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Walter N. 'Wally' Nelskog Woodway, WA QCWA # 2948 Chapter 4 |
Wally Nelskog, 92, passed away February 15, 2012 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents Nels and Emma Nelsskog, son, Scott, and two sisters, Noreen Perrault and Dagny Campbell. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anne; his daughter Carol (Bill) Arkell; grandsons Mark and Jeff Arkell; his sister, Judy Dockendorff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Everett, WA on Nov. 8, 1919, he graduated from Everett High School in 1939 where he was their PA announcer and President of the Radio Guild. During school, he also worked at KRKO, Everett. He later attended Cornish School on a scholarship. While at Cornish, he worked the graveyard shift at KRSC, Seattle. During WWII, he enlisted in Signal Corps, Alaska Communications System, and transferred to the Army Air Corps Cadet program. He graduated from Yale University in New Haven, CT as an Air Force Communications Officer and was Honorably discharged as USAF Captain in 1945. While in CT he met his loving and devoted wife, Anne.
At 15, his W7FDQ Ham Radio hobby began and he has held his FCC 1st Class operator's license since 1939. His broadcast career was rather extensive. In the late 40's and early 50's, his "Wally's Music Makers" was the top-rated radio DJ show in town, first on KRSC then KJR. His successful teen dance format on channel 13 TV predated Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" by two years. He also promoted record artists at shows and teen dances at Eagles Auditorium, enabling him seed money to start his own radio station. He then built his first radio station from scratch in his garage in West Seattle by purchasing a used transmitter and spare parts; he moved it to Yakima in 1954 on a rented truck. Two years later, KUTI became #1.
Over time, he was able to successfully build, operate and sell more stations: KORD, Pasco; KQDY, Minot, ND; KQTY, Everett; KUDI, Great Falls, MT; KUDE, Oceanside, CA; KYNG, Coos Bay, OR; KYXY, San Diego, Ca; and KZZK, Tri Cities. Wally then went into ownership of Edmonds & Everett Cablevision. He also built and sold WNA Audio Video Production's "Bright and Beautiful" music syndication. In 1959 he finally built the station of his dreams: KIXI, Seattle; formerly KLAN, Renton and completed his goal by moving it from 910- on the AM dial to 880 with 50,000 watts of power.
He was former Director of the National Association of Broadcaster's (NAB) for two terms. He also served eight years as Director of the Washington State Association of Broadcaster's (WSAB) and finally as Chairman of the Board. In 1986, he was named WSAB "Broadcaster of the Year".That same year sold KIXI AM/FM and retired. Since then, he enjoyed many boating and fishing trips, especially his yearly one to Alaska. A few years ago he moved to Mill Creek to be closer to his daughter, son-in-law and grandsons, Mark and Jeff. He still enjoyed his computer and talking weekly to his ham radio friends.
on February 18, 2012
There are so many stories about the great Walloo that I could sit here and type all night, and those would only be the stories that I know about. I'm sure that many others (Lee Hurley I'm sure!) have lots more.
When JBH (Sr.) died and we took over the engineering practice, Jim (Jr). and I finished up the proof on the KIXI antenna (because the I-90 fill had moved the towers out of their original in-line orientation so it had to be redesigned and relicensed) and when we got all ready to file, I called Wally to tell him and ask if I should bring it down or send it off to Mike Bader, who was KIXI's communications lawyer. Wally said 'bring it down, and bring the bill so Anne can cut you a check. You and JIm are just starting out and you guys need the money.'
And, as I said, I could go along on this track all night. Wally and Jim Gabbert are the only two station owners I've ever known who came out with their tool boxes and worked all night with us to get new antenna installations tuned up.
And lunches at the old Rossellini 610, and the negotiations to get 880 approved by the FCC, and more and more and more...
Ben Dawson
on February 18, 2012
I worked for Wally and Anne at 'WNA Audio Video' at 1200 Stewart St. for a while. I didn't know him that well, but he was always very friendly and hone day he asked me to go to work for his station in the Tri-Cities, KORD as the engineer. I passed on the opportunity, but Wally gave this 23 year old kid(at the time) a start in this business. My sincere condolences.
-Rick Kemp
from www.qrz.com
Bio Walter N. Nelskog "Wally"
Born in Everett, Washington November 8, 1919. After graduating from Everett High School in 1938, Nelskog attended Cornish School of Fine Arts in Seattle on a scholarship. Worked in several broadcast stations in the Seattle area as an announcer/Engineer. Enlisted in Signal Corps, WW2, Alaska Communications System (ACS).Transfered to Army Air Corps Cadet program, graduated from Yale University as Communications Officer. Honorably discharged from active duty and signed up for the Airforce reserve, was honorably discharged as Captain.
My amateur radio career started in 1935 while a sophmore in High school.still active today on most bands. Broadcast career is rather extensive. After working at 12 radio radio stations as announcer, DJ, "Wally's Music Makers," on TV, Wally's Hi Jinx," I moved into ownership, 12 stations in all. Sold the last three in 1986, KYXY San Diego, and KIXI AM/FM Seattle. Also was in CABLE Biz. Yes, I was busy, hi!
HobbyiesHam Radio, Computer, Watching Grass grow. Former director National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) (two terms). Also served 8 years as director of Washington State Association of Broadcasters (WSAB) and finally as chairman of the board. In 1986 I was named "Broadcaster Of The Year" at the joint meeting of Washington State Association Broadcasters and Canadian Association during the Worlds Fair held in Vancouver, B.C.
Retired 1986lots of time for boating, vegetable gardening, amateur radio and my personal commputer, married to same lady I met while in New Haven, Conn. 58 years ago!
Rev: W7FDQ - Sunday June 22, 2003