George Tole remembers Bwana Johnny

George Toles remembers Bwana Johnny

Having been on staff at KJR-AM Seattle '70-'75, and in Seattle from '67 on, I fell

under the spell of Bwana Johnny late in his life. We first met at his last place of

employment, Jones Radio in Seattle where he programmed their oldies format

for stations throughout the galaxy.

Our next meeting was in his hospital room, then a few times at a Mercer Island

rehab center. Even though he was groggy on his meds, nodding off frequently,

he was a genial host always, just as he was on the air.

At the end of our final visit, he accompanied me to the door, guiding his electric

wheelchair to the elevator, down to the main floor and out to the front entrance,

like the courteous gentleman he was.

In each of our visits this year we talked about his health and the likelihood that it

wouldn't hold out much longer. I had the great privilege of relating to him the

"Good News" that God loves him and that Jesus Christ had paid the full penalty

on the cross for all of Bwana's sins. When I asked my little friend if he'd personally

accepted God's free gift of forgiveness at one time in his life, he said he had. So,

I'm expecting to see B.J. again someday. He'll be sporting his new, totally healthy

bod then, showing off his new studio at K-GOD, "All Rock of Ages, all the time."

George Toles