Popular ABC Brisbane radio host, Paul Bodington, has died.
He was aged only 44 and died at the weekend.
Bodington was part of 612 ABC Brisbane’s breakfast program for five years, preparing unique snapshots of the people, places and events which shape south east Queensland. He also hosted the breakfast program in 2003.
Staff have been allowed to take time off to grieve his death. Brisbane’s ‘Nightline’ show was replaced overnight by Sydney programming.
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Bodington’s death.
He began his broadcasting career after qualifying from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in 1990. He spent seven years in commercial radio, working at stations in Toowoomba, Mt Isa and Innisfail.
Before entering radio, Bodington was a qualified carer for intellectually disabled people and, for several years, devoted himself to improving lives in Victoria and Queensland.
The 612 ABC Brisbane website has paid tribute:
“Such was Paul’s affection for life, its opportunities and challenges, he even worked as a ‘gofer’ at Williamstown Dockyard where, as he put it, ‘he helped the Australian Navy build its first FFG Class frigates’.
“Paul’s passing will be felt for a long time by colleagues and listeners. His positive outlook and generosity were as infectious as they were genuine. He contributed so much to everyone he met, inside and outside 612 ABC Brisbane.
“He will be remembered as a very kind, compassionate soul, who brought happiness to all around him, every day of his life. He was a gentleman, in every way.
“We will miss him, very much.”
Former Colleague Wil Brakels has contributed these comments to this story:
“I am still in absolute shock to hear of the sudden death of Paul Boddington. I worked with Paul at 4GR Toowoomba in the 90’s before he went to Darwin, he was on breakfast and me on drive, we have been friends since. If you knew Paul you would know that he was the most genuine, down to earth person you could ever have met, he never had a bad word to say about anyone.
He was a breath of fresh air in an industry full of egos and people who take themselves far too seriously. His dying at the age of 44 has knocked me for 6, our thoughts go out to Paul’s Mum & Dad and Sister. He will be missed by my Family, Wife Kend all and my 2 Daughters and by everyone he touched.”
“What can I say about Paul Bodington ……He was selfless… he could never do enough for anyone.
Blair Sullivan contributed these comments on Paul:
I will miss Paul’s wicked and twisted sense of humor. The way he could tell and share stories both On and Off Air was amazing.
I will miss receiving our yearly Christmas card and rambling letter and cd…. But will always cherish that he spent Christmas 2004 with our family.
We have had many laughs…and sad times….. but I will always remember Paul as my best friend who will be missed very much by me, my wife Rebekah and our children.
Our thoughts go to his parents Bernie and Joan and the Bodington family.
We lost a good one… but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.”
612 ABC is encouraging anyone with a message, tribute or special memory of Paul to share this on its ‘message board’, where other tributes can also be viewed.