Veteran radio presenter Ron E Sparks has died, aged 73.
Tributes from former colleagues flowed in for the veteran broadcaster, who is understood to have died from cancer.
“We are devastated to announce the heartbreaking news of the passing of former WSFM announcer Ron E Sparks,” hosts Brendan “Jonesy” Jones and Amanda Keller said in a statement on social media.
Calling into WSFM, where Sparks worked until 2017, Jones paid tribute to his friend and former colleague.
“We used to lament that radio announcers used to be big deals then all of a sudden it got taken over by celebrity real estate [agents] and chefs,” Jones laughed.
“After that, we don’t even exist anymore.
“So for tribute to Ron E Sparks, one of the greatest radio announcers in the history of the world, he needs to be made a big deal of.”
Over a 50 year career, Sparks was a broadcaster at several Sydney radio stations, including 2SM, 2UW, Triple M and Today FM.
“A great man died today,” 2GB’s Ben Fordham said in a statement on X.
“Ron E Sparks was a talented radio host and a fine man.”
Fordham said he had become neighbours with Sparks several years ago, forging a strong friendship.
“He had the sharpest mind and was such a gentle character,” he said.
“He kept his cancer battle a tightly held secret for 15 years.”
Another of his longtime colleagues, 2UE Breakfast host Trevor Sinclair said he was stunned to hear of Sparks’ death.
“Absolutely stunned to hear of the death of Rone E Sparks,” he wrote on X.
”A legend of the airwaves.
“The man took me from 2SM to 2UW in 1979 where I remained for the following 21 years.
”Have a heavenly Maccas for me big fella.”
