LM RADIO – It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Reg de Beer, as he was fondly known to his friends and family. De Beer, a greatly loved veteran of broadcasting and one of the cornerstones of the LM Radio team passed away on Saturday afternoon, January 21, 2012 following a short illness.
He was a private man of great talent and integrity. He had a warm nature, a great sense of humour and was loved by radio audiencesyoung and old. Radio was his first love, a love he maintained throughout his life to the very end.
When LM Radio was re-launched in December 2009, Reg de Beer enthusiastically became a key member of the presenter team together with Peter de Nobrega (another LM Radio veteran), Tinky Pringle (ex SABC and Supersport), Brian Oxley and other radio professionals. Reg helped to shape the style of music to appeal to young and older listeners alike. He hosted the evening 7 to 11pm slot six nights a week.
Reg was born on June 25, 1945 in Durban. He attended school at Port Natal and then went on to study as a teacher at the Teacher’s Training College. However because of his interest and passion in radio broadcasting he auditioned for LM Radio and was employed in Lourenço Marques – now Maputo in 1968. He learnt his trade from the greats: David Davies, Evie Martin, GerryWilmot, John Berks, Darryl Jooste and Barry O’Donoghue.
After leaving LM Radio, Reg joined the SABC where he worked for a number of the services including Highveld and Radio Port Natal. He later joined M-Net where he was part of the team that started the subscription broadcasting TV service. He was sent to Egypt and Greece to help establish DSTV in those countries. Reg also spent some time with Solid Gold radio in Johannesburg, together with Tony Sanderson.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Reg’s family and friends.
Reg lived radio. It was his passion.
Reg, we love you and will miss you – Your friends and colleagues at LM Radio.
PHOTO: from left Gary Edwards, Reg de Beer, Daryl Jooste and Lorna Harris. www.lmradio.org
