Richard Morecroft has died aged 70 following a brief battle with cancer.
The ABC and SBS television veteran, best known for hosting SBS program Letters and Numbers, was remembered in a statement posted by his family on his Instagram account on Tuesday evening.
“Sadly, our beloved Richard died today, at a time of his choosing, on the south coast of NSW,” the statement said.
“He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and was grateful to go peacefully, with his partner of 36 years, Alison Mackay, beside him.”
The family added: “We are devastated to lose such a warm, generous and caring human and hope that all those who knew him, if only through their TV screens, will remember him fondly.”
The tribute concluded: “Vale Richard Morecroft 20/01/56 – 06/10/26.”
Richard Morecroft has died aged 70 following a short battle with cancer
Morecroft is survived by his partner, journalist and photographer Alison Mackay.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from viewers and fellow media figures, including ABC presenter Leigh Sales.
“The best way I can describe Richard is that he was a gentleman, and a gentle man,” Sales wrote.
“He was pure class in every way – a kind, warm and generous colleague, as well as being a consummate professional.”
She continued: “I had so much admiration and regard for him and I consider myself a lucky person indeed to have been his friend. My love and condolences to you.”
Artist Harriet Goodall said it was heartbreaking to lose “such a generous champion of the arts”, adding that she was glad Morecroft had been able to make choices about the end of his life.
Born in Leicestershire, England, and moving to Adelaide as a child, Morecroft built a career as one of Australia’s most respected television journalists
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“I have loved Richard since I can remember, always such a calm and wonderful presence on the telly,” one fan wrote.
The fan added: “I met him once in person, and I was always completely star-struck. Vale Richard, you will be missed but never forgotten.”
Another tribute described Morecroft as “an incredible person” whose loss was a tragedy for the community, noting the many different ways he continued to give back.
“It is indeed a brave and considered man to choose his time to leave – but rest assured he will never be forgotten,” the commenter wrote.
“Sending love. A huge loss to Australia,” another person said.
Born in Leicestershire, England, and raised in Adelaide from childhood, Morecroft went on to establish himself as one of Australia’s most respected television journalists.
After a stint in radio, Morecroft joined the ABC in the 1980s, making his mark as an anchor for ABC News NSW, a role he kept for almost 20 years
‘He was pure class in every way – a kind, warm and generous colleague, as well as being a consummate professional,’ wrote ABC host Leigh Sales
After a stint in radio, Morecroft joined the ABC in the 1980s, making his mark as an anchor for ABC News NSW, a role he kept for almost 20 years.
Between 2010 and 2012, Morecroft was the host of game show Letters and Numbers on SBS Television.
Morecroft also made a mark as an author, with his memoir, 20 Years from the Waist Up: Tales of a TV News Anchor, published in 2002.
He additionally authored a number of children’s titles, created in collaboration with his partner, Alison.
Richard was so recognisable as a steadfast news anchor that he made cameos, as himself, in a series of TV shows and movies, including Muriel’s Wedding, Lantana and Police Rescue.
In later years, Morecroft became associated with environmental issues as a trustee of the World Wide Fund for Nature and a patron of WIRES, as well as working with the Taronga Foundation and the Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales.