Dick Noble (KZUM archival photo).
The KZUM family was saddened to learn of the passing of Dick Noble on Thursday, May 10, in Lincoln. A former general manager of KZUM from 1990 to 2002, Noble contributed greatly to the advancement of community radio not only in Lincoln but on a national level, having served two terms as board chair for the National Federation of Community Broadcasters.
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, May 16, at 12:30 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St. The entire KZUM family of current and former staff, volunteers and listeners sends its condolences to Dick’s family and friends.
A complete obituary is available here.
Dick’s family has generously endorsed KZUM as one of the nonprofit organizations to which memorial contributions may be made. To make a gift in memory of Dick, donate here via KZUM.org. Whether donating through PayPal or with a credit or debit card through KZUM’s Give to Lincoln page, please designate your contribution as a memorial in the “comments” field of the form.
Longtime KZUM programmer and personal friend of Dick’s, Scott Colborn, has offered the following words:
Dick Noble served as KZUM Radio General Manager from 1990 – 2002. During his tenure KZUM Radio transitioned in many ways from the “old” to the “new.” I would argue that without Dick Noble, KZUM Radio would not be where it is today. Dick was an inclusive person. He always made you feel like you were important and that your activities mattered. He was a great communicator both professionally on the air, in meetings and in personal conversation. A conversation with Dick always made you feel better. Ed Rumbaugh and I kept in contact with Dick and began to meet every 2- 5 months for lunch and conversation. We walked about health, politics, KZUM, baseball, Dick’s early start in broadcasting back in Vermont, and Ed and Dick enjoyed reminiscing about their different and interesting experiences in the Navy. We enjoyed the food and conversation and were never at a loss for topics. Dick and his wife Nettie joined my family for Christmas Eve worship at Westminster Presbyterian Church in 2015. Our last lunch was April 4th at the home of Dick and Nettie. Even though he faced multiple health challenges, he maintained a quiet, strong positive outlook on life. A good friend and a good man. He loved his wife Nettie and his children dearly. God speed Dick Noble. Sorrow in the night and joy in the morning.
Peace.
Listen to Scott Colborn’s tribute to Dick Noble during the opening minutes of the May 12, 2018, edition of his program, “Exploring Unexplained Phenomena:”
