Bob Shennan

R.I.P - Terry Wogan (1939-2016)

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• published: 31 Jan 2016
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A great man and a great Eurovision commentator from BBC in the UK. Rest in Peace. BBC: Sir Terry Wogan: Veteran broadcaster dies, aged 77 Veteran BBC broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan has died aged 77, after a short illness, his family has confirmed. In a statement, they said: "Sir Terry Wogan died today after a short but brave battle with cancer. "He passed away surrounded by his family. While we understand he will be missed by many, the family ask that their privacy is respected at this time." BBC director general Tony Hall said: "Terry truly was a national treasure." Sir Terry leaves wife Lady Helen and their three children. The couple also had a daughter who died in infancy. Obituary: Sir Terry Wogan Tributes paid to Sir Terry Wogan A life in pictures Your memories Limerick-born Sir Terry had a 50-year career on radio and television, including presenting Wake up to Wogan on BBC Radio 2 and the Wogan chat show on BBC1. He was also the voice of Eurovision in the UK for many years and had been involved in the Children in Need appeal since it began in 1980. BBC Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan said he was "one of the greatest and most popular radio hosts this country has ever heard". "We were brightened by his wonderful personality and charm as he woke us up every weekday morning, becoming an essential and much-loved part of our lives." "His millions of listeners adored him, as did his whole Radio 2 family. We will miss him enormously and our thoughts at this very sad time are with Helen and all the family." Sir Terry originally went into banking after college before switching careers to join Ireland's national Radio Eireann as a newsreader and announcer. He moved into light entertainment, as a DJ and host of TV quiz and variety shows in Ireland, before joining the BBC, where he would stay for the rest of his career. He presented the breakfast show from 1972 to 1984, as The Terry Wogan Show, and then from 1993 to 2009 as Wake Up To Wogan. Sir Terry in his own words BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Sir Terry Wogan Sir Terry 'made radio in age of TV' He built up a firm fanbase, dubbing his audience the TOGs, or Terry's Old Geezers and Gals. When he broadcast at breakfast for the final time, he told listeners: "The years together with you have not only been a pleasure but a privilege. You have allowed me to share your lives with you. "When you tell me how important I have been in your lives it's very moving. You have been every bit as important in mine." Lord Hall said: "Terry truly was a national treasure. Today we've lost a wonderful friend. "He was a lovely, lovely man and our thoughts are with his wife and family. For 50 years Sir Terry graced our screens and airwaves. His warmth, wit and geniality meant that for millions he was a part of the family." Graham Norton, who took over as Eurovision commentator from Sir Terry, said on Twitter: "He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland he made it seem possible. RIP Sir Terry Wogan." Current breakfast show host Chris Evans wrote: "We are all so terribly sad upon hearing of the passing of Terry. I can't put into words how the whole Radio 2 family is feeling." Tony Blackburn said: "His warmth, his humour and the fact he didn't take himself seriously, and he was genuinely a really nice man - that's what we will remember about him. "He was part of our lives, a real radio legend. He loved what he was doing and he gave an enormous amount of pleasure." Dermot O'Leary said that growing up in an Irish family, Sir Terry was "a signpost of home". He described Sir Terry as "one of the foundations of broadcasting in this country", adding: "You feel his presence around Radio 2... He's the bedrock of the place."