Gary "Wooly" Waldron

August 25, 1943 – October 1, 2026

Gary “Wooly” Waldron, the legendary voice who kept Utah rocking for more than half a century, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, at the age of 83.

A broadcasting pioneer, lifelong champion of rock ’n’ roll, and one of Utah radio’s most recognizable personalities, Gary spent more than six decades doing what he loved. His voice, humor, and unmistakable presence became part of the soundtrack of life for generations of Utah listeners. Gary truly lived a life well rocked.

A Life in Radio

Born August 25, 1943, Gary’s love affair with radio began in 1960 at KBUH in Brigham City, Utah. By 1965, inspired by the hit song “Wooly Bully,” he adopted the on-air name that would follow him throughout his remarkable career: “Wooly” Waldron. With his quick wit, gravelly charm, and an instinctive understanding of what his audience wanted to hear, Wooly became a defining voice during the golden age of AM radio. As both a disc jockey and program director, he helped shape the sound of legendary stations including 1280 KNAK and KCPX. He introduced Utah listeners to the music of an unforgettable era, from the Beatles to the Beach Boys, and shared stages and moments with some of the biggest names in rock ’n’ roll. For Gary, radio was never simply a career. Music and broadcasting were woven into who he was.

A Master of the Airwaves

As radio changed through the decades, Wooly remained a familiar and beloved presence on the dial. Gary brought his deep knowledge of music, sharp programming instincts, humor, and unmistakable energy to stations throughout Utah, including KMUR, KALL, KLO, KISN, Q99.5, K-ROCK and eventually spinning classic rock tracks for 103.5 The Arrow, where he continued sharing with listeners. He did far more than play records. Gary helped build stations, shape their sound, and create the kind of radio people remembered. Perhaps his greatest gift behind the microphone was his ability to connect. Whether someone was listening in the car, at work, or at home, Wooly had a way of making it feel personal—as though you were simply spending some time with a friend who happened to have an incredible record collection. For generations of Utahns, his voice became inseparable from the music and memories of their lives.

A Life Beyond the Microphone

Above everything else, however, Gary loved his family. He was a devoted husband and family man and is now reunited with his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Pam. Gary is survived by his daughter, Wendy Sue Waldron, and his son, Gary Michaels Waldron, along with his five cherished grandchildren: Shantel, Kallie, Keegan, Finn, and Ireland. His children and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride, and the love, humor, stories, music, and memories he shared with them will remain an enduring part of his legacy. Off the air, he lived a life with the volume turned up all the way. He loved skiing, boating, being outdoors, and a good cigar. Gary leaves behind something few people ever have the opportunity to create: a life that became intertwined with the memories of an entire community. His family knew him as Dad and Grandpa. His friends knew his generosity, humor, and humble personality. And generations of Utah listeners simply knew him as Wooly. His voice may no longer come through the radio, but the music, memories, and people he influenced throughout his remarkable life remain.

Services

Family, friends, and listeners are invited to bring their favorite Wooly story to share, gather, and celebrate a life filled with family, friendship, music, and more than six decades of unforgettable radio. Refreshments will be served.

Celebration of Life with Viewing
Monday, October 12th, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Larkin Sunset Gardens
1950 E. 10600 S.
Sandy, Utah 84092

An additional Celebration of Life, filled with the classic rock Gary loved, will be announced at a later date.

In the meantime, those who knew and loved Wooly are encouraged to put on a favorite rock ’n’ roll record, turn it up a little louder than usual, and remember the man whose voice and love of music were part of Utah radio for more than half a century.

A life well rocked, and a legacy that will play on.