by Rick Griffin
Raff Ahlgren never left XETV-TV/Channel 6 after joining as community affairs director on Sept. 15, 1954. “He probably will hold the Channel 6 longevity employment record forever,” said Chuck Dunning, XETV VP and GM. “For 59 years, Raff served as the station’s embodiment to civic responsibility.” From 1960 to 1978, Ahlgren produced and hosted “Coffee Break,” a daily 30-minute show program highlighting local people and events. The native of Berkeley, Calif. never officially retired and still kept regular office hours at the Kearny Mesa station until just prior to his Nov 26 death due to complications from several strokes. He was 89. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. this Friday, Jan. 10 at the Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church, 9908 Channel Road.