IL SR0943

Mal Bellairs of Woodstock died on July 12, 2010; he was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1919 and studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse in California.

Bellairs had a 50-year broadcasting career at WBBM from 1955 to 1969, hosting programs including Lucky Ladies, Music Wagon, and an annual international Christmas music special.

In 1969, Bellairs moved to Woodstock and purchased AM radio station WIVS in Crystal Lake and FM station WXRD in Woodstock, which became family-run businesses; he sold the stations in 1982.

Bellairs was named a Regional Pioneer Broadcaster by the Illinois Broadcasters' Association in 2009 and was a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

The Illinois Senate memorializes Bellairs and expresses sympathy to his surviving wife Maria (married 34 years), nine children, and numerous grandchildren.