Lin Brehmer death: WXRT radio pays tribute to radio personality who died after cancer battle

CHICAGO (WLS) -- WXRT listeners are mourning the loss of legendary DJ Lin Brehmer.

Brehmer was a household name in Chicago, working at WXRT for more than three decades.

Monday morning, his colleagues at the radio station remembered him.

"We have come to pay tribute to our best friend in the whole world, Lin Brehmer, who passed away yesterday," Terri Hemmert of WXRT said. "Was he really my best friend or was that just shuck-and-jive? Well, he really was your best friend."

Brehmer died Sunday after a battle with prostate cancer. He was 68 years old.

"I can't imagine anybody else touching people like Lin Brehmer did through the magic of radio," said co-worker and lifelong friend Ellen Miller.

A fixture on radio airwaves since 1991, he was known for his wit and sense of humor.

The popular radio show host was an avid Cubs fan and season ticket holder. His name was displayed on the marquee at Wrigley Field Sunday.

"There was not a rock and roller like Lin Brehmer, who could rock with the best of them, give background on bands that you never knew, tell a story and then just off the top of his head recite poetry and prose," Miller said.

Longtime listener Bruce Jasinski said Brehmer did feel like a best friend.

"He was just in a good mood all the time happy, laughing," Jasinski said. "He loved music. He loved people, food and everything apparently...just all around guy and I can't believe he's gone."

Jasinski, who owns a local flower shop, came to WXRT headquarters downtown Monday morning to deliver a bouquet he put together himself to show his appreciation.

"I worked with him and plenty of people, family, friends, would ask, was he really like that? He's exactly like that," said co-worker Robbie Walker.

"He would come upon you whether he knew you or not, and just have a conversation with you. Just a really nice sweet guy who then learned how to appeal to everyone," said co-worker Dan Horwitch.

In a segment called "Lin's Bin" he would answer listener questions with thoughtful essays, ending each one by saying, "Take nothing for granted. It's great to be alive."

"He was always the biggest personality in the room, but he had time for everyone. And everyone had stories of things they needed to share with him, and he was all ears. And, like you said, he made you feel heard. And he really did. He cared," Walker said.

The disc-jockey spent a majority of his years at WXRT on the morning drive-time slot and then moved to mid-days.

Colleagues choked back tears on the radio special Monday, playing some of Lin's favorite songs. They said they're trying to hold each other up during this heartbreaking time.