R.I.P.: Gary Fruin, Longtime K-Lite Santa Barbara Morning Host

Gary Fruin

The airwaves are a little quieter as Santa Barbara bids farewell to one of its most treasured voices, Gary Fruin, who passed away at the age of 68.

Fruin, a cornerstone of the KSBL K-LITE radio station for 34 years alongside his co-host, Catherine Remak, succumbed to complications from a relapse of esophageal cancer, a battle he had bravely fought and thought he had conquered a few years prior.

Fruin was not just a voice on the radio; he was a fixture in the Santa Barbara community, bringing information, entertainment, and sports commentary each morning from 101.7 fm.

Last year Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse and the City Council honored him with a proclamation of appreciation on National Radio Day.