:
There was someone else wandering around up in the balcony with us CM.. can't place the name but I recognize the face.. he was there after we saw Frank..
Does anyone find it kinda odd that Bud Kraeling has been advertising for cremation and memorial services constantly since he retired, yet he's outlived just about all the broadcasters of his generation?
makes you think...peace of mind = longer life? I dunno...
All of our deepest sympathies are with Sue and Jason and their family.
:frown: :frown: :frown: :frown: :frown: :frown: :frown:
Sleep well my friend's dad
Jm, Lex & M.J.
Sounds like you were able to be with him when he passed. I hope this was the case. I can only hope I am able to be with my family when my time comes.
Sue, no words can take away the sting of losing your Dad.
I pray the love of friends and family bring you and yours comfort and the love of the Great Spirit bring you peace.
Rest in peace Bill Carlson.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ― WCCO-TV anchor Bill Carlson died Friday evening at home surrounded by friends and family. Bill was 73.
Bill had been fighting prostate cancer, and in recent days, the cancer had spread to his liver.
Bill died at 5:55 p.m. Friday. His wife, Nancy, was by his side.
Nancy said Bill was lucid to the very end and his last words to Nancy were "I love you."
Bill and Nancy married on June 13, 1970 and they were married for 38 years.
Bill had worked for WCCO-TV for nearly 50 years, covering the Arts and Entertainment beat for WCCO-TV. He started his journalism career in 1951 when he joined WCCO Radio while he was still in high school.
He moved to WCCO-TV in 1959 after graduating from the University of Minnesota.
Bill did just about everything at WCCO-TV, including anchoring the news, reporting the weather, hosting game shows, movies, events and even did the sports.
What Bill truly loved, was the interview format, which led to his specialty in arts and entertainment.
During his career, Bill interviewed thousands of Hollywood stars, including John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Paul McCartney, Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, Barbra Streisand and Britney Spears.
Bill and his wife Nancy are passionate about animal rights issues. They worked extensively with the Minnesota Humane Society, the Fund for Animals and other organizations.
Bill was born in Thief River Falls, Minn., and grew up in St. Paul.
In a message to the WCCO-TV staff, the station's Vice President and General Manager Susan Adams Loyd said, "To say that he will be sorely missed by the staff and the community seems a gross understatement ... I enjoyed a cup of coffee with Bill and his wife, Nancy, at their home just a couple of weeks ago. Please know how much he spoke of his love and respect for all of you, how proud he was to work at WCCO and how much he wished to return to work. It may be fitting that many of us heard Bill's voice for the last time in his contributions to our coverage of the Academy Awards just this past week."
Bill Carlson
Bill Carlson traveled more than three million miles in nearly 50 years, covering the Arts and Entertainment beat for WCCO-TV.
Bill interviewed thousands of Hollywood stars over the years, including John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Paul McCartney, Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, Barbra Streisand and Britney Spears.
He was born in Thief River Falls, Minn., but was raised in St. Paul and joined WCCO Radio in 1951, then moved to WCCO-TV in 1959, after graduating from the University of Minnesota.
At WCCO Radio, Bill handled audiences for the broadcasts that featured a staff orchestra, singers and actors. He said he enjoyed doing sound effects, such as steps, doors opening, thunder and rain during the dramatic shows. He eventually became a producer for Cedric Adams.
When Bill came to WCCO-TV, he tried a little bit of everything. He anchored the news, reported the weather and sports, and hosted game shows, movies and special events. What he discovered he loved, though, was the interview format. This led to his specialty in arts and entertainment.
Bill and his wife, Nancy Nelson, were very involved with animal rights issues. They worked extensively with the Minnesota Humane Society, the Fund for Animals and other such organizations.
The couple also worked with ex-offenders from the Minnesota prison system.
Before his death on February 29, 2008, Bill wrote several notes to viewers. In one of the latest he said: "I'm taking some time off from work to undergo an experimental protocol for my prostate cancer. Look forward to seeing you soon!"
In an earlier letter Bill wrote: "Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. As you know, because of the chemotherapy I'm undergoing due to prostate cancer, I've lost some hair. In fact, not much hair remained when I went to visit my friend Bob Hanson at Apollo Hair. He has been most helpful in fitting me with my new hair piece. It's a strange and unusual experience to put it on for the first time; it feels like wearing a tight cap. But of course, as soon as we cure this problem, my hair will grow back like normal. Again, I appreciate your concern and continued support."
And after learning that his cancer had come back Bill said in a letter: "As some of you know, I've had a return of prostate cancer for which I had surgery five years ago. As a result, I am undergoing chemotherapy and have lost a little hair. However, I'm going to win the cancer battle, and I'm going to grow that hair back. Thank you for your concern and for your continued support and prayers."
:sad: :sad: :sad:
Position? Anchor/Entertainment Reporter
Year Hired? Fall 1951 as WCCO Radio/CBS Page
First TV Appearance? I don't recall
Favorite Story? Shuttle launch with Deke Slayton
Memorable Interview? Martin Luther King - 1968
Dream Interview? Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg -- I talked to all of them several times.
Dream Job? Trial Attorney
Favorite Program? 60 Minutes
First Story? I don't recall
Role Model? Cedric Adams, I worked for him in the 50s
Why I'm A Journalist? Strong sense of curiosity
Hidden Talent? I'm married to Nancy Nelson
Alma Mater? University of Minnesota
Hometown? Born in Thief River Falls, Minn., Raised in St. Paul
Height? 5'9''
Kids? 1 daughter (lives in Apple Valley, Minn.)
Siblings? Brother (deceased), Sister (lives in Coon Rapids, Minn.)
Hobbies? History, Travel, Movies
Favorite Food? Chili, popcorn
Favorite Sports Team? Minnesota Vikings of the mid-70s
Favorite Musician? Sinatra, Pavaroti, Striesand
Favorite Author? Changes frequently
Favorite Moviestar? Changes frequently, currently DiCaprio, Streep, DeNiro
Favorite Destination? Hawaii -- Nancy and I just made our 24th trip!
http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=38957@wcco.dayport.com
http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=38958@wcco.dayport.com
http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=38961@wcco.dayport.com
http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=38969@wcco.dayport.com
http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=38971@wcco.dayport.com
http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=38972@wcco.dayport.com
Sad news Sue. I'm a genuine fan of your fathers. I'lll miss his good looks and relaxed demeanor. Big hugs to you, the girls and Jason as well as the rest of your family.
Your in our thoughts in your time of sorrow.
from sue: thank you so much for your support. i feel like the luckiest person in the world to have had the privilege of calling him dad. its still pretty surreal, and kind of like mourning in a fishbowl. to have familiar faces of friends and family would be a welcome sight.
details:
visitation:
wednesday march 5
4-7pm
old log theatre
5185 Meadville Street
Greenwood MN, 55331
directions
funeral:
thursday march 6
3pm
historic state theatre
805 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55402
I will be coming out on a suspended lic.!! but I still want to make it!! I dont need to live with what I did the last time!!
I LOVE YOU BOTH And if there is anything I can DO CALL!!!
No one should have to go throw this expischaley with hearts as big as you to!! give my love to the family and keep your heads UP!! again LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!
651-373-1639
I think that 'fishbowl' feeling happens to everyone who loses someone close. The fact Bill was such a well-known and well-loved public figure probably amplifies that situation even more. Whatever happens, you'll still know him as 'Dad', and that's what counts.
Hopefully everyone will be able to get back into the 'swim' of things sooner rather than later. Again, my sympathies...
I couldn't get through the first 4 lines without tears.
you know I'm only a phone call away Sue.
ok, you too Jase :wink:
love you
The visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Excelsior's Old Log Theater, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. Thursday at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Both events are open to everyone, a testimony to Carlson's joy of being in the public eye.
"I can just hear Billy saying, 'What are you doing?'" his widow, Nancy Carlson, said Saturday. "Everyone who knows me knows my greatest capacity is overdoing things, but Bill had an ultimate love of entertainment and people, and I wanted to do this at places that were large enough for people to come."
The Old Log Theater, where Nancy performed for many years, was such a favorite spot for the couple that they held their wedding reception there in 1970. Later, the couple performed "Love Letters" on its stage. The State Theatre was also a beloved destination, Carlson said, and made more sense than going to a church.
"Bill had not been a member of any specific denomination for many years," Carlson said. "He sometimes worried that specific religions could be exclusive and close other ones out. He was a very inclusive person."
The Rev. Harold Bury, who married the couple, has flown in from Indonesia to officiate Thursday's events. Guest speakers are to include former Viking Jim Marshall, longtime Twin Cities broadcaster Charlie Boone and attorney Ron Meshbesher.
Anita Ruth, former musical director for the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, will oversee the music with performances by Cyril Paul, Vegas mainstay Fred Travalena and Carlson's granddaughter, Sarah Lampe.
Nancy Carlson said her husband, who was 73, was lucid right up to the end, greeting family and friends until his final hours. When he passed, Nancy said, she held him in her arms while their four dogs surrounded him on his bed.
"He couldn't say, 'I love you' and 'thank you' enough," she said.
:sad: :sad: :sad:
I was OK up until that last line. :confused: :sad:
I got almost as far as you did, CM.
I'm not good at putting words of sympathy together as I know it can't just can't take away the pain.
Whats strange is that your dad brought so many gifts to our lifes through the television I couldn't even begin to imagine what he was like as a father.
But I know this.....I could see his love in his eyes from some of the family photos you shared with us.
Again....my heart heart go out to you and your family.
Poor Chesty. I'm not able to get to Ableminds... Please let her know I'm thinking of her and all her family.
And from me, Sue, I keep thinking of you and wishing I could take away the pain. How are the girls doing?
The beautiful memorial service is still in progress as I write this post.
Throughout this evening, let's light candles and/or just hold Bill's loved ones in our hearts.
Seemed fitting and very nicely done.
It really tugged at my heart -
While trying to take pictures of course.
The portrait Sarah painted is just beautiful!
That is one song we want at our memorial services. It's one of my favorites.
Wish we could have been there in person but we were there in spirit.
I hope you guys are able to get out to the park this weekend.
And of course
Who is fabulous I might add
Who'd I miss guys?
makes you think...peace of mind = longer life? I dunno...