Portland Radio Legend Craig Walker Dies at 80

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 24, 2026 | 3:23pm CT

Craig Walker

Veteran Portland radio and television personality Craig Walker, whose warm on-air style made him one of Oregon's most recognizable broadcasters, died peacefully at his home on July 22. He was 80. Walker's death was announced by longtime friend and radio partner John Erickson, who praised his decades-long impact on Portland broadcasting.

"Craig redrew the landscape of Portland broadcasting with his intelligence, wit, and personality, and he did so with integrity and wisdom," Erickson wrote in a Facebook tribute. "The morning show he led on 62 KGW and later KKCW (K103) was consistently among the market leaders, and he was a longtime prime-time presence on KGW-TV as well."

Walker spent more than three decades as one of Portland's most popular broadcasters, first joining KGW Radio in 1972 before taking over its morning drive program in 1977. In 1986, he moved to KKCW-FM (K103), where he continued to host a top-rated morning show until retiring in 2005. He also became a familiar television personality as host of KGW-TV's PM Magazine and Good Evening.

Born in Nebraska in 1946, Walker moved to Dallas, OR, as a child, where his father owned a radio station. After graduating from Oregon State University in 1968 and serving in the National Guard, he began his broadcasting career in Corvallis before moving to Portland.

Throughout his career, Walker became known not only for his success on the air but also for sharing his personal life with listeners. In 1993, he publicly documented his battle with a rare liver disease and his wait for a life-saving liver transplant, later becoming a passionate advocate for organ donation and raising awareness of diabetes, bone cancer and breast cancer.

Following his retirement, Walker remained active in community events, including appearances at the Portland Rose Festival. His final public appearance came just a week before his death, when he reunited with former broadcasting colleagues at Portland's Lloyd Center.

K103 announced it will honor Walker's legacy during K103 Mornings with Stacey and Mike on Monday. Funeral arrangements are pending.