R.I.P.: Bay Area Radio Personality Lee Rodgers

Lee Rodgers, SF Chronicle photo

Former San Francisco talk radio personality Lee Rodgers has died.

Rodger, hosted morning on KSFO 560 AM from the mid-90s until 2010.  He also made stops in Chicago and Seattle.

He had been troubled by heart issues and according to reports died on an operation table early Friday morning.

His wife Susan wrote on his blog:

Dear Friends: 

Some of you may have heard that Lee has been dealing with some health issues of late. Unfortunately the rumors are true. 

After extensive heroic surgery performed by seven wonderful surgeons and 13 hours, Lee decided to leave the bounds of earth and soar with the eagles. At 12:32 a.m. on January 31, Lee died. However, he died like he lived. He was brave to take the chances of a risky surgery and thanked his surgeons prior to beginning to try to find a way to extend his "used-by" date. 

I loved this man with all my heart and it has been a privilege to share 35 years with him. He had integrity, he was responsible and he was honest to the core.

Read More Now

Years ago, Rodgers and co-host Melanie Morgan interviewed a ‘turkey tugger” and some listeners consider the bit one of the hilarious moments ever captured on AM radio.

For the longest time, KSFO-AM played this segment every year around Thanksgiving.