RIP, 'fmd'

"I will miss this lady." That's the simple post I placed a Facebook Wednesday upon learning of the death of longtime work colleague Lois Martin. Little did I realize the reaction I would get from across the country to her passing.<br /> <br /> Many of the messages I received were from former co-workers at Jacobs Media (WDUN, WDUN-FM, 1240 ESPN Radio and AccessNorthGa.com). They all expressed sadness while remembering her in many of the ways I do.<br /> <br /> Lois worked for the company for 60+ years, starting fresh out of high school in 1949 - its first employee. Always a lady - impeccably dressed, not a hair out of place - even, it seems, when she came in a snow/ice day, sometimes walking to work in the snow and ice when she and husband Harry lived across from the station on Green Street Circle.<br /> <br /> One former co-worker wrote that she was "a very special lady," and that about sums it up. But so does "she was always so kind and helpful." And, "a mama to all of us young 'jocks' (disc jockeys)." "The glue that held us all together." "A genuine, positive influence on everyone."<br /> <br /> Current company President & CEO Jay Jacobs noted Wednesday that she was founder John W. Jacobs, Jr.'s "assistant and right hand," adding "we are the company we are today, due in large part to everything she taught us."<br /> <br /> Lois also held the unofficial title of "company historian," remembering many of the great and not-so-great moments in the firm's history. She could recall in detail so many of the people who had worked here through the years - some as far back as 30 or 40 years ago. Her memory was such that I was sure if I were to ask her who worked the afternoon shift in the summer of 1958, she would be able to tell me.<br /> <br /> She never seemed to forget a colleague's special occasions - a birthday, a wedding anniversary, a spouse's birthday - or that of a child or grandchild - especially at the height of her career. <br /> <br /> My fondest memory of that part of Lois occurred during one of my active duty stints with the Air Force Reserves. I received a birthday card. It was postmarked Gainesville but the envelope had no return address - and the card was signed "fmd." It was a long, long time before I learned that Lois had sent it - and that the "fmd" was for "Fellow Mustang Driver."<br /> <br /> Yes, we both drove Ford Mustangs at the time.<br /> <br /> So, RPI, fmd. I will miss you.<br /> <br /> (Ken Stanford is a Contributing Editor and retired Newsroom Manager for WDUN-AM, WDUN-FM, 1240 ESPN Radio and AccessNorthGa.com.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/9/279156