Reese Rickards

One of the longtime voices of West Michigan has died.  WBCT-FM (Grand Rapids) operations manager Dave Taft announced in a social media post that former DJ and host Reese Rickards died this past Tuesday (2/24).

“When I first started at B-93, Reese would be the first person I would see each morning,” Taft wrote.  In a statement to WOOD-TV, Taft said that Rickards “was an integral part of West Michigan radio for over two decades and leaves a long lasting legacy for those he’s left behind.”

Taft recalled on social media that Rickards was always passionate and excited about his role, particularly for a host working at 4 a.m.

“He was usually up hours before that as he loved what he did for a living,” Taft wrote. “He lived and breathed news. Always trying to find a unique spin on a story, always wanting to be the first to bring it to the listeners, and when warranted, finding a way to make it fun.”

Rickards and Neal Dionne started the radio station, Taft said, and in the process, “set the standard” for employees to follow for two decades.

“They offered advice, lent an ear, and provided the encouragement and leadership all good radio stations need. The best advice I remember was that ‘this isn’t rocket science, it’s radio. Just have stupid fun.’”

Taft wrote that Dionne reached out to him Monday, informing him that Rickards was ill and “the outlook was not good.” On Tuesday, Taft was told that Rickards died.

“Today, I look back at all the great memories, from Birthday Bash past, to 93 town caravans for the B-93 Roofsit for Kids, to early morning conversations,” Taft wrote. “You are missed friend. Rest in Peace.”

The MAB has been unable to locate any information on services but will update this post once that information becomes available.