Remembering Don Weeks

In the summer of 1997, I was granted my first opportunity to work in the broadcasting business as a producer at Radio 810-WGY in Albany, NY. I was 23 years old and couldn't have been more excited to begin my radio career.One year later, in the summer of 1998, I was asked to be the morning show producer of "The Don Weeks Show" on WGY. I was beyond excited but knew that with a new job came new responsibility. I was now going to be working with a local living legend in the Albany area.Don Weeks died on Wednesday March 11, 2015. Don was like a father to me during the time we spent together. I would wake up every morning for two years at 4am. Arrive at work by 445am and start work on production of the show. Don would walk in the office around 5am, get his Diet Dr Pepper and be ready to go on air at 530am. From 530am-9am every day, we would have the best time entertaining the listeners. Don was a master at comedy and voices but also was a great interviewer and just had a knack for making others feel comfortable with him.Working with Don was my first real introduction to the broadcasting business, and to this day I've never had more fun in a job than when I worked with him. I'll never forget 58 year old Don's words to this 24 year old kid about a month after we started working together. "Jason, throughout life, always remember -- Everyone gets old, but you can remain immature forever."  I've always tried to live my life like that. Never take yourself too seriously and have fun.I'll never forget how much Don loved his family. His wife Sue was his rock. He always talked about his children and he absolutely ADORED his grandchildren. That made an impression on me and I always tried to love my wife and my daughter the way Don loved his.Don was present in three very big moments in my life. That time in September 1998 when I proposed to my wife. The day I got married in November 1999 (Don was there). And the day I found out I was offered the job of my life that would require me to move to Bristol, CT. In each of these big events, Don was an amazing voice of reason, helping me navigate this next phase of my life. I'm still so grateful for that.Spending 5 days a week for 2 years with Don was an amazing life lesson. He taught me how to work hard, but not take your work too seriously. He taught me the importance of family. He taught me to always be prepared (20 pounds of flour in a 5 pound bag). But most of all, he taught me how to be a man.Upon hearing of Don's death, I went back and listened to the CD that he and I produced back in late 1999. Hearing his voice and the amount of fun we had every morning brought a tear to my eye.Don Weeks was a true legend in the Albany/Schenectady area but even more, he was a true friend to me.  I'll never forget you Uncle Don. Rest in peace.