Although Art Timko is modest about his role at WEMU, preferring instead to deflect praise to others at the station, others aren’t so reluctant to give credit where credit is due.

"There is not one aspect of anything WEMU does that doesn't bear the imprint of Art Timko's vision and inventive mind,” said Molly Motherwell, the station’s general manager / marketing and development director. Motherwell has been tapped to serve as interim executive director until Timko’s replacement is named.

“Under his leadership WEMU has been at the forefront of every significant change in public radio. From taking a gamble on a weird program called 'A Prairie Home Companion' to being the first public radio station to broadcast in high definition, Art has been fearless in trying new programs, technology, and new ways of thinking about public radio,” she said.

Clark Smith, WEMU’s news director, agreed.

“I've said it before, as others have, that WEMU would not be the renowned radio station it is today without Art Timko. While others laid the groundwork for getting WEMU on the air and headed into many decades of service, Art passionately and skillfully guided us through those years to a level of success and recognition few imagined possible. Now, in this age of multiple digital communications and entertainment platforms, Art's vision and wisdom has kept WEMU not only viable, but vital and growing.”

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Linda Yohn, the station’s music director and a program host, also spoke of Timko’s work behind the scenes.

“He ran interference for everyone at WEMU — going to tedious business meetings with university officials, negotiating with NPR and local leaders, understanding the nuts and bolts of technical functions and more while we ‘played radio,’” she said.

“There is no aspect of EMU administration or FCC rules and regulations that he does not understand,” Yohn added. “He signed off on serious expenditures of cash for live, local concerts and broadcasts which helped to build WEMU's reputation as a major local music force. He approved the creation of programs such as ‘Cuban Fantasy’ and ‘Brazilian Sol,’ which helped to differentiate WEMU's sound from any regional radio station.”

There’s one more think about Timko that Yohn admires.

“He's a really nice guy. He's 100 percent sincere and trustworthy. If he doesn't agree with you, he'll tell you why with facts to back up his opinion. If he appreciates your insight and ideas, he'll let you know right away. His manner of eye contact will quickly let you know if he's on the same page as you. He is a broadcast communicator of the Walter Cronkite honesty mold.”

“He will be deeply missed, not just as our boss, but as our longtime friend and mentor as well,” Smith added.