Brakeman Bill McLain, whose children's program on channel 11 in Tacoma was broadcasted across the Pacific Northwest via cable, passed away at 96.
McLain, whose show did the usual kid's program thing, cartoons and birthday shout-outs, would dress as a railroad brakeman while playing straight man to a wise cracking sock puppet known as Crazy Donkey. Brakeman Bill had a very friendly demeanor, while seemingly exasperated by Crazy's antics.
Although the Brakeman Show had been off the air for decades, he still has a Facebook fan club with well over 2 thousand members. Quite a testimony to the power of his personality.
Great post Mike. He will be missed by everyone who is a kid at heart.
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