Radio producer Paula Niska and presenter Sami Kuronen talk about their last memories with Olga Ketonen, who died on Saturday.
Olga Ketonen died on Saturday at the age of 59. Magazine photo
A radio host who died on Saturday Olga Ketonen was Paula Niska a colleague and a role model, but above all a friend.
– Within a week we have been communicating. I’m quite shocked when such a turn came.
Niska and Ketonen once met at Radio Aalto, when Niska produced the morning program hosted by Ketonen. Niska continues as Sanoma’s program manager, Ketonen’s path led to Yleisradio.
Niska knew that Ketonen had been ill. However, Ketonen had received treatment and investigations were ongoing.
According to Niska, Ketonen’s congenital heart defect started showing more symptoms in the last few months. Despite the illness and examinations, Ketonen went to work as usual.
– He was still under attack last summer and in early autumn, he didn’t get sick for a long time.
Ketonen hosted Radio Suomen’s programs until January 19, after which he went on sick leave.
According to Niska, Ketonen was recently ill at home. So it was not about a long hospital stay, even though Ketonen eventually died in the hospital.
Olga Ketonen had a long career in radio. Photo from 2002. JONNA ÖHRNBERG
The last messages were exchanged a week ago. Couldn’t see lately because of the risk of infection.
– He was completely caught up in life. Just last week he told me to come visit us, that it is better to see him at home. We have rarely communicated about ordinary things this week.
The sad news came as a complete surprise.
Niska says that Ketonen has made friends with people regardless of age. Niska and Ketonen were also close with each other’s families.
– He was a great person. The most wonderful person in the world, both as a friend and as a colleague. This is a big loss for the radio world and of course for friends.
Legend
He also worked with Ketonen at Radio Aalto Sami Kuronen. They hosted morning shows together for two years.
– In that, I learned to know another person well and to trust another person in a way that few people can reach. During those two years, we shared joys and sorrows every day.
Sami Kuronen and Olga Ketonen co-hosted Radio Aalto’s morning broadcast in the channel’s early days. ATTE KAJOVA
In recent years, there was less contact, but the connection was never broken. We always got to deep conversations quickly, even if it had been a while since the last time.
The last time the two saw each other quickly was in the fall.
– Then everything seemed to be fine. There was talk that we should go sit somewhere for the evening again and exchange news through a longer formula. That evening was not spent now, Kuronen mourns.
The last encounter left warm memories.
– It was always wonderful and easy to be with Olga. He was one of the kindest people I knew. You could discuss everything with him, says Kuronen.
Kuronen knew about Ketonen’s heart defect, but was not aware of the illness of the last months.
Kuronen describes Kero as one of the brightest legends of Finnish radio.
– He was also my idol and role model in this field. I am really grateful that I got to work with him.
– This was crushing news and a crushing day, says Kuronen.