THE first man to host a breakfast show on Border FM radio station The River has died at the age of 58 after surgical complications.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Pete Davies had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and died in Brisbane on Monday night following surgery.
When The River hit the airwaves in July, 1998, Davies pioneered the breakfast shift with Belinda King before being joined by other co-hosts.
Radio 2AY personality Andy Walker, who was the manager of The River at the time, described Davies as upbeat and passionate.
"He was just a character, a larrikin, a good hearted Australian larrikin, and a kind-hearted man," Walker said.
He recalled Davies' love of fishing and how he was gutted when he accidentally slammed a car door on the tip of a $3000 imported rod.
"His passion was really fishing, but he enjoyed radio and he loved the creativity of it and using it to entertain people," Walker said.
Davies, who also worked for Albury station 2AY, left the Border for Darwin radio, having previously been in television in the Top End.
Such was his profile, Northern Territory chief minister Adam Giles released a statement on Davies’ death.
"I had many good chats with Pete over the years, both in opposition and government and always admired his ability to capture what was on people’s minds and take politicians to task when he thought they weren’t listening to the community," Mr Giles said.
"I knew I always had to be on my game when I was being interviewed by Pete and to expect the unexpected."
Davies’ co-host on Darwin's Mix 104.9 Katie Woolf paid tribute in an emotional on-air announcement.
"He underwent chemotherapy here in Darwin and the plan was to have the tumour removed and come back for more chemo, but Pete contracted a lung infection after surgery and other complications," Woolf said.
"He fought like a warrior for weeks but he never recovered.
"Pete meant so much to so many people, he was a voice for all Territorians and often battled with politicians and the like so the opinion of his listeners, many of whom became his friends, was heard.
"He stood up for what he believed in and he didn't back down on the issues that he felt were important to all of you."
Woolf also reflected on Davies support of mental health service Beyond Blue, having successfully battled depression.
"(He) managed to fight off the black dog and seek help, something he always encouraged others to do," she said.
Davies is survived by his wife Vicki, two sons and two grandchildren.
