The World Needs More People Like Janet Kelsey

If you’ve been listening to KTUH FM Honolulu over the years, and in particular, if you listen to Jazz, you may have had the privilege of hearing, Friday Morning Jazz with Janet Kelsey, from 9AM – 12PM HST. Janet held a weekly show at KTUH for 12+ years, and was a true force of positive energy. Her caring and willingness to share her knowledge of music, and her time at the station, was truly a gift to everyone who met her or had the opportunity to hear her show. It is evident that many people were touched by Janet, and it was an honor to have had the pleasure of listening to her show, and knowing her as a fellow KTUHer.

Today, there was a memorial held in her honor. It was a beautiful day at the East West Center. I loved hearing words of remembrance, and seeing old and new KTUH DJs. Her family was also very kind and gracious, thoughtful, and just made a great atmosphere for us to remember Janet in. They even baked delicious cookies for everyone to take with them! Former students (she taught English at Castle High School) gave moving tributes to her, and made me wish I’d had her as an English teacher. Joshua from KTUH, and her daughter, Anne Hammond, spoke to us and also read some words from people who could not attend. Even though it was sad, I found myself also feeling very happy to celebrate such a vibrant woman who I so deeply admire.

Governor Neil Abercrombie was also in attendance. He was a long-time fan of Janet’s show, and came to pay his respects. He said something I really liked, to the effect that Janet was a person who lived her beliefs. And that not many people can honestly say they’ve accomplished this. I think he was correct, and that’s quite an accomplishment for any person to make in their lifetime.

They had this beautiful picture on display, with Janet giving one of her high voltage smiles:

what a smile!

If you never had a chance to hear Janet on the air, or if you feel like hearing her again, Here’s a link to Janet’s very last show. Mahalo to Tony for producing the show, and posting it online for others to enjoy, and for being there for Janet as her board operator.

Janet was a special lady, and I will never forget her as one of the best things about my time at KTUH. We learned at the service today that her 84th birthday is tomorrow, March 19th.

Happy Birthday Janet!! You are missed. Thank you for the cookies, the vitamin C whenever you thought I was catching a cold, for helping me when I was music director with the ever-growing music library, and charting jazz charts for us, and giving us advice and hugs, and smiles. I’m blessed to have met you.

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