The Rest of Paul Aurandt’s Story

He was a larger than life American with much to say. His words went near and far every day until his death in 2009.  His voice now silent, he is entombed in a modest family mausoleum in Section 49 of Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park.

Born Tulsa Oklahoma in 1918 to Harry Harrison Aurandt,  a policeman killed .  Paul found his calling early in Tulsa, and later moved to Chicago to continue his craft. In addition to his chosen profession, he was an avid pilot. . He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, but neither defines his talent that we know.

He woke every morning at 3:30AM in his River Forest home, followed the same daily routine, and then drove to downtown Chicago to his work. There he spoke to all of us in the heartland, serving  enduring family values and the old-fashioned plain talk we once heard around the dinner table.

This will probably give it away, but he was well known for  “Hello Americans, Stand by for NEWS!”  and later ending with “ Good day.” You of course,  all knew him as Paul Harvey 1918 –2009), ( born Paul Harvey Aurandt),  the great American radio broadcaster . Harvey’s programs reached as many as 24 million people a week. Paul Harvey News was carried on 1,200 radio stations, 400 American Forces Network stations and 300 newspapers.

Paul Harvey was also well known for his thirty-three year run of “The Rest of the Story”, a careful mix of mystery and history that always ended with a wonderful reveal. It was written and produced by the broadcaster’s son, Paul Harvey, Jr. . beginning in 1976. and  continuing until Paul’s death in 2009. I remember always trying to guess the outcome of these great stories.

If you do nothing else today, please watch an eloquent Paul Harvey deliver a two minute tribute to the American farmer. You will hear his booming voice and appreciate his skill.  I guarantee that Paul Harvey’s skill will amaze you, or double your money back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7yZdOl_e_c

Finally, I wish I could write these blogs with one percent of his talent.

And now YOU know the rest of the story!