Longtime KOMO radio host Larry Nelson dies at age 70

SEATTLE — Larry Nelson, who hosted the morning show on Seattle radio station KOMO for 30 years starting in the 1960s, has died at the age of 70 of lung cancer.

Nelson’s death was announced on a Web site where fans and colleagues have been posting tributes. It says his family was with him when he died early Thursday. A memorial service is planned.

Fans remember Nelson for his friendly voice in the morning, helping drivers through the commute, for his selection of Christmas music and for hosting Husky tailgate parties before University of Washington football games.

Local radio and TV personality Pat Cashman described Nelson as the “gold standard of morning show broadcasters.”