Dick DeFay is known as one of the most recognizable television broadcasters in the Fort Wayne area. Most likely because of his 41 years of service on the airwaves of WKJG television and radio.

Dick was born on November 24, 1925 in Hillsdale, Michigan. He served in the Army Air Corps 1944-45 before studying Radio and Television at a school in Hollywood, California. Mr. DeFay began his broadcast career in 1948 when he accepted a position as an announcer and disk jockey at KBIO Radio in Burley, Idaho.

Dick came to Fort Wayne in 1955 after taking a position as radio announcer and television booth announcer for WKJG Radio and Television. He first anchored the news, weather and sports shows on WKJG TV 33 in 1959. Later Dick assisted on WKJG TV’s telecasts of Komet Hockey in the 60’s and conducted hundreds of Komet player interviews aired on channel 33 over the years. Dick served as WKJG’s Sports Director during a stint in the late 80’s.

Mr. DeFay was awarded the IHSAA Distinguished Service Media Award in 1991 and continued covering sports on WKJG TV until his retirement from broadcasting in 1996.

Today Dick continues to visit the Komet’s press box at many games during the season while he enjoys his retirement residing in Fort Wayne.