Gerry Kersey has passed away at the age of 86.
The former BBC Radio Sheffield presenter, who had amassed a 50-year career in the industry, passed away on Friday with his wife Christine by his side. It is reported that he had been unwell for some time before his passing.
Katrina Bunker, Head of BBC Yorkshire, paid tribute to Gerry as a “true legend of local broadcasting”. She wrote: “Gerry was a true legend of local broadcasting, starting his career in 1968 as one of the first voices on BBC Radio Sheffield.”
Gerry began his radio career alongside his passion for art and performing in the theatre, with his paintings featuring in exhibitions. In the 1970s, he balanced two jobs – his radio work and advertising for a local company which he said in a 2018 interview with the Sheffield Star led to him having an “alarmingly unbalanced life”.
He also previously worked at a massive steelworks site, which has now been replaced by Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield, where his dad worked for 39 years. Gerry lasted four years in the company as a wages clerk, which led him to spend a lot of time walking through the rolling mills and furnaces, reports the Mirror.
“It was hot, sticky, dark and dangerous and the air was full of chemicals,” he told The Star in 2022, “but it was also a magnificent stage featuring molten steel, sparks and tough fit men manipulating massive forgings and machinery.”
Gerry chose to concentrate on broadcasting, revealing: “I decided, with my wife’s full approval, that although it was only earning £12 a week I would take it on and see what I could do.”
Audiences warmed to Gerry’s presenting approach and he became a well-known voice across BBC Radio Sheffield and commercial station Radio Hallam.
His previous colleagues have now honoured the “super talented” presenter, with football correspondent Alan Biggs posting on Twitter: “Radio listeners in Sheffield will mourn the passing of Gerry Kersey. Gerry was a mainstay of both Radio Sheffield and Radio Hallam (where I was lucky to work with the nicest bloke). Super talented; actor and artist also. Thinking of Gerry’s family and many friends.”
He continued: “Not just in Sheffield. Would have said South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire if more characters allowed for the post. Some wonderful heartfelt replies that I am sure will be much appreciated by Gerry’s family.”
One fan offered their respects beneath the message, posting: “Fond memories with Gerry growing up as a child. He was very talented, a fine artist in his own right. I spent many a summer at Hallam Art Soiciety with him and my father. Very sad news.”
Meanwhile another replied: “Way back in the day, when my folks had lives before having kids they were friends with him and his wife, and he lived at No.1 of the road that I now live on. Have heard some tales over the years! And also listened to him on Hallam way back when. RIP GK.”
A third commented: “One of the voices of my youth/early adulthood, very sad news Alan.”