Former BBC Radio Orkney star Dave Gray has died, with the broadcaster paying tribute to the presenter.
In a new statement, the broadcaster said: “Everyone at BBC Radio Orkney is grieving the sudden loss of our friend and colleague Dave Gray, who died on Wednesday following a short illness. For three decades Dave was the heart and soul of the BBC in Orkney and we will miss him terribly.
“Our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this most difficult of times. We will be sharing our tribute to Dave on Friday morning’s Around Orkney at 7.30am.” The news was announced on BBC Radio Orkney’s official Facebook page. Fellow presenter and Big Brother star Cameron Stout reposted the announcement.
Dave was part of the station for over 30 years and was a huge hit with his listeners. He hosted many programmes including Around Orkney. Following the announcement, listeners rushed to the comment section to share their memories of him as they paid their condolences.
“A very rare guy indeed – you always left after a yarn better off than before you’d bumped into him – there’s not many folk like that around! I’m glad he got his camper finished and got that trip around Ireland in it,” one said while another posted: “I was only talking to him on Saturday. In shock. Tell those you love that you love them often. A nicer chap is hard to find.”
“This is just such sad, awful news. He will be missed enormously by the wider community, and my thoughts are with his family and colleagues. Rest well, Buddo,” one heartbroken user added. Dave last posted on his Facebook page at the beginning of February this year.
“So strange to see this photo pop up this morning. Taken thirty years ago today in the Radio Orkney studio (where I’m actually back working now for a short spell),” he said about the photo, which wasn’t available to view. “I’m 33, been married for eighteen months, working at W R Tullock’s and applying for a home improvement grant from the council to put a new roof on our house. So many changes, so many folk lost in that time, so many high points and of course some lows.
‘Ken and Angus were my local broadcasting heroes and I was lucky enough to work with them for many years. I used to come on the radio right after them on a Friday night – (Ken) “Stay tuned because Dave Gray will be right along with his Heavy Metal music”. (Angus) “Bairns – you need nerves of steel for that kinda stuff”.”
Dave retired from BBC Radio Orkney a few years ago but returned to radio in January to cover for Huw Williams.
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