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HOWARD LAMERE Pioneering KSOR music show host dies at 64 Comment By John Darling for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 2, 2015 at 6:22 PM By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 2, 2015 at 6:22 PM » Social News Howard LaMere, one of a handful of radio pioneers who was “present at the creation” of KSOR-FM — which evolved into the sprawling Jefferson Public Radio over 45 years — died Monday in Ashland at age 64. The wry, erudite LaMere, a storehouse of musical knowledge and a lover of many genres, became program director and created his “Ante Meridian” show, featuring an unheard-of blend of classical, jazz, rock, along with pop legends like Nat King Cole and Leonard Bernstein. The show ran 8 to 10 in the morning and made him a sensation in the '70s and '80s among the crowd who favored listening beyond MOR (middle of the road) and Top-40 pop. Soon, the show started airing at 7 a.m., catching the drive-time and early riser demographic and spurring the station’s spread of signal through numerous translators. “It was good programming. Howard had thought up this format, which was jazz and classical,” said John Baxter, who came to the station in 1979. “That show was a genius move, just brilliant,” said his ex-wife Linda Becker, who was also a disc jockey at KSOR at the time. “We didn't have money for records, so we did a lot of begging on the air for people to send us records. Howard looked at this eclectic mix and got the idea for the new format.” The show was moved to less popular times when the station joined National Public Radio and got its required feeds, she said. Ashland musician David Pinsky called LaMere "a dear friend." "He was talented, kind and witty and I will miss his droll sense of humor," Pinsky said. "He was good friend, father and grandfather.” Lifetime friend Charlie McHenry of Jacksonville said, “He was a character with a hearty laugh, great mind and a wicked sense of the absurd — a delight to be around. So many people got up to that show and the sound of his voice every day. He had an old vintage Jaguar and it just fit him perfectly.” Tom Stamper, an Ashland musician, said, “Howard always had that sideways wry smile and, whenever I saw him, he made me feel that only he and I knew what that smile meant. I’ll miss his friendly, peaceful wit and charm, and the fact that he was real, a true good soul willing to share with all the rest.” Dirk Price of the Rogue Suspects band, said, “Howard was a wonderful character. No one loved music as much as he did. It was always fun to see him at the bar at Alex's. He was quite the musicologist. He always had wonderful back stories to the music we played and he loved. He was iconic Ashland.” “He was a genuinely kind, big-hearted, wonderful man,” said Becker. “I couldn't have picked a better man to be the father of my child. He was a creative, wonderful dad.” LaMere was born near Chicago in 1950, the son of Howard and Virginia LaMere. He graduated in 1978 in communications from then-Southern Oregon State College while already employed at KSOR on campus for three years. Other work included directing Britt Music Festival concerts and working for Rogue Gallery, Actors Workshop and Southern Oregon Public Television. He was diagnosed in 2012 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He died unexpectedly at home in Ashland. A memorial gathering will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Elks Club in Ashland. Reach Ashland freelance writer John Darling at [email protected]. By John Darling for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By John Darling for the Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 2, 2015 at 6:22 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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