Dori Monson, conservative Seattle radio host, dies at 61

+ Editor’s note: While I disagreed with Monson on so many political issues, I respected the balanced approach he brought to KIRO 97.3 FM radio for so many years.

Blessings to his family at this poignant time, and to his KIRO colleagues!

What a huge loss for KIRO radio!

+ KIRO radio: We are saddened to announce the passing of KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson

From The Seattle Times:

Dori Monson, the Puget Sound region’s longtime conservative radio host from “the mean streets of Ballard,” died Saturday night at a Seattle hospital, according to KIRO Newsradio. He was 61.

Monson hosted his highly rated three-hour show each weekday, and for many years had been a part of the Seahawks radio broadcast team and local sports.

KIRO Newsradio described him as a “longtime watchdog of government and social issues” and said the station is working to create on-air tributes.

A written statement from Bonneville International, which owns KIRO-FM, said Monson suffered a “cardiac event” at home Thursday and was hospitalized.

Monson attended the University of Washington, and worked at KING-TV and KING Radio before joining KIRO in the early 1990s.

His energetic weekday show from noon to 3 p.m. regularly featured state politicians of both parties and a snappy review of news headlines he called “the fastest 15.” He was a persistent critic of Sound Transit and the Highway 99 tunnel. On any given afternoon, Monson’s show could be heard from boomboxes and parked vans at neighborhood housing construction sites.

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Despite health issues in recent years, Monson enjoyed deep-sea fishing with colleagues and playing pickleball with his family, the station said. He leaves behind a wife and three adult daughters.