Daniel Baynes

Daniel Baynes, a beloved father, husband and lifelong champion of public radio, passed away recently. He was a man of deep community spirit, a great sense of humor, and an extraordinary passion for music that spanned more than five decades.

Dan was the producer, programmer and host of Turtle Island Radio, a Native American radio program of music, news and information. For over 26 years, Dan was Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Frog Pond Productions, with his ex-wife and life partner Jennifer Ellsworth, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt publicly-supported charity established in 1999. Dan was a gifted and talented broadcaster and he programmed eclectic Native American, Roots, Reggae and World Music for over 50 years on various non commercial radio stations across America, beginning in college at KZSC, UCSC Santa Cruz, CA. He went on to broadcast at WYSO, Antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH, WXPN, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, WDVR, Sergeantsville, NJ, WNTI, Centenary University, Hackettstown, NJ, KWSB, Western Colorado University, Gunnison, CO, and KBUT, Crested Butte, CO.

In addition to his volunteer radio work, Dan built a 30-year career in the cable industry as a Field Technician, Trainer, Fleet Manager, Facilities Manager, and with Comcast Cable Communications as Environmental, Health and Safety Officer. Dan also gave back to the land he loved, participating in Adopt a Highway Spruce Up Colorado program picking up trash along State Hwy 135 in Gunnison Colorado.

Born to Gene and Sara Baynes, Dan is survived by his daughter Carmen and partner Sean, daughter Ashley, son Nathan and his wife Stefanie and their daughter Zoey, and his siblings Patricia and Micheal.

Radio was heaven for Dan, and now Dan is in radio heaven. In memory of Dan, please support public radio