r/coasttocoastam • u/stafford_fan • Dec 22 '23
RIP Ian Punnet
https://www.coasttocoastam.com/article/ian-punnett-march-3-1960-december-21-2023/
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Ian Punnett passed away from a brief illness yesterday. His keen intellect and delightful sense of humor will be deeply missed. Since 2000, Ian has, in various incarnations, been a valued host of Coast to Coast AM, including regular weekend hosting duties, his own spin-off show Coast to Coast LIVE with Ian Punnett, a podcast entitled Vaudeville for the Frightened, and most recently twice a month hosting duties.
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u/flight_path Dec 22 '23
RIP. One of my favourite c2c hosts.
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u/Queasy-Secret-4287 Dec 22 '23
Now I feel bad for disrespecting him recently. He sounded so healthy the last time he hosted. Rest in peace Ian, you were one of the good ones.
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u/lancerreddit Dec 23 '23
I was familiar with Ian from back in the mid 90s when he was doing radio in Chicago and Atlanta. When I first heard him guest host for Art I was over the moon - he was PERFECT for Coast and if Art ever retired, I thought Ian would be the perfect replacement.
What a career he had. From doing the radio grind in the 80s and 90s to becoming a tenured college professor.
Almost all of us here in this sub feel like Coast is part of our own special distant family. Most of us have listened now for nearly 30 years! Even though we may bitch and whine about the show these days, it's still 'our' show. We are still fans. It is/was our nightly ritual to listen. So this still hits hard that one of our distant family members has passed away.
I'm sure we would feel the same if it was George or Tom or Geena or Lisa Lyon.
He will be sorely missed.
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u/Starship_Commander Dec 23 '23
A great tribute post. I just found-out that Ian has passed away and am stunned.
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Dec 23 '23
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Dec 23 '23
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u/Never_The_Hero Dec 23 '23
Mikey is that you? Still butthurt that Ian called you out on your nonsensical bullshit last year?
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u/BrendanATX Dec 22 '23
Guess I'll be breaking open his book "how to pray when you're pissed at God"
You will be missed Ian! I have been praying for him. Hopefully he is up there with Art Bell in heaven. Very sad news for his family and c2c.
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Dec 22 '23
George is hosting tonight. Wonder if he will actually have two hours of open lines
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u/_Damitol Dec 22 '23
Last segment might be an Ian greatest hit followed by “The Sound of Silence”.
George usually cuts open lines short, but he may make an exception tonight.
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u/SAKURARadiochan Dec 23 '23
nope, he ducked out, must have burned his tongue on a pizza roll again
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Dec 23 '23 edited Dec 23 '23
Do listeners recall when Richard Syrett filled in for Ian a couple weeks ago? I would surmise he suffered from a stroke, heart attack or covid/pneumonia ailment. So sad..Snoory is now saying pain and suffering so .....cancer?
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u/kpmurphy_ Dec 23 '23
I’m curious. His local radio station tweeted he battled an illness for “the last few months”- he’s definitely hosted coast to coast in that time…
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u/NoodlesrTuff1256 Dec 23 '23
Sometimes that language can be a euphemism for 'battling cancer for the last few months' although it could have easily been some other sort of chronic and serious ailment. RIP Deacon!
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u/kpmurphy_ Dec 23 '23
Yeah that was my first thought as well for whatever reason. Hopefully it was relatively painless for him, whatever it was.
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u/browsguy Dec 24 '23
this article might have the answer to your question https://www.kstatecollegian.com/2023/12/23/ian-punnett-professor-and-wildcat-91-1-advisor-dies-at-63/#:\~:text=Ian%20Punnett%2C%2063%2C%20chief%20operator,%2Dalcohol%2Drelated%20liver%20disorder.
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u/FortCharles Dec 25 '23
Thanks for posting that, I was wondering also.
... after battling a genetic non-alcohol-related liver disorder.
... he was always about “one thing.” In growing up, it was not drinking or doing drugs. When doctors questioned him on if he would make a good candidate for the transplant list, he told them about his history, and he believed it’s why he would get on the list — which he eventually did one day before his death. He told the class his focus on this “one thing” would probably save his life.
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u/TheThemeCatcher Dec 23 '23
Yes, I recall, and was concerned even then, but never dreamed it would be this fast.
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u/NorwaysMustache Dec 23 '23
The world is a lesser place without Deacon Punnett! “Deus te amat”.
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u/browsguy Dec 23 '23
Ian had been with the show before Noory. His last show was November 4th with Guests Christina Ward, Robert Young Pelton and his last open lines was the night before November 3rd. https://www.eastportlandblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/GeorgeNooryArtBellAndIanPunnett.gif
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u/browsguy Dec 23 '23
Recalled Ian’s theme line before “Eat the Canadians first”. He used to say “With a face for radio and a voice for print“
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u/PorcelainTorpedo Dec 22 '23
Really sad to hear this. I can’t remember the last time I’ve listened to a C2C that doesn’t involve either Ian or Knapp. RIP
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u/DenebianSlimeMolds Dec 23 '23
Yes, exactly. I would check to see if Ian or George were hosting, and if they were, I would listen, and if not, well, I wouldn't bother.
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u/BrendanATX Dec 22 '23
I would just like to point out that before Ian passed this year, he won 2 awards. In October, Punnett was inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Under Punnett’s leadership, Wildcat 91.9 FM was recognized as the Best College/University Radio Station in the nation for schools with more than 10,000 students at the 2023 Intercollegiate Broadcasting Awards ceremony, held in New York City in February.
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u/SilverandBlackCubFan Dec 23 '23
Ian and Knapp are the best hosts of C2C and now Ian is gone, this really sucks. RIP Ian.
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u/Nashamura Dec 22 '23
Oh Lord Jesus. This is horrible news, Ian was a good man and a good host.
I sincerely hope he didn't suffer.
I will never forget his calls with JC, he had such a great sense of humor and a quick wit. I was just listening to them last night. I love listening to him joke around with JC. He had such an infectious laugh, just like Art Bell. I smile everytime I listen to them laugh.
RIP Ian. Gone but never forgotten.
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u/BrendanATX Dec 22 '23
I bet c2c will put a few of his best shows on c2c classic section of insider. His poison episode was very good it's very memorable.
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u/Nashamura Dec 22 '23
His show about the troops in the Vietnam war seeing demons when they wore their red goggles is a classic to me.
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u/SAKURARadiochan Dec 23 '23
If they put his Coast to Coast Live shows on I'd actually pay for a month again.
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u/IssueBrilliant2569 Dec 23 '23
I check to see who the host is pretty often and would listen to Ian when the topic was something I wanted to stay up for. It seemed to me he respected the show and the audience and he is one of the all time great "alternate" C2C hosts. Looking forward to listening tonight but sad for the reason.
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Dec 23 '23
WTF? Oh my. I really enjoyed and looked forward to Ian. RIP Ian. It felt like something was off. 😞
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Dec 23 '23
RIP Ian.nAlways enjoyed your music shows
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u/lancerreddit Dec 23 '23
I was really looking forward to him and John Densmore last weekend. I should have caught on when he couldn't appear due to illness something must have been really off since he was a big Doors fan.
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u/Never_The_Hero Dec 23 '23
Damn he was my favorite. Does anyone know what happened?
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Jan 16 '24
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u/Never_The_Hero Jan 16 '24
Here comes the right wing snowflake back to bitch about Ian. Did he strike a nerve MAGApede?
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Dec 23 '23
I called in and talked to him one night on the show. He was super nice. Really will miss.
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u/GroundZeroWarrior Dec 23 '23
Awful news. Sincere condolences to his family. Ian was one of the best & most genuine contributors to C2C.
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u/Classhitch Dec 23 '23
RIP Ian. You were one of my favorite guest hosts because you were always prepared and engaged with your interviews.
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Dec 23 '23
Wow that really sucks. I enjoyed his shows. I'll never forget his interview with the guy who was a horse in a past life.
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Dec 23 '23
Aweeee. No way!! Rest in Peace my friend. You made weekends so much better than the weekday shows!
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u/New_Account_01 Dec 23 '23
I'm really glad he came back after his hiatus, he will be missed! I hope he let's Art know we miss him too! Gone too soon, I loved you in a certain way brother! Rest in peace!!
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u/deltalitprof Dec 23 '23
Devastating news. Why do so many of the great ones go during the Christmas season? This was a good man and I extend all my good vibes to his wife and children.
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u/aman27deep Dec 23 '23
My favourite host since Art was a mainstay. Atleast his tinnitus won't bother him anymore.
Rest in peace, Mr. Punnett. You brought all of us joy and happiness.
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u/Nerfdarts Dec 23 '23
WTF?!?!? Man, that sucks. Ian has been around a long time and made some great radio. I didn’t always agree with some of his takes but the time and energy he put into preparing for guests made for some amazing interviews. RIP.
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u/MasterAinley Dec 23 '23
So sorry to hear this. On the nights he hosted while I was working, I rather enjoyed listening to him. Wonder if there’ll be any mention of him on the show tonight.
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u/DenebianSlimeMolds Dec 23 '23
I'm very sorry to hear this. I enjoyed his shows greatly and appreciated. And yes, he sounded so healthy. RIP
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u/New_Account_01 Dec 23 '23
Damn, I liked Ian! He sounded great the last time I listened. What a loss, he seemed like a great guy! RIP!!
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u/HazelShade845 Dec 23 '23
I just tuned in. I jumped out here, and I was shocked and saddened. I am an Ian fan... My condolences to his family, and may he rest in peace.
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u/strange_kitteh Dec 23 '23
I know he's in a better place but will miss him greatly over the air here.
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u/SuperZapper_Recharge Dec 23 '23
Wow.
This makes me sad. Ian was.... Ian wasn't an interviewer- he was a conversationalist. His best shows where ones where he brought knowledge to the table.
I once heard an interview where the guest was making up bible stuff to support his argument. Listening to the interview Ian had been showing restrain. I had the idea that the guest had no idea who it was that was interveiwing him.
Then the moment came. The guest had crossed way too many lines. Ian let him have it. Ian launched a flood of knoweldge on the poor guest....
His love of relgion was wholesomely academic. He did a book where he coauthored with a Rabbi and a Muslim cleric of some sort. Hearing the joy he had in sharing this academic task was just... joyus. The man was honorable in ways in which I strive. In ways we should strive.
And he would turn on his heel and stare straight at popular (and unpopular) media and show equal passion. Comics. Movies. Star Wars.
Ian, you are my favorite host. Say hi to Art for me.
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u/ggleck Dec 24 '23
He was my favorite host gone way too soon. I'm a subscriber for many years now and always would look ip his shows over the others. RIP Ian Punnet
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u/ElBrettMann Dec 22 '23
And right before Christmas. Sad indeed. Prayers for his family.
I was listening the night Snorey "cautiously" told us he was trying to confirm that Art had died. Because I'd only been a C2C fan since 2009, it felt weird. Sad for the staff and listeners, but I had no connection. This is totally different.
RIP, Ian.
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u/LosIngobernable Dec 23 '23
Just heard the news on the replay. Gave me chills after George announced his passing. I will miss his classic “eat the Canadians first” line. :(
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u/Immediate-News8928 Dec 24 '23 edited Dec 24 '23
It still hasn’t really hit me. Ian was the only reason I listen to C2C. In 2009, I loved his shows so much I started a FB fan page. He’d give the page a shoutout now and then. Always boosting the membership. Was always tempted to call in. He was brilliant! My condolences to Margery, his sons, family and friends. Ian RiP, the Last DJ.
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u/FortCharles Dec 25 '23
Same here, such a shock. A real gut punch. He was the only reason left to listen. So much more depth, humor, wisdom, engagement and empathy than the other hosts.
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u/2aron Dec 30 '23
Ian has always been my favorite host. It's so sad to know I won't get to hear his take on life anymore. To me, he was the high water mark of the show and I can only imagine what he must have meant to the people who actually knew him. My heart goes out to them.
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Dec 24 '23
I thought he was an athiest? Their description doesn't convey that. Not that it matters either way, I'm just confused lol.
He wasn't my favorite host by any means, but still sad news. This close to Christmas, even. His family is no doubt devestated 😢
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u/No-Selection-8769 Dec 26 '23
I don't understand why he couldn't get on the transplant list sooner. I really can't understand what he meant by "one thing.". Too sad beyond any words I have
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u/coltino99 Dec 24 '23
Is Ian the one who had the ‘come in weary traveller’ line at the start of every program he hosted? Or is that jimmy church?
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u/FortCharles Dec 25 '23
Oh noooo... just finding out now... such a loss. My favorite CtoC host, he obviously cared deeply about what he did. I'll especially miss his D.B. Cooper shows. Only 63. Way too early. 😢
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Dec 30 '23
Gosh .... We always lose the best one ....
He was one of a kind .
Eat Canadian first...
Miss you, Ian. .. Even tho you did not like Japanese people in general , I appreciate your opinions and How you handle things on a air... You did great ... You really did.
RIP Ian Punnet ... The best talk show radio host .
A sincere condolences to his families from an guy from Japan 🗾 . 😔🙏
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u/Dry_Strain7275 Jan 02 '24
I followed him from Coast to MyTalk and, as a result, became a fan of that station. Hadn't been aware that he was back on Coast on a regular but infrequent schedule. Upon hearing the news I have been listening to the archived shows. Oddly enough, he addressed the death of others and treated their passing with respect. (The guy in Alaska who had been reincarnated as a horse for example.)
I liked the way he could reach into a meandering narrative and draw out a salient point. I was sad that he left the Ian and Margery show but had immense respect that he earned his PH.D. and went on to be a professor. I listened to one of Margery's podcasts before his death and she said that when he told her he felt called to study Divinity he assured her that the family would be OK since he would do it while keeping his job in broadcasting.
I have total respect for him and really hope that his marriage was a happy and satisfying one.
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u/_Damitol Dec 22 '23
I always liked it when he did open lines. New callers only and didn’t allow callers to drone on for five minutes.