Editor's Note: Kurt Kah was the former president of Findlay Publishing Company from 1989 to 2002 and ONA president from 1999-2001. Everyone at ONA expresses our deepest sympathy to his family and friends and deep appreciation for his many contributions to the Ohio newspaper industry.
Kurt Phillips Kah, 79, of Findlay, passed away at the Bridge Hospice Care Center on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 10:15 p.m. Kurt was born in Sidney, OH on March 18, 1937 to the late Ollie and Wilma (Phillips) Kah. On May 22, 1992, he married Sharyn Hayes in Las Vegas, NV, and she survives.
Also surviving are a son, Blaise C. (Nanci) Kah of Cincinnati, OH; a daughter, Tasha Kah (David) Mann of Columbus, IN; two grandsons, Alex Kah and Andrew Kah; and a sister-in-law, Drusilda Kah of Cincinnati, OH. Kurt is also survived by two step daughters, Tiffany (Mark) Moore of Findlay, and Tamblyn Hayes of Lubbock, Texas; a step grand daughter, Jacklyn Hayes of Lubbock, Texas; and a step grandson, Dillon Hayes Ybarra also of Lubbock. Preceding Kurt in death is his brother, Terry Kah.
Kurt began his career at the Findlay Publishing Company in 1966 as Business Manager. He eventually was elected President of the Findlay Publishing Company in 1989 and was elected President of the Ohio Newspaper Association for a two year term in 1999.
Kurt received the Ohio Circulation Managers Association President’s Award in 2000. He was one of the few non-circulation executives to receive this prestigious award. In 2005 he received the Ohio Newspaper Association President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the association.
Through his tenure, Kurt brought needed business acumen and discipline to newspaper operations and helped lead the conversion of production and accounting functions to modern digital systems. He also led the diversification of the Findlay Publishing Company with the growth of the broadcast division and expansion into commercial printing operations. Kurt was recognized by his peers with his participation on boards and committees of the International Newspaper Financial Executives, the Broadcast Financial Management Association, the National Association of Broadcasters, the Indiana Broadcasters Association and the Ohio Broadcast Association. He was locally active with University of Findlay, Findlay City Schools and Blanchard Valley Center advisory boards, The United Way, Junior Achievement, and the March of Dimes.
He was a U.S. veteran, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Kurt thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, playing golf, tennis and racquetball as well as boating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in Kurt’s name to the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County, 4550 Fostoria Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Bridge Hospice for all they did for Kurt and his family.
Because he loved weekends, friends were asked to invite him only to occasions held during the week… He died on a Wednesday to follow suit.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.