Legendary radio and Sky Racing presenter Chris Kearns passed away peacefully on Cup Day after a short and hard-fought battle with cancer, writes friend and colleague, Cherie Romaro.
Kearns was just 75.
He loved the horses and managed to stay with his friends until after the running of the 161st Melbourne Cup, having picked Verry Elleegant to win. Chris was passionate about racing in Australia and worked at Sky Racing in the early 2000s
Chris Kearns was one of a kind and his long and successful radio career saw him working at 2SM, 2UW, MIX FM, 2UE, 2GB and more recently at Classic Hits 2CH.
Chris Kearns with Cherie Romaro and Tim Webster
Former colleague Tim Webster paid tribute to Chris saying: “It was time for him to rest in eternal peace and we hoped that they would play lots of show tunes up there. Chris was a good bloke who would do anything for anyone including mentoring any juniors who wanted to get into radio.”
Former boss Cherie Romaro added: “Chris was unique in every sense of the word, he took over from the legendary Bob Rogers in mornings on Classic Hits 2CH and did an outstanding job, he loved his beloved cat Joey and was a special generous friend to all that knew him and or worked with him. VALE Chris Kearns.”
Recent 2CH colleague Trevor Sinclair wrote: “This afternoon I am sad to report the passing of Chris Kearns, a man I worked on several occasions at Classic Hits 2UW, then MIX106.5 and again at 2CH. He wasn’t just a work colleague, he was a mate. Cherie Romaro, Rob Duckworth and I all saw Chris off on Cup Day.
“He not only loved a punt and waited until the end of the Melbourne Cup, he also loved show tunes, so on that note I leave with this:
“Make ’em laugh, make ’em laugh, make ’em laugh and always remember – It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.”
Tributes have been flowing across social media from many celebrities and workmates who had the pleasure of knowing Chris and working with him.