Loading ...This past week, we received shocking and sad news about the passing of Ada McCormack, one of our colleagues and friends in Portland. It was completely unexpected and has left all of us numb, looking for answers on why someone so young could be taken from family and friends.
Ada spent 27 years at Rose City Radio and was, without question, a star in every sense of the word. Not only was she a true professional but she was loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. What I remember most about Ada was her smile. Her face completely lit up and her eyes were as bright as the sun when she was happy — which was pretty much every time she rolled into my studio. I honestly don’t ever remember a time when she wasn’t smiling. She loved her job, loved Rose City Radio, loved radio and cared deeply about her clients and colleagues.
One of the favorite projects Ada brought my way was the spring and fall salmon harvests by Native Americans in Oregon. A native herself, Ada would burst into the studio and ask, at the top of her lungs, “Zang, you ready for the salmon run again?” Like the harvest itself, it became a twice-a-year ritual that I looked forward to. What stood out to me was her selflessness and sincere desire to honor her heritage and help her friends continue an important tradition. The tribe always did well with the harvest and Ada always made it a point to let me know how much she appreciated the work and effort to make it a success.
Unfortunately, I have some experience in all of this. My father passed away when I was five, a close family friend was then killed in a senseless auto accident three years later. In 2000, cancer took away my close friend and mentor. And now, the tragic loss of Ada reminds me of how important and precious life truly is. The solace in this trying time is remembering the gifts that Ada gave all of us in Portland. To me, it will always be that smile that not only lit up the room, but plenty of lives as well.
Life is about family and friends. It’s about getting past all of the petty things we think are important when, in fact, they really aren’t. It’s about finding the balance between work and the lives we have been given. It’s about savoring every moment and every opportunity to become closer to the things we believe in. Life, without question, is the greatest gift all of us share and it should never be taken for granted.
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6 responses so far ↓
1 Bob Dye // Jun 16, 2008 at 9:23 am
Ada was a young account exec when I
joined KXL sales staff in September ‘83. At
age 49, I was the old guy on the team, and
I liked Ada for her brightness, enthusiasm,
and sweetness. I soon learned that her
sweetness did not keep her from being as
competitive as they come. I can only imagine
how much she’ll be missed by everyone in her
life.
2 Tanner // Jun 17, 2008 at 2:09 am
I recently got to know Ada from a lunch-time meeting and agree that her smile and sparkle were radiant. Feel blessed to have known her for a short time.
3 John W. // Jun 18, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I, too, fondly remember Ada as a woman with refreshing honesty, a drive to be the best she could be, and that obvious energy that has already been mentioned. Beautiful inside & out.
4 Bruce Bjorkman // Jun 20, 2008 at 6:02 am
I had the pleasure of working with Ada May for the past 8 years at KXL. She was one of these rare individuals who rose to the top of her profession through guts,smarts and hard work.
Like many have said, I don’t ever recall a day when she didn’t have a smile on her face.
She became a top-biller, not just at KXL, but within the entire Portland,OR radio market. An accomplishment that FEW radio reps have attained.
The metaphor about “family” is often used in a corporate setting. Many times it’s meaningless. Such is not the case at Rose City Radio. We ARE a family, and our hearts are very heavy due to the passing of this amazing woman.
The best way to honor Ada May McCormick would be to follow in her example. She definately “raised the bar” when it came to radio advertising salespeople.
Ada, we will sincerely miss you, your smile, enthusiasm, gusto for life.
5 Marla Toma // Jun 21, 2008 at 10:46 am
I was stunned this morning when I got the phone call about the passing of Ada. My husband and I met Ada several years ago when she was our account rep. Ada always had a smile on her face and would do what ever it took to make it work for us. I remember the ski trips with the KXL staff up to Mt. Hood. She will be missed greatly.
6 Mark Curry // Jul 15, 2008 at 9:26 am
I knew Ada back in 1973. What a shock to see her name in the obituaries. To me she was Ada Smith. As a teen she was always happy and smiling and full of energy. She loved sitting next to me in my 1967 Mustang and cruising the town. We went to countless parties together. She was a total class act even back then. I only wish I would have kept in touch over the years as we both went our seperate ways. I loved her very much and pray for family and friends who knew her.
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