THERE is a place on Facebook where people who share the experience of having worked in the media on Guam exchange memories and renew acquaintances. It’s called The Guam Media Old-Timers. Most of us belong. Some use the group, and Facebook, more than others.

As news spread on radio and through the Internet late last week that Joe Cunningham had died suddenly at his home, apparently from a massive heart attack, the disbelief and subsequent sorrow at the untimely passing of this man overwhelmed the old timers group. There seemed to be hundreds of posts.

Reading through them was like a trip down radio memory lane for those who knew and worked with Joe over the years. Many of us knew him as Uncle Tote. He was a true original, and through the intimate medium of radio touched countless lives with his unique combination of broadcast and musical talent.

Jerry Roberts, aka J.Q. Fanihi, wrote: “A rare guy. It’s hard to find people who have great talent, yet don’t carry the ego baggage that too often accompanies it. Joe was one of them. ... His radio work was legendary, but always took a back seat to his great ability to communicate with people and make them feel a little bit special.”

Myk Powell said: “I learned from Tote every time we got together. His love of music,
performing and everything ‘Guam’ inspires me, and always will.”

From Jeff Evens: “Tote was a friend, mentor and confidant; one of the most creative people I’ve ever known. I will always cherish both starting our radio careers together at KUAM ... Never had so much fun in my life.”

From Jeff “Hutch” Walch: “Tote’s impact on music, Chamorro culture and all of the lives he touched, including mine, will stand for generations. My prayers and God’s blessings over his family.”

And from Fred Nelson: “A broadcasting legend when I was a kid. When I first got into radio, I approached him as a demi-god, and was so jazzed that I actually got to work with him.”

The list goes on – Teresa Norton, Dave Ecret, Mason Ramsey, Patrick McMurtry, and far too many more to mention here. Each name stirs up memories, and all had memorable things to say about Joe Cunningham. He often ended his shows with “get me outta here,” and now he is gone.

Cindy Hanson and Jeff Pleadwell are helping the family make arrangements for Uncle Toting’s “Graduation Party.” It will be at Jeff’s Pirates Cove in Ipan next Sunday afternoon. We will be there to say adios.