A huge thank you to the brilliant Julie Gammack for this amazing tribute to my incomparable mother. What a wonderful read, full of laughs! Mum would have loved it.
Ed & I had such a laugh at that! You're such a wordsmith, Julie. I've sent it on to Ed & he collaborating with a friend here to write an obituary for Mum. Would it be alright if we used some of your outstanding writing in Mum's memorial?
Lovely remembrance. And what a wonderfully accurate report of the wide-ranging (as in every opinion no matter how clueless is valid) discourse (often sold as "lighthearted,") surrounding women and our public/person choices and opinions regarding EVERYTHING, from clothes and make-up to career pursuits to personal connections and relationships. Julie, how did you sheroes navigate so much harsh scrutiny? Hat's off to you all:) and RIP Susan Bray.
Thanks for sharing Julie, Not only the sad news but sharing things I was not aware of back then and for sharing your own insecurities so freely with us. I always think of you as invincible :)
Thank you for sharing the story, and thank your for sharing the pictures. My sympathy to you and I do remember Susan Bray and brought back memories of the lunch spots in Des Moines.
My acquaintance with Susan wasn't as personal yours, Julie, but during the 1980 Iowa State Fair we shared a moment I will always remember. I mentioned that I was leaving the WHO booth and heading to the Hog Barn to see the largest boar. She was unfamiliar with the annual contest and after a brief explanation we were off. As we turned into the aisle where the boar rested on its side, Susan's voice reached a volume that may have reached the beer tent. In her inimitable Aussie voice she proclaimed, "Ohhh...my GAWWWD! Look at those testicles!" Deathly silence ensued for seconds before the hubbub of the barn resumed. The boar may have smiled.
Hilarious story! Love hearing tales of Mum I've not heard before. She adored the Iowa State Fair, the lamb burgers, all the various entertainments available for us kids. I know broadcasting live is always fraught with hiccups, but I think the State Fair was even more challenging.
She was one heck of a lady and I was friends with her two kids in Philly. She was outspoken and fun to be around I will miss knowing she is here. I’ll keep her, Ed, CK and Jason in my prayers and I’m sure she creating quite the stir in heaven. Peace
Such a warm and heartfelt tribute, Julie. I recall that Susan added a distinct international flavor to the Des Moines scene when I arrived in 1979 to join Gov. Bob Ray's staff.
What a great column, Julie -- not only the fun memories of Susan Bray but your own hilarious tryout and debut on WHO radio. But, OMG, all this was 40 years ago! What's happened to us?
Chuck! The Iowa Boy! I have such wonderful memories of you. You were so incredibly kind & patient with me as a child when I insisted on whipping the cream for the dessert at Mum's dinner party by hand mixer. Insane child. You whipped & whipped so I wouldn't pitch a fit (odd, as I was not a tantrum throwing brat) & I will always remember how much I idolised you forever after. Herculean efforts!
I never knew this story of Mum recognising your talent & promoting you to the station. It makes me feel even more pride in my extraordinarily gifted mother, always being kind, encouraging & supporting others. Thank you for everything, Chuck.
Beautiful tribute to an extraordinary friend. There is no name like, "widow or orphan" to signal the lost relationship when a beloved friend dies. There is grief, but no tradition of mourning. It's a lonely journey. This story about her captured beautiful memories. Thanks for sharing it.
And, The Des Moines Register picked up the column online. Check out this article from Des Moines Register:
'Saucy Aussie' Susan Bray was a pioneer in Des Moines radio
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/2022/01/16/susan-bray-des-moines-radio-pioneer-known-saucy-aussie-dies-at-age-79/6536374001/
A huge thank you to the brilliant Julie Gammack for this amazing tribute to my incomparable mother. What a wonderful read, full of laughs! Mum would have loved it.
I keep chuckling about ‘dominatrix of the airwaves’…
Ed & I had such a laugh at that! You're such a wordsmith, Julie. I've sent it on to Ed & he collaborating with a friend here to write an obituary for Mum. Would it be alright if we used some of your outstanding writing in Mum's memorial?
I would be honored!
Thank you so much! Love!
Thank you so much! Love
Lovely remembrance. And what a wonderfully accurate report of the wide-ranging (as in every opinion no matter how clueless is valid) discourse (often sold as "lighthearted,") surrounding women and our public/person choices and opinions regarding EVERYTHING, from clothes and make-up to career pursuits to personal connections and relationships. Julie, how did you sheroes navigate so much harsh scrutiny? Hat's off to you all:) and RIP Susan Bray.
Thanks, Melissa! It wasn’t easy!
Thanks for sharing Julie, Not only the sad news but sharing things I was not aware of back then and for sharing your own insecurities so freely with us. I always think of you as invincible :)
Ha! Omg, I’m an insecure mess like the rest of us.
Julie, heart-warming, great capture of her delightfulness!
Thank you for sharing the story, and thank your for sharing the pictures. My sympathy to you and I do remember Susan Bray and brought back memories of the lunch spots in Des Moines.
Thanks. Colleen
My acquaintance with Susan wasn't as personal yours, Julie, but during the 1980 Iowa State Fair we shared a moment I will always remember. I mentioned that I was leaving the WHO booth and heading to the Hog Barn to see the largest boar. She was unfamiliar with the annual contest and after a brief explanation we were off. As we turned into the aisle where the boar rested on its side, Susan's voice reached a volume that may have reached the beer tent. In her inimitable Aussie voice she proclaimed, "Ohhh...my GAWWWD! Look at those testicles!" Deathly silence ensued for seconds before the hubbub of the barn resumed. The boar may have smiled.
Hilarious story! Love hearing tales of Mum I've not heard before. She adored the Iowa State Fair, the lamb burgers, all the various entertainments available for us kids. I know broadcasting live is always fraught with hiccups, but I think the State Fair was even more challenging.
Thanks for sharing, Jim.
Susan's daughter CK (Chavaleh)
Jim! How nice to see your make!
Your name! Autocorrect
She was one heck of a lady and I was friends with her two kids in Philly. She was outspoken and fun to be around I will miss knowing she is here. I’ll keep her, Ed, CK and Jason in my prayers and I’m sure she creating quite the stir in heaven. Peace
Thank you, Scotty. xox
Such a warm and heartfelt tribute, Julie. I recall that Susan added a distinct international flavor to the Des Moines scene when I arrived in 1979 to join Gov. Bob Ray's staff.
Thanks, Ken! Good to hear from you!
What a great column, Julie -- not only the fun memories of Susan Bray but your own hilarious tryout and debut on WHO radio. But, OMG, all this was 40 years ago! What's happened to us?
Chuck! The Iowa Boy! I have such wonderful memories of you. You were so incredibly kind & patient with me as a child when I insisted on whipping the cream for the dessert at Mum's dinner party by hand mixer. Insane child. You whipped & whipped so I wouldn't pitch a fit (odd, as I was not a tantrum throwing brat) & I will always remember how much I idolised you forever after. Herculean efforts!
I never knew this story of Mum recognising your talent & promoting you to the station. It makes me feel even more pride in my extraordinarily gifted mother, always being kind, encouraging & supporting others. Thank you for everything, Chuck.
I know! We're not wearing bikini underwear any more, that's for sure.
Sure lots of fun memories in this one!!!!! Thanks, Julie!
Wonderful tribute Julie. Sorry for your loss. Keep her memory close to your heart as you navigate the days, weeks and months ahead.
Thanks, Les
Beautiful tribute to an extraordinary friend. There is no name like, "widow or orphan" to signal the lost relationship when a beloved friend dies. There is grief, but no tradition of mourning. It's a lonely journey. This story about her captured beautiful memories. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks so much, Jill
Julie I'm very sorry for your loss. Nice article.
Thanks, Dawn