[Judith]

Some of you will remember Hey Taxi, aka Fred Klein, from Brain Talk days. I was just thinking about him today and sent him an email to see how he was doing. But I had a funny feeling since I had not heard from him in a very long time. After a bit of searching on the Internet, I learned that Fred passed away July 28, 2007.

Fred was a radio announcer for more than 20 years, a car salesman, and then a taxi driver. He had a great sense of humor despite his advanced PD and living alone in a trailer with his cat Corky. May he rest in peace.

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I found Fred's obituary posted on line at this url http://www.cflradio.net/what's_news.htm along with some links to a brief biography, photos, and more about Fred and his career as a radio personality.

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Fred Klein's Obituary From Lancaster Online 7-31-07
Frederic Ferree Klein, 71, died Saturday, July 28, at the Lancaster General Hospital after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Fred was born on February 4, 1936 in Lancaster. He was preceded in death by his parents, Professor Frederic Shriver Klein and Florence Haenle Klein of Lancaster. Klein graduated from Manheim Township High School, and attended Mercersburg Academy. He also studied at Franklin and Marshall College. He was a veteran of the US Air Force during the Korean War. In the early 60s he obtained his first job at WGAL radio on an afternoon jazz show. He made a switch to rock n roll at WLAN radio in 1963. He continued to work along the East Coast as a dj/radio announcer including stints in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, Florida. In 1987, he returned to Lancaster and was employed by Friendly Transportation. Fred's interest was always music, especially jazz, big bands, and later, rock n roll. He also was especially fond of animals, and he made many contributions to the Lancaster County Humane League. He was a life-long member of his family's Shriver Homestead, an historic Civil War museum in Union Mills, Maryland. He is survived by his sister, Joan Klein Weidman of Millersville, and three children, Joseph Shriver Klein, John Wayne Klein, and Julie Anne Klein. He has six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A private interment will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Fred's name may be sent to Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158, or the Parkinson's Disease Association, 1250 Hyland Blvd., Suite 4B, Staten Island, NY 10305.

[indigogo]

Fred, "HeyTaxi", was one of a kind; a great sense of humor and approach to life. He had many friends in the BT forum. I'm sad that PD finally had its way with him.

Judith - thank you so much for thinking of him, looking for him, and letting us know. It is so easy to let someone slip away.

[Stitcher]

Judith, my friend, thank you for sharing this news. I too remember Hey Taxi from BrainTalk.

Hope you two....aha six (puppies and ponies, included...not counting any fish) are doing well.

[aftermathman]

as an "energetic" and witty member, one of the "must reads".

God speed Fred.

Neil.

p.s. Judith I echo Indigogo's comments re. keeping in touch, thankyou.

p.p.s I wonder what Fred would have made of the tone of BT2 lately !

[vlhperry]

I remember talking back and forth about our kitties and jazz. I sent him some DBD's of a jazz band my husband, a drummer, plays in and he enjoyed them very much. I hope they found a home for his kitty who he loved very much, although the kitty was getting hard to take care of. The kitty, Fred thought, would not outlive him. What a wonderful love the cat must have had for Fred to hang in with him to the bitter end.

Do you suppose they actually admitted on his death certificate that the cause of his death was Parkinson's or only due to the underlying cause of Parkinson's disease?

Be at peace, Fred. That veterans hospital wasn't the most cooperative place was it. I hope they gave you listening headphones so you can hear the great jazz band in the sky.

Love,
Vicky

[GregD]

Judith,
Thanks for letting us know about Fred "Hey Taxi". I remember him from BrainTalk. His wit, humor, and aproach to life in general were unique. He will be missed.

GregD

[lou_lou]

this has been a season of loss for many-
however I believe

DEATH is not the end , but a beggining, for we have an eternal soul...
God Bless heytaxi's family.

[paula_w]

Judith much appreciation for letting us know about Fred. I considered him a friend as well and have been wondering about him. I miss him; he could express an opposite opinion without hurting anyone....a caring man.

Paula

[RLSmi]

Fred "Hey Taxi" was, indeed, one of a kind. I, too am indebted to you, Judith, for sharing this sad news. The Good News: "Blessed are those who die in the Lord, for their good deeds follow them."
Robert

[olsen]

Judith, thanks for letting us know about Fred "Hey Taxi". Seems he did live a full life--radioguy for jazz and rock and roll, and children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. I too enjoyed his postings on the old BT2. Robert, thank you for your "Good News". I am always impressed with the "gentle"men who populate this forum.....Madelyn