Lipsy Lynn. Lynn Zimmerman. Cliff Palette. Cleft Palate. Whichever name you knew him by there was no mistaking who he was the second he opened his mouth.

Like so many others who are regulars on the Howard Stern show, Cliff was known for his unique voice.

A voice that for so many years we were led to believe was caused by a cleft palette immediately joined the pantheons of such Stern Show legends as High Pitch Eric, Elephant Boy and Crackhead Bob from the first time he was on the show. But Lynn was so much more than just a funny voice. He was a kind and patient person and above all he was a major fan of the show and had an incredible sense of humor.

Lynn was first introduced on the show in January 2004 as “Lipsy Lynn”, a guy with a very bad cleft palate. He came on to win a date with porn star Ashley Blue. All he had to do was call a deli and order a delivery to be sent to the studio. He had to place the order in three minutes or less and the correct order had to show up. Howard thought that there was no way Lynn would be able to get the order out in time. But, to everyone's surprise, he did – barely – clocking in at 2:59. The woman who answered the phone at the deli he called was very patient and understanding with him and worked with him to get the order out. It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but it was a sign of the way people treated Lynn, not because of his handicap but because of his peaceful disposition. Unlike so many in our wack pack universe, Lynn was pretty much liked by everyone. As his mother told Howard Wednesday, Lynn was not shunned in school growing up. He had good friends up until the day he died. And it was easy to see why.

Lynn didn’t ask anyone to pity him. In fact, he didn’t ask for anything. I didn’t know Lynn outside of the show but in my dealings with him it was very apparent that he was just an appreciative person. He appreciated the time he spent on the air and with the show. That is so different compared to some other people we deal with, who always seem to have their hands out looking for something in return. Lynn just wanted to be part of it. And when he wasn’t he seemed okay with that too. When he was, his joy was visible.

I think what I’ll remember most about Lynn, Cliff to me, was, well, obviously his voice. I loved when he sang karaoke because he always sang his heart out and it was some of the funniest things I ever heard. I remember how excited he was to be out at the Las Vegas 2004 shows, telling me how much he appreciated being part of everything out there. I met his mother in Vegas and she reiterated how much all of this meant to him.

I think what I’ll remember most about Lynn, Cliff to me, was, well, obviously his voice. I loved when he sang karaoke because he always sang his heart out and it was some of the funniest things I ever heard. I remember how excited he was to be out at the Las Vegas 2004 shows, telling me how much he appreciated being part of everything out there. I met his mother in Vegas and she reiterated how much all of this meant to him. I have no idea why he lied about having a cleft palate. Maybe he thought we wouldn’t want him on the show otherwise. I hope he knew before he died that wasn’t the case. I’m sure he did. He had a great sense of humor and always knew we were laughing with him, not at him.

He will be sorely missed. Not just on the show but off the air too. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.