The End of the Story

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Paul Harvey reads a hypothetical letter from God.

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Legendary radio broadcaster Paul Harvey died Saturday at the age of 90.

The cause of his death wasn't immediately known, but, by any measure, he lived a long, full life. He was born in Tulsa, Okla., in 1918, and he died in Phoenix. For nearly 70 years, he was married to Lynne "Angel" Cooper Harvey, who died of leukemia nearly a year ago at the age of 92.

One of the finest tributes I have ever read was written by Bob Greene about Harvey, and it deserves to be read by anyone who ever listened to Harvey on the radio — which is just about everyone.

One of Greene's best observations was that Harvey "was the ultimate singer–songwriter. He wrote the lyrics. And then he went onto his stage and performed them. The cadences that came out of his fingertips at the typewriter were designed to be translated by one voice — his voice — and he did it every working day for more than half a century: did it so well that he became a part of the very atmosphere, an element of the American air."

I often took my lunch break sitting in my vehicle, listening to the radio, and Harvey frequently came on during my break. Sometimes I was already familiar with the subject of the day; other times, I was not. But I always found his broadcasts enthralling. And I always knew he had more to say until he came to his trademark conclusion — "And now you know the rest of the story," followed by "Good day!"

His voice always conjured up reassuring memories from my childhood, when our family was driving at night, either on a long trip or a short one, and the car radio was on. Inevitably, it seemed, Harvey's voice broke through the darkness, bringing illumination where there was none.

Even now, I can't listen to recordings of his voice without remembering those days. I didn't always understand the subjects he chose to talk about when I was a child, but the sound of his voice was comforting.

And, as an adult, I shall miss its presence. There are times when I still need that reassurance.

Thank you, Mr. Harvey. And "good day" to you, sir.