Clifford Warne OA ­ long time childrens television presenter and radio communicator ­died this week aged 73.

Warne was a daily segment presenter on Christian community station FM103.2 Sydney.

FM 103.2’s Mike Rayson contributed this tribute using information from the Anglican Media website:

Clifford Warne is probably best known for his contributions to Australian television, particularly Christian programming.

Clifford Warne studied film and television techniques in the United States in 1955-56 before becoming the first director of the Church of England Television Society (now Anglican Media) in 1957.

He produced thousands of hours of television programs for the Seven, Nine and Ten Networks for a period of over forty years. He directed, produced and scripted Australian children shows like the ‘WotsaName’ show, featuring the puppet Gus, ‘Sing Me A Rainbow’ and ‘Reach For A Rainbow’, as well as acclaimed documentaries, ‘That Man From Nazareth’ and ‘Exploring Jerusalem’.

Clifford Warne became one of Australia’s longest running presenters with a career on the Seven Network that spanned 37 years. He eventually received the Order of Australia for his services to children’s television.

Warne taught speech communication techniques in Britain, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. He was once described by a leading American producer as ‘the finest story-teller’ he knew.

At the time of his death Clifford was involved in a very busy speaking schedule for the Bible Society of Australia, and was a frequent speaker at numerous Christian schools around the country.

He was also still broadcasting daily creative insights into the Bible on Sydney’s FM 103.2

The funeral was held on Tuesday, May 20th at St Thomas Anglican Church, North Sydney (cnr McLaren & Church Sts, North Sydney).