Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday at a memorial service for veteran journalist and talk show host Eric Von.
Von passed away last week at the age of 58.
People from all walks of life came out to remember a man who touched thousands of lives.
"He spoke the truth, and he did it in a way that was challenging yet respectful," Milwaukee
Mayor Tom Barrett said.
Dr. Howard Fuller, a Marquette University professor, received a standing ovation following his speech.
"My commitment to him is to love our people deeper than I did when I walked in here. That's how you honor a warrior like Eric Von," Fuller said at the service, held at the Marquette Alumni Memorial Union Hall.
Fuller told TODAY'S TMJ4 about the final text he got from Von on the day he died.
"He texted me at 2:07 saying, 'Doc, we need to talk before the meeting.' Somebody got back to me at 6:30 or 7 to tell me that he had passed, so its hard," Fuller said.
In addition to the Eric Von show on 860 WNOV, Von was a frequent guest on Wisconsin Public Television and former co-host of "Black Nouveau."
"What impresses me the most about the legacy of the late Eric Von is the fact he was consistent, he cared about this community. He respected the men and women of this community and everyday he attempted to be the voice of those who had not been heard before," said Thelma Sias, vice president of WEC Energy Group.
The massive display of affection shown during the memorial made it clear that Von's voice will never be silenced.
