Phil Charles, retired General Manager of KGLT-91.9 FM on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman, passed away the last week of November, 2013 in his hometown, Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey.  He was born June 25, 1948.
 
Phil grew up in radio, loving short wave as a kid, and as a young adult, working in California at KOME, at San Francisco's alternative, progressive FM station, KSAN, led in the 1970s by the legendary "Big Daddy" Tom Donahue, and at KSJO in the early 80’s.  Frank Zappa declared KSAN to be "the hippest station in the universe."
 
When he arrived at KGLT in the 1980s, Phil applied much of the KSAN open format concept to KGLT, making sure the DJs could choose their own music in diverse genres.  Phil said:  "Tom Donahue beat it into our heads that it was all about the listeners and not about you.  When you think that way, you start looking at what you can do for your audience. That's really the key; people thinking about their audience." Now in its 46th year, KGLT has Phil to thank for its open format.
 
Phil loved animals domestic and wild.  He had Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Zoology as well as a Master’s Degree in Entertainment Business.  He proudly participated in the first Earth Day celebration at West Virginia’s Marshall University in 1970.
 
Phil is pre-deceased by his parents.  A memorial will be held in his honor in January with information to follow from KGLT.  Donations may be made to the organization of one’s choice.
 
Phil ended his shows with this statement:  “Send my love to all”.  And Phil, you have the love and respect of countless people who have had the good fortune to have had you in their lives.