Rob Dempsey Tributes & Memories
The news of Rob Dempsey’s sudden death spread quickly through the industry. The Christian Radio & Records community is much like a big family. Even if you haven’t someone in person, you feel like you know them, that’s because of the mutual calling to tell others about Jesus on the radio and through music. LOVE each other, Support each other, and CHEER for each other everyday.
The shock of sudden loss (and the industry has had many this year) is hard to swallow.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Verse 13 says: “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”
Rob was a great friend and mentor to many, and an encourager to all. Please pray for his family and friends. Tributes and memories about Rob are pouring in….
Allen Henderson His Radio – It’s been my privilege to work with Rob for 25 years. He was one of a kind and truly a servant leader. I will miss his friendship and daily encouragement so much. His dreams and goals for His Radio will live on in the future. There will always be a part of Rob Dempsey in our ministry.
Mike Blakemore WFSH Atlanta – Rob inspired so many and changed many lives. I’m thinking he’s seeing the heavenly side of his impact right now. Praying for his family and friends during this difficult time.
Paul Hafer WECC Brunswick, GA – Vickie & I didn’t know Rob well, we just knew of him. We met him and shared a dinner table with him years ago on the Music Boat. He was an amazing talent with a gift from God that he used to serve and bless many as a powerful and far reaching radio minister!
Kevin Avery WFSH Atlanta – Rob Dempsey embodied CCM Radio at its very best. His caring, humanity and willingness to be a living example of what a life captured by God’s grace looks like is an example for all of us. Like his listeners, I’m going to miss my friend. Well done Rob, a good and faithful servant.
Mark Giles WIZB Dothan – I met Rob when we were both PD’s in different markets in Florida. And have always been moved by his powerful story of struggle, grace and redemption. He left an indelible imprint on so many folks in the industry, including me. I’m glad to know he’s not suffering any longer, and that Jesus has healed him.
Joe Polek His Radio – I’ve known Rob for a very long time. He has been a legend in the Christian Radio world. He allowed me to learn from him in so many different ways, starting when I was brand new in the industry living so far away in Maine. He knew everything and everyone and I didn’t know anyone or anything but he let me in. But he never wanted to share too much about his struggles. When he was going thru his Cancer battle, he would say, “Joe, you survived Brain Surgery and you are thriving! That’s amazing”. That literally was the last conversation we had. Him encouraging me that my battle was more than what he was going thru… Even though it wasn’t. But he encouraged people. I don’t know how we are gonna do this without him. He is not a part of HIS Radio. He is HIS Radio.
Donna Cruz Air Talent – It was such an honor 11 years ago when Rob called me to invite me to join the His Radio team. I had met him ten years prior at GMA in Nashville when he sat in as I was sharing about VoxPro and editing calls. THIS is how humble Rob was. I was like, “THIS MAN is trying to learn something from ME?” He was so seasoned in the craft it was ME who wanted to learn from HIM. and I learned a lot! Rob not only TALKED about overcoming. He lived it. He modled it. He was a mentor to many and inspired everyone around him to love well. There is a void in the world as we mourn his passing.
Stephanie Jenkins KWND Springfield – You didn’t have to know Rob for more than a matter of minutes and you would know 3 things… 1. Jesus changed his life and that same Jesus could change yours too. 2. He lived his family fiercely. 3. He spoke encouragement over everyone. Now, the rest of us fill in for what the world is missing without Rob Dempsey in it.
Bill Scott Vidare Creative – Rob is a legend. I’ve known him for 35 years and I’m a better man for it. Rob had a heart of gold and just loved people. Rob loved Christian radio. I’ll always remember my brother.
Scott Smith K-LOVE – I loved Rob! Man we had some amazing conversations over the years! I always loved hearing Rob’s introduction to Christian radio and how it changed his life and became what he dedicated his life to, I always admired that and it was so often a poignant reminder of what an honor and privilege it is to do what we get to do everyday! One of my favorite memories with Rob was traveling with him, Steve Strout, Bill Lurwick, Tower Hurd and Zoegirl to Equador on a mission trip! We had such a great time serving together, deep conversations every night and the evening Catch Phrase game, which yielded some memories that we still laugh about to this day! You knew the trip was going to be one for the record books when Steve, Rob and I began yelling “Bomb, Bomb, Bomb!” on the airplane while playing Catch Phrase, the timer was running, the beeps were getting more intense and we were completely oblivious. The flight crew was not amused!! I can’t believe that both of those dear friends are now gone, I miss them both, but I will be forever grateful that God allowed me to call them friends and I look forward to the day that we will all see one another again; I wonder if there will be Catch Phrase in Heaven.
What an amazing man. So many times when I felt loss and would turn on His Radio just his voice alone seem to calm me down. Truly a believer in God’s word. I am sad and from my family to yours. We ask God to give you all comfort. Amen.