requiescat in pace jack rang
Jack C. Rang, September 27, 1923 – February 7, 2011
I had not spoken to Jack Rang since I graduated from the University of Dayton in 1986 and possibly before that. So when I read today in the school’s quarterly magazine that Jack had died on February 7th at the age of 87, I felt a bit idiotic.
My world was all about radio when I was at UD, specifically WVUD. I got on the air there in my freshman year with a regular, professional weekday gig at this FM station serving three states and I never looked back. I didn’t know how professional voice over would take over my radio passion at the time, although the seeds of joyous commercial production were being sewn then.
While I was at school, Jack Rang, who at one time was the GM at WVUD, was one of my broadcast teachers. He was a nice man and a wonderful voice talent. Jack had a rich, low voice that spoke of another era in broadcasting (maybe a better one). He taught a broadcast performance class to communication majors that in most instances had to be (for Jack) like listening to nails on a chalk board every school day.
Thinking back though, it wasn’t just about broadcast performance, it was about script interpretation, proper breathing, acting, all the things I do today and speak with my fellow voice over talents about when they sign up for my Voice Over Workshop.
Thus Jack was really my first voice over teacher. And I never kept in touch. I didn’t reach out to him, say hi, ask how things were going, etc. I didn’t so much as reflect or give a moment’s thought to him and how he impacted my career.
Until I read his obituary.
True, I doubt he gave me a second thought among the thousands of people he taught, which is fine. But the shame is on me for not once in those 25+ years offering even a voice mail or an email with a quick thank you. It was the least I could have done and I didn’t do it.
My point here today is not merely to let you enjoy my self-flaggration and internal conflict. I hope it will more importantly give you pause in your day to consider a few of those folks to whom you owe a long delayed thank you. And then just do it.
Hi Jack,
You may be busy at the moment but along with this public apology I would like to offer my sincere thanks for your efforts as my teacher. You made a positive difference in my career. Thank you.
Best always,
– Peter
Thank YOU, Peter, for your thoughtful and inspiring message. The last time I went to the funeral of someone I had worked with years ago, I said to one of my co-workers from the past “We should get together when it’s NOT someone’s funeral.” He agreed.
I will call him next week to see if we can go to lunch.
Peter,
Having gone through the exact same thought process, after the fact, with numerous individuals who have added great value to my life and/or career, I continue to procrastinate. Thank you for the wake-up call.
DS
David,
You are welcome and thank you for your kind words.
Best always,
– Peter
Dan,
I hope you’ve enjoyed a terrific lunch by now or have a date marked in PEN (not pencil) for the event on your calendar.
Best always,
– Peter
[…] major, O’Connell credits a former General Manager for WVUD, professor and great voice talent, Jack Rang, with teaching him commercial performance at UD. As he recalls, “Jack had an awesome voice.” […]