Family, friends, and former colleagues are morning the passing of a much-loved member of the media world. Former WNEM reporter Jay Brandow passed away Tuesday, April 12th. He was 67.

Brandow was a fixture on local television after he joined WNEM TV-5 in August 1984. The popular reporter retired in 2011 from on-air but continued to work teaching and writing. He served as part of the broadcasting departments at both Delta College and Central Michigan University as an instructor. Recently, Brandow had joined Pinconning Area School district at the start of this school year as a long-term, full-time substitute teacher at the Middle and High School, St. Mike's, and Linwood Schools.

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In addition to sharing his knowledge of the industry he loved, Brandow was an author publishing his first non-fiction book, The Captain’s Chair, in 2004 telling the story of the sole survivor of a shipwreck in Lake Superior.

Brandow, who was a native of Standish, Michigan, spent time in radio prior to making the switch to in front of the camera most notably as an on-air radio personality at 101 WRIF – FM Detroit. He also was an accomplished musician and played guitar with the Michigan band  ? and the Mysterians.

Upon hearing of his passing, tribute and thoughts flooded social media and news outlets from past co-workers and friends.

“He’s going to be missed by a lot of people,” said MLive’s Mark Torregrossa, who worked with Brandow for five years at WNEM TV-5. “He wasn’t the kind of co-worker who disappeared after he retired. He still kept in touch with people and hung out with them.”

As of this story, the cause of death and funeral arrangements have not been released.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and friends.

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