Cape Town - Radio and television legend Jeremy Mansfield’s voice fell silent in the early hours of Monday, when it was confirmed he had lost his battle against cancer at age 59.
Mansfield’s close friend, Samantha Cowen, confirmed his passing to online followers and audience.
“This morning a light went out in the world. Jeremy Mansfield passed away just before dawn. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends and boundless love.
“Jeremy lived large, he didn't know how to do small. He loved hard, laughed loud and managed to combine mischief and mayhem with heart and soul. The city was brighter and lighter with him on the airwaves, he changed lives every day.
“When he wasn’t raising millions for charity, he was raising fresh hell. Under a naughty exterior Jeremy had a huge soft heart. A lot of people got to see and hear that over the radio but he saved his vulnerability for a select few.
“He was determined that the world be a better and shinier and funnier place and he drove the road to that destination at 1 000 miles an hour with no rear view mirror, all of the rest of us clinging on for dear life,” wrote Cowen.
Cowen said the family, who have requested for privacy during their bereavement, were devastated by his death and would “miss him horribly”.
“He knew he was loved and it mattered. He mattered. There will be a new star in the sky tonight. As he would have said, ‘Good night Bunnies’,” said Cowen.
Mansfield’s radio broadcast team at HOT 102.7FM said they joined the South African radio industry in their mourning of the legend.
Managing director, Lloyd Madurai, said: “He leaves an enormous void in the industry. But we are comforted by the incredible impact Jeremy had on South African radio, shaking up the establishment and leaving his mark in the most entertaining and heart-warming way. The HOT family says, ‘Go well, our friend, and know that you made a difference’.”
Cape Times