It was one of the saddest emails I have had to read when I got the news about Ramblin Lou passing away. Lou has been an inspiration in my life not only for his longevity and success in radio, but in the world of country music and most importantly as a great man, father, husband and friend.

I was given the chance (honor) of being able to present Lou with his plaque commemorating his entrance in the Erie County Fair Hall of Fame.

Ramblin Lou (photo by Craig Wilkins)

The way Ramblin Lou (Lou Schriver) was able to keep an audience entertained was a thing of beauty. Yes, he had thousands upon thousands of fans who no doubt will miss hearing his soft and soothing voice on WXRL over the last few decades, but Lou was able to bring a smile to anyone who walked by one of his live shows.

His jokes (although corny) had people of every age, color and walk of life laughing. Even the jokes that most of us had heard him use year after year at The Erie County Fair shows, which Lou was able to play even as recently as last August.

As a man of amazing stature in the world of country music, Lou was well respected among artists and country record executives alike. There are not many artists that didn't know who he was and what is most intriguing is that they became his friend. Legendary names like Hank Williams, Bill Anderson, Box Car Willie, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones and countless others called on Lou for more than just the chance to gain an extra spin of their records.

The radio business is truly unique. Even after my 20 years (still a rookie by Lou's standards) I have a long way to go to gain the respect and loyalty that Lou was given by his audience. We were all truly his "friends and neighbors." It was more than just a catchy way to grab our attention. Lou said these things with honest feeling.

From dances at local fire halls, county fairs, concerts and who can forget the thousands of trips Lou and WXRL sponsored, to an early Saturday morning of Grand 'Ol Country, we as friends and neighbors tuned in to Lou with more than our ears.

I met Lou on a few occasions; and although he didn't have to, he was always so generous and gracious, even to a young kid from a competing radio station. Lou even invited me on with him once in awhile when I would see him out at events like Jam In The Valley and he was one of the nicest and easiest people with which I have had the pleasure of speaking. He made anyone who was on with him feel like the most important person in the world at that moment. He made you feel like a star.

But it was when Lou had his family join him on the show that really encapsulates who he was and what his legacy will be. There was never a father or grandfather more proud of his children and grandchildren. Nor a man more proud and honored to be a husband to a beautiful woman like Joanie. He didn't brag about them. He didn't have to. You could see it on his face, and what's more amazing is how you could hear it in his voice when he introduced them on his radio program or during his live shows.

Western New York has lost a household name. Ramblin Lou will forever be our friend and neighbor.