Radio host Ted Thirkill dies, aged 79

MUCH-loved rock and roll DJ on Radio FM Ted Thirkill has died, aged 79.
Mr Thirkill was not only the longest serving DJ at the community radio station, his show was one of the most-listened to as he took his audience down memory lane on a weekend afternoon.
Ted’s Memories, as his show was called, featured three hours of music from the 50s and 60s.
“I also like a lot of the 70s music but not a great fan of modern music, heavy classical or heavy metal,” he said on his station profile.
“I like being with 101fm, they are a great team and I hope I can still be on air entertaining listerners in Logan/Brisbane area and the world wide web for many years to come.”
Mr Thirkill told audiences he had enjoyed listening to music his whole life – before he was able to share it with a radio show of his own.
He lobbied other radio stations to feature easy listening on their stations, but he was granted an opening to take matters into his own hands when 101fm was granted a broadcasting license in 1988. He was a member with the station since 1986.
“What I like … is I can play my favourite music for my listeners to enjoy,” he said on his profile.
Station manager Terry Blacker announced the sad news to listeners via the station’s social media pages.
“It is with deep personal regret that I inform you all that Ted Thirkill sadly passed away last Monday at the Trinder Park Nursing Home,” Mr Blacker said.
“Ted was the longest serving member of 101fm and was well respected by everyone.
“He loved this radio station and made a valuable contribution, and he will be sadly missed by all 101fm members and his many loyal listeners.
“Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Charlotte and family and our thoughts are with you all. We sincerely hope that you will find the strength and courage to get through this difficult time. We share in your grief.”
Mr Thirkill’s funeral is Wednesday 13 November at 10.30am, at St Paul’s Catholic Church, 3 St Paul’s Drive, Woodridge.
The family would like to extend an invitation to all 101fm members, sponsors and supporters and also Ted’s loyal listeners who would like to attend and pay their respects.