In Loving Memory
1943•2026
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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.
Send flowers for Gary · The Rose Shop delivers them to the service, free of charge.
My wife Cidny and I would like to express our sincere condolences to Wooly’s family. Wooly was such a huge influence on me, and every Utah radio personality. He did radio right! What an enormous career!! He’s playing The Rolling Stones for his listeners in heaven right now!! ❤️ ❤️
Gary,I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. I remember times on the school bus on the way home and hearing his voice. The fun times at lake Powell. And all the humor being around him. Prayers and love to your family.
Wooly was instrumental in my appreciation for classic rock n roll in the early 70's. Later in life it was always fun to chat with him and enjoy his incredible dry wit! He was a good family man; I know he will be missed by family and fans alike. Rest in Peace, Sir!
My mentor & amazing friend Gary "Wooly" Waldron has passed away. Wooly watched over me & my family like a big brother & I was honored to call him a best friend. I enjoyed being around Pam & their children Gary Waldron & Wendy Waldron. Rest in Peace Wooly, you will always be "The Best" or as he'd tell me "Danny you are #1 with a bullet."
Mentor & amazing friend .... "Wooly" was a big part of my life. Wooly watched over me & my family like a big brother & I was honored to call him a best friend. I enjoyed being around Pam & their children Gary Waldron & Wendy Waldron. Rest in Peace Wooly, you will always be "The Best" or as he'd tell me "Danny you are #1 with a bullet."
I send my sincerest condolences to Wolly's family at this difficult time.
Radio has always been a major part of my life, and your dad was one of the people who inspired me to get into radio. His love for radio, rock and roll music, and the community was evident throughout his life and touched so many people.
Wooly was truly one of a kind. He was the best, and I feel fortunate to have known him and to have been inspired by his passion for radio.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Wendy and Gary
I am so sorry for your loss I know my mom and dad were very close to your family when we were young.
I know he is also reunited with my Grandma his sister Sharon and their family is complete again.
I remember spending the holidays with you guys. I have pictures of us all at Christmas time when we were younger kids as we grew up boy when you look at the hairstyles makes me laugh, but I loved your mom. She never change. She was the same throughout my whole life I remember her the same I am sorry I didn’t know that she had passed. I know we haven’t kept in touch. I would love if you could send me her obituary message me in Facebook again my deepest condolence to you and Wendy from me my kids and my dad Jim he’s very sad to hear this. He won’t be able to attend the celebration of life, but I will be there with my son and possibly my daughter and grandkids all my love to you your cousin Cindy.
A real gem. Wooly was a great guy all around. Always made time to talk to you like you were the most important person in the world he could be talking to at that moment. He will be very missed. I don't even have to try, in order to conjure up that voice in my mind.
He was the greatest
Sorry to hear of the passing of the legendary Gary “Wooly” Waldrun. So glad I had a chance to meet him while I worked in radio in Salt Lake City. Having the experience to work with Gary was even better. My condolences to his friends and family. Wooly you will be missed.
Gman I'm really sorry fo read about the loss of your Father & Jon the loss of your uncle! RIP Wooly Waldron
Gary,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I grew up on KCPX and The Arrow listening to your Dad, Skinny Johnny Mitchell Jon Carter and yes you! The majority of today’s DJs don’t even compare! I’m sorry for your loss!!!
Gary and Wendy, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I have lots of fond memories growing up in the same neighborhood and listening to your dad on the radio daily. Woolly was definitely one of a kind. Sending you both lots of love and prayers as you go through this hard time.❤️
Gary and Wendy, I am so sorry to hear about Wooly. My condolences to you and Wendy. I have so many fond memories of all the years I worked with your Dad. And of course all the times with you, Pam and Wendy and our great dinners. He was the man of Utah! He broke a lot of songs for me and a lot of other people. Gary and Pam were very special people and I say goodbye with love. Love to you and Wendy my friend.
So many memories of visits. His quiet presence. Lots of memories driving into Salt Lake listening to Wooly on the radio. Once he play Purple People Eater dedicated to Pam’s little red-haired daddy. So fun. Love and hugs to you Gary and Wendy. 💙
Gary, so very very sorry for your loss. You know how fond I was of your dad. He gave me the best piece of advice I ever received.
When I suggested a song go into hot rotation, he asked why? When I told it was because I thought it was a great tune, he replied “Ron- don’t use yourself as a barometer for the world.” While I left radio a few years later for another career, I have carried and shared that thought with hundreds of others. Indeed, the world would be a better place if we all adopted the wisdom Wooly shared with me that day.
RIP my wise friend.
I have been honored to call Gary and Pam my friends. Working with him for almost 20 years was a privilege. Boating at Powell, Dining at Piero’s, driving around San Diego in Ballard’s Rolls Royce to see a restaurant he wanted to pattern one after was always fun. Even getting lost after dark in the wrong part of Boston was an adventure. At KISN he set a standard for excellence that has not been surpassed. You will be missed my friend. Our love goes out to you and your family, Junior.
Gary I am so sad to read about the passing of your Dad! My heart breaks for your family! I pray that you will find some some of comfort through the good memories you had together... I know there were a lot! Remember your Dad will always be with you, he lives in & through you because you are part of him! Not to mention how much you look alike! I love the video tribute of your Dad what a sweet family! Amazing pictures! Love you tons my long time friend! ((BIG HUGS BEING SENT))
Wooly had common radio beginn8ngs at KBUH in Brigham. It was a great training ground for our careers, though I began mine after he had gone to the Salt Lake major market and great things. But, he was always a friend and encouraged those of us who didn't become the star he became. I learned from him and loved popping into KCPX visit him and Skinny. They never made me feel like I was imposing. I'll miss you my friend and teacher. Save an air shift for me when we meet again in the great studio in the sky.
My Dad worked with Wooly at KCPX many, many years ago. Dad worked in the "projection booth" on the TV side. On Social Hall, that was upstairs and the radio booth was on the main floor just past reception. Daddy had many stories about Wooly. He always talked of him with fondness. He did mention the cigars. Those were the days when they could smoke indoors. My deepest condolences. Maybe our Dads are reminiscing right now.
Sending my deepest condolences and gratitude for all he did for me. I met Wooly when I was in High School and worked for him as a DJ for awhile on the late nights. He sometimes drove me to school and was instrumental in me graduating. Quit was not in his vocabulary. I owe many things to Wooly but most of all my undying thanks for everything he did for a young man struggling in life. He gave me a sense of value and self worth.
I'm sad to see that "Wooly" is gone, but he was a true radio legend -- one of the biggest Utah radio DJs of all, along with Skinny Johnny Mitchell and Lynn Lehman (also both deceased). I was also always extra proud to have "Wooly" as a cousin, since his mother was Zelpha Arave Waldron. My condolences to all of his family.
My man, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much your dad meant to you, and I want you to know that he meant a lot to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him and listening to him.Your dad was more than just a radio personality. He was a true legend with one of the most powerful and unforgettable voices Utah has ever known. Through the airwaves, he connected with people, young people, inspired listeners, and became a part of countless lives. His talent was remarkable, and the legacy he built will continue to be remembered for generations.Even though he is no longer with us, his voice lives on. Through the recordings he left behind, his passion, personality, and incredible gift will continue to be heard for many years to come.And thank God that some of your dad's talent lives on in you. You have shared that gift with all of us, and I know he would be proud. Keep his legacy alive, honor his memory, and never forget the impact he had on so many people.We will always remember Wooley Waldron's voice, his talent, and the man he was. Love you, buddy. May God bless your family and give you peace during this difficult time. ❤️
Hugs
My sweet friend Wendy, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your brother.
Red, sorry to see this. He kept me entertained many years. A good man! Love Chuck & Rise Argyle
Red, sorry to see this. He kept me entertained many years. A good man! Love Chuck & Rise Argyle
Man so sorry to hear about the passing of Wooly! I remember when I sent him an air check when I was in Logan and he was at KISN. I called him to see if he got it…and he said…”should I have gotten your air check!” 😆😆 Who knew years later he would hire me from HOT 94.9 to work at Q99! He was a great example to me and I was grateful to have awesome radio people to work with from Lou Simon to another Salt Lake great…Wooly Waldron. Thanks Wooly for your example..kindness but most of all your friendship!
Debbie and express our condolences to the Waldron family. Gary was one of my heroes and a reason I wanted to get into radio. He gave me opportunity to achieve my life long dream. Thank you "Wooly" for lways showing me the fun side of life. We will miss you.
A few kind words can mean a great deal to the family in the days ahead.
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