ABC radio host, Russell Woolf, passes away
Tributes have been made for beloved ABC radio host Russell Woolf who suddenly passed away.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has paid tribute to ABC radio personality Russell Woolf who died unexpectedly overnight, aged just 57 years old.
According to the ABC, Woolf had “open arms, an open heart and, more often than not, wore a wide grin on his face and thongs on his feet.”
Russell Woolf was a good friend of the BoM and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and @abcperth Here he is in 2008 celebrating the Bureau's centenary with BoM's Andrew Burton pic.twitter.com/HUKqvc1v4q
— Bureau of Meteorology, Western Australia (@BOM_WA) October 26, 2021
Woolf, who has been described as a third-generation lawn bowls player with Jewish roots, has been with the ABC for more than 20 years, as a weather presenter for the ABC’s West Australian news from 2007 until 2011 and most recently, the presenter for ABC Perth’s breakfast show. He previously hosted the drive program.
His death was announced on air by his colleague Geoff Hutchison.
His unique and iconic voice, wit and and personality made him beloved by countless Western Australians.
For many of us, whether we knew him personally or not, it will feel like we’ve lost a friend today.
— Mark McGowan (@MarkMcGowanMP) October 26, 2021
Mourners have left flowers on Woolf’s beloved red scooter. According to media outlets, the ABC radio host’s love for the scooter was widely well-known. His death has sent shockwaves through the media industry in Western Australia and has prompted an outpouring of tributes from around the country.
Among those Tweeting tributes were the Bureau of Meteorology, WA, Government House WA, WACA, The West Coast Eagles, Western Australian Symphony Orchestra and of course, fellow media personalities.
Heartbreaking news. We're deeply sadden to hear of the passing of cricket lover and broadcaster Russell Woolf.
Sending our sincere condolences to Russell's family, friends and colleagues.
His kindness, wit and generosity will be missed by the cricket family ???? Vale Russell. pic.twitter.com/R0AiSl9yrW
— WACA (@WACA_Cricket) October 26, 2021
Geoff Hutchison said on Tuesday morning that his colleague’s passing came as a huge shock. “We have only just learnt of his passing in the last few hours and it’s still sinking in,” he said on air. “Everyone here at ABC Radio Perth is in shock and trying to make sense of it. Russell, as you know, is a much loved and much cherished part of our ABC family, and we’re going to battle to find words for a little while this morning.”
According to colleagues, he had a kind word for everyone, was larger than life and had a wicked sense of humour.
He will be missed.
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