Gary Shores, former Toledo radio personality, dies

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Gary Shores, who spent more than 40 years as an on-air radio personality in Toledo, died Sunday evening.

The longtime K-100 broadcaster died around 5 p.m. Sunday, his longtime on-air partner’s daughter confirmed to 13abc.

Shores, best known for his time hosting the popular morning show “Shores and Steele,” retired in 2019 to focus on his health. He had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.

His former co-host Harvey Steele died in 2017.

Friends and former colleague of Shores took to social media Sunday to pay tribute to Shores.

His former station posted a heartfelt tribute on social media Sunday night that said Gary lived out his dream.

“It’s hard to make magic. It’s harder to sustain it. Gary took his dream and lived it year after year and he give all the credit to the listeners,” the post said.

“Words cannot express my sense of loss that I feel right now with the passing of my dear friend and radio mentor, Gary Shores,” wrote his former colleague, Cliff Smithers. “I was able to spend a lot of time with him the last few months and I know that he was struggling and very frustrated with his illness. I told him each time I left his house to hang in there then we would fist bump and tell each other that we loved each other! Wow! I will miss him dearly but live with the great laughs and memories we shared over 32 years of working together!”

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur called Shores a legend and consummate professional.

“Northwest Ohio has lost a true legend tonight with the passing of K-100 radio’s Gary Shores,” Kaptur said. “For decades, Gary got us off to work or through the end of the night shift by lifting us up. He so loved our community. It was always a joy to see Gary at the station or to catch up with him at community events while he was airing remotely. He was the consummate professional who cherished his role behind the microphone and respected his listeners. Tonight we are grateful to him for giving so much to us. I hope his family and friends can find comfort knowing he will be reunited with his loving wife Joanie.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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