A larger than life character, Rodney had a love for community radio, known to many for his regular calls into his favourite station LAFM.

Rodney died on Friday afternoon, aged 70.

Many across Launceston and the state North East have fond memories of Rodney, but perhaps none more so than radio announcer Rob Fairs.

"When I first moved here in 1989, he was the first person to call me and welcome me," Fairs said.

"He just loved radio. He was a regular caller even before I got here and started - Radio 7EX and 7LA, he used to ring in all the time.

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"He'd call into Gary King at Six O'Clock Rock every Saturday night, he'd ring and make a request.

"Everyone knew him. Some people would describe him as their radio boyfriend - everyone has a story to share about Rodney from Mayfield."

Rodney is being remembered for his passion and love for radio.

"He'd always call in and say the same thing to me," Fairs said.

"'Hello to you Robert' - he'd always call me Robert, and then say 'hello to all the good looking girls out there in Launceston'.

"He'd be a regular visitor into the offices, he'd come in to reception every day and talk to as many of the staff as possible.

"You'd see him walk in and you'd get a smile on your face, because he always had something to say and was just such a unique character.

"His calls were one of the things people would listen in for - if it didn't happen, it left a bit of a void."

Nic Bowman volunteered with Rodney at City Mission.

"So many people have stories about Rodney," Mr Bowman said.

"He used to come in and volunteer every day for us at City Mission. He'd come in and he'd organise all of the bread we had donated from the bakeries.

"He'd wheel it up in his trolley and get it organised all day, that's what he did every day.

"My wife and I volunteer and do a lot of cooking at City Mission.

"He had the same thing for lunch every day, tomato soup and bread. One week we had pumpkin soup because of a donation, and he wasn't happy - so we brought him in lunch.

"He was just this guy that never stopped smiling, he was infectious and always happy.

'I remember him from 30 years ago when I was 10, and he was infamous then.

"To get to meet him and know him in my adult life, to know the person behind the radio voice, was so special.

"He was a gentleman, and he'll be missed by so many."

Fairs described Rodney as a "local icon" and said his passing was a loss to the wider community.

"We're worse off without him," Fairs said.

"He wasn't doing anything to try and be popular, he was just genuine and being himself, and there's not a lot of people you can say that about these days.

"You get regular listeners, that's what local radio is all about, but he was special, and irreplaceable.

"When it came to radio, he was one of the most passionate people I've ever met in my life, if you could bottle it you'd make a fortune.

"It's been really special to see how many people have stories about Rodney and fond memories. They are what will live on forever. He may be gone, but he is someone that truly will never be forgotten."

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