Just before Pat Miles paid tribute to former colleague Bill Carlson Thursday afternoon, legendary Viking Jim Marshall, leaned over and whispered in her ear: "I've never been to a funeral where everybody clapped."
The memorial service for Carlson, a WCCO-TV broadcaster for more than 50 years, was unusual in many senses of the word, from the State Theatre venue to the three-hour ceremony that featured pop songs, celebrity impersonations and a tribute from the Minnesota Honor Guard.
Even more diverse than the program was the crowd of 800 well-wishers; a mix of sports legends, media giants and everyday folk who had never met the longtime WCCO anchor, but considered him a cherished member of their family.
"I liked that man," said a woman who identified herself as a convention center coat checker during an open-mike portion of the event. "When I heard that he has died, I thought, 'I could cry.' And I did cry."
More than 30 people spoke throughout the afternoon, sharing one anecdote after another that reflected the warmth, patience and generosity of the local legend who died last Friday after a long struggle with prostate cancer.
They spoke of the time he chased down a uniformed officer on the street outside of the WCCO radio station and gave him $10 so he could get home to Wayzata, the time he finagled a special furlough for a prisoner so he could come to his home for Thanksgiving, the way he would strong-arm his longtime buddy, attorney Ron Meshbesher, into doing pro bono work.
Mostly they talked about how, even after 50 years in broadcasting, he never took his audience for granted.
"He considered all of you as treasured friends," said his widow, Nancy Nelson, speaking directly to his many listeners and viewers. "You tuned in for decade after decade and he lived in constant gratitude."
