Well-known BBC Radio Devon presenter and journalist Gordon Sparks has died.
Gordon had been undergoing treatment for cancer and tweeted on Friday to say he’s moved to a hospice after updating his followers about his condition getting worse the previous day.
He was famous for commentating on Plymouth Argyle across local radio, starting with hospital radio and Plymouth Sound before moving to the BBC. Most recently he hosted breakfast on Radio Devon.
The station is paying tribute to him with special features and programming all day today (Sunday) and RIP Sparksy is currently trending on social media.
In August, Plymouth Argyle named the press box in his honour inside the newly refurbished Mayflower Stand. Fans sang their support for him during the recent away game against Milton Keynes Dons.
He died on Sunday morning and is survived by his wife Heather, daughters Kirsty and Holly and his granddaughter.
Jason Horton, Acting Director of BBC England and former head of BBC South, paid tribute. He said: “Such sad news – @SparksyOnRadio was a broadcaster who loved his audience, loved his job and loved @Argyle. A friend to more people than he will ever have met, Gordon will be missed massively by so many.”
Huge thanks to the nurses on Brent ward at @UHP_NHS for looking after me over the last week.
Have moved to @StLukesPlymouth. After introduction, slept most of the afternoon. Don’t understand how tired I am.
Inundated with messages. Sorry I can’t reply.
— Gordon Sparks (@SparksyOnRadio) October 14, 2022
🎵 There’s only one Gordon Sparks.#pafc pic.twitter.com/7twMBAPceS
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) October 16, 2022
Such sad news – @SparksyOnRadio was a broadcaster who loved his audience, loved his job and loved @Argyle A friend to more people than he will ever have met, Gordon will be missed massively by so many. https://t.co/tXmDNsacyy
— Jason Horton (@JasonHorton_uk) October 16, 2022
We're very sad that our friend and colleague Gordon Sparks has passed away. We’ll have reflection on this throughout the day on @BBCDevon pic.twitter.com/hJMdqHwFiP
— BBC Radio Devon (@BBCDevon) October 16, 2022
RIP to Sir Gordon Sparks .
Condolences to his family .
Legend . pic.twitter.com/XE1ezbuqRr— Rob Bullen Cartoons (@robbybullen) October 16, 2022
💚 Thank you, Sparksy.
Your legacy will last forever. #pafc
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) October 16, 2022
Very sad news. I loved my regular chats with @SparksyOnRadio on his @BBCDevon breakfast show. We were supposed to be discussing politics but invariably we ended up talking football. Great gesture by @Argyle to name the Home Park press box after him. RIP Sparksy. Green Army Legend https://t.co/NpxUshkBBo
— Paul Rowley (@PaulRowleyRadio) October 16, 2022
This is the saddest of news.
He was a giant of #localradio broadcasting – and one of the nicest people you could wish to meet.
I’m so lucky I got to call him a colleague, and friend!
We will miss you #GordonSparks💚— Rebecca Wills 〓〓 (@RebeccaLWills) October 16, 2022
Not all Argyle legends play on the pitch at Home Park. Gordon Sparks was such a kind man, so loyal to our club and so hopeful for our city and our county. I’m thinking of his family and the entire green army who have lost a hero today. RIP Sparksy, it was a privilege to know you pic.twitter.com/Fs32fEw8Tz
— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) October 16, 2022
Very sad to hear that BBC South West's Gordon Sparks has died
A member of Great Bruce Forsyth Social Club who appeared and sang with him on An Audience with Bruce Forsyth in 1997
Our condolences and sympathies to all who knew and worked with "The Voice of Argyle"
Photo: BBC pic.twitter.com/icq1tKbfbI— TVARK (@tvark) October 16, 2022
Posted on Sunday, October 16th, 2022 at 11:27 am by Roy Martin