In memoriam of talented volunteers and friends of KZFR Community Radio
KZFR Community Radio is an essential, independent source of news and cultural content for the communities of northern California. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteer programmers, committee members and staff we have been able to fulfill our mission to educate, enlighten, inform and entertain our listeners for over 30 years.
During the 30+ years of our existence, a wide variety of creative, hardworking individuals have given much of themselves to keep this independent, homegrown, people powered community radio station going strong.
All of the people listed below played vital roles in this station's growth in one way or another and will not be forgotten.
Winder Baker
John Bilinsky
Dr. Betty Carr 1994-2004: Co-Hosted “The Point Is” a two-hour Saturday morning talk show for ten years. "She was smart, down-to-earth, and peppered her rants with humor." - fellow programmer Laurel Avalon
Barbara Carry
Larry Crisman1943-2022 An early programmer who hosted the American Pastimes show for many years, was an environmental watchdog and longtime Sierra Club member. Here's a CN&R article "Crisman's Crusade" from 2009 about him.
John Dubois 1947-2021: Host of many KZFR shows over the years including 2 Penny Opera & The Kitchen Sink
Frederick Earle
Donald "Kupuna Don" Eppenbach 19??-2022 The original host of "Island Rhythms".
Frank Ficarra
Bill Fiedler
Firmilian
Dido Hasper 1948-2004: One of the original hosts of KZFR's "It's Your Body" & founder of the Chico Feminist Women's Health Center
William Henderson
Charlotte Hilgeman 1943-2016: Cohost of "Facets of Jazz" for over 10 years
Jim House
Grant Johnston
RJ Laffins 1960-2023 Host of "RJ's Vinyl Mix"
Bill "Guillermo" Mash 1960-2022 In the 7 years Mash was a KZFR volunteer programmer, he produced a variety of public affairs shows all focused on improving the lives of the less fortunate in our community.
Homer Metcalf
Loretta Metcalf
Ruth Mathisen 1927-2013 Our founder Erik's long term efforts and final success in bringing community radio to Chico could only have been accomplished with the continued support, encouragement and enthusiasm of his wife Ruth.
John Nelson
Ed Pitman 1949-2022 Ed was one of KZFR's original programmers and hosted five different shows over the 25 years he was on the air. Including Teen Talk, Morning Sickness and Afternoon Reflux.
Penny Lee Robbins 1948-2020 Original & beloved host of "Truck Stop Special"
Jim Scharples
David Sisk 1945-2021 Local artist and long time supporter of community radio.
Bob Speer 1945-2024 We will never forget that he donated his time and talent designing and building our broadcast and production studios that make up Suite 416.
Jerry Sweely 19??-2023 Co-host of Basically The Blues for many years.
Joe Topping Co-Hosted “The Point Is” a two-hour talk show for many years. With his wife's assistance he continued hosting the talk show even after he was diagnosed with ALS and lost his ability to talk. "Joe was personable and funny a d smart as a whip." - fellow programmer Laurel Avalon
Richard Wilson
