MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A member of the WCCO family has died. Clayt Kaufman started in the WCCO Radio news department and rose through the ranks to general manager.

He was a big part of the station’s success over the past half-century. Clayt Kaufman signed on at WCCO Radio in 1951, replacing the morning news editor — Harry Reasoner, who went on to fame at CBS.

Over the next 39 years Kaufman held every job in the building, wrapping up his career in the late ’80s as general manager, a respected, even beloved boss to the biggest names in our business, names like Boone & Erickson, Viken and Cannon.

Always forward-thinking, Kaufman told us just a few months ago radio will continue to play an important role, whether in conventional or digital form.

“I loved it. But it’s changing. Every business, every institution is changed. Online is going to be a terrific thing,” he said.

Clayt Kaufman was 85 and a member of the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame.