KUCR’s Teddy Bear Laid To Rest

Friday, 04 April 2008

RIVERSIDE

The Black Voice News

A standing room only crowd packed Tillman Riverside Mortuary’s chapel this past Saturday, to say goodbye to one of the Inland Empire’s most beloved sons legendary KUCR DJ Curtis “Teddy Bear” Wofford. Just the way he would have wanted it. Teddy Bear was the name by which most of the KUCR’s listeners knew Wofford who passed away on Tuesday March 18, 2008 of kidney failure at Riverside Community Hospital.

What was immediately apparent was the tremendous influence that Teddy Bear had on the Inland Empire in his 20 plus years as the premier DJ on KUCR’s Soul On Sunday which for many of those years was the IE’s source for African American influenced music including Soul, R&B, Gospel, Rap and Neo Soul as well as talk shows exploring issues concerning the African American community in the Inland Empire. The line of those wanting to take this final opportunity to say something about Teddy Bear was continuous, filled with fellow DJ’s, friends and relatives all singing the praises of a man whose ear for music, love for people and uplifting spirit resonated throughout the service.

Among those voices bidding Teddy Bear farewell were Dr. Daniel Walker, who spoke not only about the tremendous influence that Teddy Bear had on the IE, but about the “Gem that was KUCR’s Soul On Sunday.” He took the audience back when he began singing an old school R&B song Teddy Bear would play and reminded all present what a great opportunity they had had to have experienced the genius on the mic that was Teddy Bear.

Barry Benson KUCR’s “Rock Barry” was one of many who credited Teddy Bear with the career that he has had for the past 20 years in the record industry. He spoke about his time at Rhino Records working on CD compilations when he would be questioned about certain songs he wanted to include and he would say, “That’s a Teddy Bear cut,” and his colleagues’ response would be, “who is Teddy Bear?” But Barry knew, and anyone listening to radio in the IE in the 80’s and 90’s knew who he was.

Anthony Morris, KUCR’s “A-One” who has gone on to excel as a DJ at 92/100.3 The BEAT radio station as a drive time DJ also credited Teddy Bear with his success. He talked about the first time he joined the KUCR team and after giving him the orientation and tour of the station Teddy Bear told him that he would have the 1 o’clock slot. His excitement about having such a prime position so soon was quickly quelled when he was told that it was the 1 am slot.

Otis “Mighty OT” formerly of KUOR humorously recalled the times when he and Teddy Bear would ride in their car together, saying that when he (Otis) was in the car alone, it would lean to one side, but when he was joined by Teddy Bear it would be perfectly balanced. They were know throughout the Inland Empire as DJ’s and promoters.

Mavis Thomas KUCR’s “Mav T” talked about the last conversation she had with Teddy Bear a few months ago during which he had assured her about her faith in God, telling her that after his last flatline “if I didn’t believe in God before, I do now.” She also spoke about his guidance and reassurance during her time at KUCR when she would get nervous on the air.

Barry Franklin KUCR’s “Sugar B” spoke through tears about the mentoring that he received from Teddy Bear over the years. He was unequivocal in his admiration and affection for the man he said was just like a big brother to him.

Louis Vandenberg, KUCR Station manager read an official statement as representative of the university as well as remarks from Raymond Griffin KUCR’s “Raycito.” It took Vandenberg several attempts to get through his remarks as he expressed his affection and respect for Teddy Bear. Vandenberg was the only one who had known him for the entire time that he was a DJ at KUCR.

Genie Gaines, former director of the Stratton Center, talked about her special relationship with Teddy Bear and how tough this loss was on her, especially since she has just recently lost her own husband.
Shakiji who said that “Teddy Bear wasn’t like a brother to me, he was my brother” spoke about the many ventures that he had engaged in with his brother and how close they had grown over the years.

Although she did not speak at the funeral, Bernadine Hollingsworth KUCR’s Jazzy B said about Teddy Bear, “He was one of the kindest people I have known. He was always happy with a positive attitude. Although I have not seen him for a number of years, I recall lots of laughter whenever he was present.

At the time that I worked at the station, he was the anchor and the voice of KUCR.”

Finally Teddy Bear’s sister Vanessa Evans spoke about her little brother and how one day he came home running in the house being chased by a group of guys that he had lost money to by betting bets and how she had to get him out of that and many similar situations. She spoke about the tricks that she and her sisters would play on him when he would refuse to do work around the house, including pouring water on the bed and blaming him for wetting the bed to their father, concluding that although they had their differences, she loved her brother and would miss him.

The eulogy was delivered by Reverend Ed Jenkins who was the host of KUCR’S gospel show for over 20 years and is now pastors a church in Los Angeles. He spoke from the book of Job and relaying a personal story about his own time at KUCR when the station management decided they would try to change the time of his show and how Teddy Bear, although not in the meeting, was a source of support and professionalism.

Although many tears were shed, much laughter was also heard as Curtis “Teddy Bear” Wofford signed off for the last time.