Renowned Australian radio presenter Ron E Sparks has died at the age of 72 after a 15-year battle with cancer, which he kept a tightly held secret.
Sparks, also spelt Sparx, began his radio career in the 1970s at top-rating station 2SM. He also appeared on television, guest-hosting Countdown on the ABC and providing voice-over for the game show Wheel of Fortune.
Former colleagues paid tribute on social media. Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller, former WSFM colleagues, wrote on Instagram: 'We are devastated to announce the heartbreaking news of the passing of former WSFM announcer Ron E Sparks.'
Breakfast radio presenter Trevor Sinclair said he was stunned, recalling how Sparks took him from 2SM to 2UW in 1979. Ben Fordham from 2GB described Sparks as a 'talented radio host' and a 'fine man', noting they became neighbours and forged a strong friendship.
Wendy Harmer, who worked with Sparks for 10 years, posted on X that he was 'the best'—always lovely, kind, and encouraging.
