Longtime talk radio show host and TV personality Jon Anderson died early Friday morning at Guam Regional Medical City. He was 76. Anderson was recently admitted to the hospital following a long illness.
Tributes began pouring in immediately. Rex Sorenson, President of Sorenson Media Group: “I always admired Jon’s talent to know exactly what to say to diffuse tensions, to cut through the rhetoric, and to comfort our listeners in even the most trying times. I wish I had the words to express what a tremendous loss to our community and to our SMG family this news represents. To Mahie and Jon’s children: Guam is indebted to you, for encouraging and supporting Jon during his decades of service to our people. Jon Anderson is, and will forever be, the Godfather of talk radio on Guam. Rest in peace friend; you’ve earned this station break.”
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero: described Anderson as a "radio icon."“Our hearts sank this morning upon hearing of the passing of Guam radio icon Jon Anderson. He was our source for news and our connection to each other through the morning airwaves for decades – whether it was celebrating a triumph, mourning a tragedy, or surviving a typhoon or an earthquake. His voice brought us together more than any current social media channel ever could. Guam has lost a media legend whose contributions to our island will be remembered for generations.”
. Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio added, “Jon’s integrity, as a radio talk show host, a journalist, and as a person was evident in everything he did. Our hearts go out to his family, most especially his wife Mahi, his daughter Debbie, and his sons Keoki, Maka, Darren, and Tony, who is a member of my security detail. Jon’s illness was one that cruelly robs the human body but leaves the mind and soul intact. It is heartening to know that he stands tall once again, his rich, velvety pipes now gracing heaven’s airwaves.”