Steve Cannon Photo: Pavek Museum of Broadcasting (Visit for audio clips of Steve Cannon’s legendary work)

A couple of weeks ago, I walked into my house after work and the answering machine was blinking.

Here was the baritone message from Steve Cannon:

"Hey, Eric, wow you have a fast talker there (my wife, who recorded our household greeting, is known for her sprinter-like messages). Hey, it’s the Old Wrangler here, give me a call my boy."

Hearing that booming message you’d think Steve Cannon’s voice would never die.

Several years ago, I first contacted Steve, the legendary WCCO-AM drive time talent and former Cowboy Wrangler Steve on Twin Cities TV in the 1950s, about some possible voiceover work. He invited me to lunch at Perkins.

We never did the voiceover work, but it started a series of long get togethers. I’d throw out a subject, and he’d run with it, seamlessly moving from story to story. That must have been what it was like passing to Michael Jordan. I just threw it out and he’d score again and again.

For a time I lost touch with Steve (you know, life). One January day my colleague Steve Ordahl and I were talking and he mentioned how much he enjoyed listening to Steve Cannon. I walked back to my office, found Cannon’s number and called him. We picked up right where we left off and got together for lunch.

But this time Steve had a story I didn’t want to hear: inoperable stomach cancer. But, you almost didn’t take it seriously, because even though he was dealing with pain and death staring him down, Steve’s voice, passion, spirit and stories kept coming as they always had.

I told him I’d be back. "You better hurry up, time is ticking," he said with a matter of fact smile. We were to get together for St. Patrick’s Day. I was going to bring the burritos and he’d provide the chicken noodle soup. I called and he apologized. He said he wasn’t feeling well. We needed to reschedule. I called last week to check in. His wife said he wasn’t able to talk. I knew. Steve died last night at his home with his family around him.

Steve, a son of the Iron Range, told me once about how his Mom aged well, always having vibrant people around her and staying engaged in life. Steve did the same. In his early 80s, he was the DUDE. This year he was broadcasting on WCCO on Saturday mornings. He loved sports and a friend drove Steve to see the new Twins and Gophers stadiums rising. He was so excited about all the changes happening in this world and wanted to see how things turned out. He met his wife when they were both students at the U, and he’d tell you she just keeps getting more beautiful every day. He enjoyed watching "The Office" and "Mad Men." And he devoured news and shared his wry commentary on it with his friends. Steve lived fully as he died.

Thanks for everything, Old Wrangler. Look forward to catching up down the road. No doubt you’ll have some great new stories to tell.