Word just reached me this morning that K.O. Eckland passed away last
Monday, May 4, 2009, at his home in Paradise, California.  He was 83
or 84.  He is survived by a son and a daughter.

A trad jazz booster and stride pianist in his own right, versatile
K.O. was a researcher of "Fats" Waller piano rolls, historic aircraft,
Laurel and Hardy and was at one time a member of The Firehouse Five
+ 2 jazz band.

Among Eckland's greatest accomplishments were his two books on local
jazz history.  He was a free-lance writer for the Los Angeles Times
and also did some free-lance screen writing as well.  He co-penned the
M*A*S*H episode, "Five O'clock Charlie", from one of the first three
years of the M*A*S*H seasons 1972-1975.

Tom DeLay
Salinas, Calif.