TOLEDO, Ohio — A man known for his strong voice and likability for more than 30 years in Toledo TV news has died.
Gordon Ward, or "Skip" as friends would call him, was one of WTOL 11's founding men. He came to Toledo in December of 1958 to launch the station's very first local newscast.
Skip was a popular, down-to-earth guy. And by chance, the person who would like him the most happened to also work at WTOL 11.
Connie Harlan, or "Miss Connie" as many Baby Boomers would know her, was the host of the station's "Romper Room" kids' show. She and Gordon fell in love and were married in front of the city they served during a live TV special on Channel 11 in 1962. They were happily married through the rest of his life.
After nearly a decade at WTOL 11, he left for WSPD-TV, which would eventually become WTVG-TV, and would be his home until he retired from news in 1987.
In 2016 he was honored with a Gold Circle award from the local chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The award signifies 50 years in the broadcast industry.
In more recent years, Gordon appeared in commercials as the spokesperson for Toledo's New Bath.
Gordon was also a beloved member of the retired newsmakers club of Toledo, known as the "Rusty Zippers;" a veritable "who's who" of legendary Toledo TV personalities. They'll miss their friend at their next monthly gathering.
Toledo's News Leader has long since been WTOL 11's slogan. They are words that those who walk through the doors at Summit and Cherry strive to live up to.
And that's because of our leaders like Skip.
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