Rachael Woodhouse
GCN Live.com
March 14, 2011
Ranching & radio legend Derry Brownfield has passed away in his sleep, apparently from a heart attack at age 79. He was found in his bed on the morning of March 12th. Brownfield spent many successful years at the Genesis Communications Network, with a loyal heartland following. He was also the Co-founder of Learfield Communications along with Clyde Lear; hence the name. Learfield today is a leader among news and sports radio networks.
The shocking news of Brownfield’s passing comes, ironically, at a time when he was as full of ambition as ever, ready to start his next big project. On February 28th, had just made the announcement that, in partnership with Learfield, he was about to launch the Ohio Brownfield Ag Network.
What made the Derry Brownfield show “appointment time” listening for his followers was the fact that Derry talked the walk. He knew about agriculture because he was a lifelong rancher. He understood the issues, political and practical, that the American family farmer had to deal with every day. His voice was trusted. In addition to his popular radio program, he published the Common Sense Chronicles newsletter.
40-year friend Bob Priddy writes of Derry’s radio beginnings:
He was the farm director at a radio station in Jefferson City where I went to work in 1967. He did the farm news and market reports from 6-7 a.m. and the farm programs during the noon hours in the days when it was assumed that farmers got up early, listened to the radio in the mornings and then headed for the fields, then tuned in again when they went back to the house for lunch. He also used to do the 7:15 a.m. weather program, just before I did the 7:20 sports. Derry, who had horses on his farm and loved to ride them, once told me he lived in fear of mis-speaking during that weather program and telling the audience that a warm air mass was a warm mare’s ass. His vigilance paid off. He never said it.
He talked the talk the farmers talk, knew the issues farmers knew—because he was a farmer, himself. Still was. He’d been out working with his cattle yesterday. I’m not sure life was ever better for Derry than when he was on his horse among the cattle, or when he was sitting on the porch of the cabin he built ‘way back on his property, telling stories or sharing his views of the world.
Other friends and colleagues have been sharing their fond memories of Derry Brownfield the man. On the AgWired blog, Chuck Zimmerman wrote:
There’s so much I can say about this man. He has been a self described rude, crude, mean-spirited, politically incorrect (many more words too) person and I loved him dearly. We did not ever see eye to eye on everything but we thought a lot a like on enough things to just plain enjoy each others company. Derry Brownfield quotes are legendary and I’m sure most are recorded and remembered by his fans and foes.
Derry was 79 years old and still in the studio and able to saddle and ride a horse. He taught me a lot about life. This fall would be the 20th year for me to deer hunt on his property. We spent many times checking cattle and fence on it too. This photo was provided by Learfield Communications and comes from the time he broadcast from his farm. I’ve got to stop for now. More to come when I learn it.
At Genesis Communications, our hearts, prayers, and sincere condolences go out to Derry’s family and friends and what surely must be a difficult time.
By request of The Derry Brownfield fans, GCN is making available for a limited time the full collection of the shows archives. Click here to get the archives.
Already, Derry’s colleagues have been putting videos together in tribute to their friend.
From DerryBrownfield.com:
In Memoriam
January 24, 1932 – March 12, 2011Hello to Derry’s friends & fans this morning. As you are probably aware by now we have lost our dear-dear Derry; Patriot-Warrior behind the microphone & defender of the American-Constitutional-FREE way of life…
Today’s show was a memorial to Derry. With tears and laughter we remembered him and your Common Sense Coalition – we believe in our listeners and we LOVE ALL OF YOU… Today’s broadcast will remain on a continuous playback loop – you can listen by clicking the Listen Live button on the menu to the left.
We’d love to continue to hear from you. We invite fans, friends and listeners to please send an email to Beth’s Inbox at [email protected]. Please share your thoughts and memories of our wise and erudite friend with us.
– Beth, Kay, Sherry & the Brownfield family
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