Tributes flow after news of the sudden death of popular, long-time ABC presenter Russell Woolf - ABC News

Long-time ABC presenter, Russell Woolf had open arms, an open heart and, more often than not, wore a wide grin on his face and thongs on his feet.

He was a dear friend to many — and many others who spent any length of time with Russell considered him a friend.

He was just that kind of man.

It is easy to roll out the cliches when thinking about Russell: "Larger than life", "A great bloke" and "A wicked sense of humour " and all are true.

ABC Radio Perth local manager Sarah Knight described him as a cherished member of the team.

She said ABC staff were in shock.

"He always had a kind word for everyone … [and] his very presence lit up the room," she said.

"Staff meetings were always much more fun when Russell was there.

"He was all about love, that man."

Known to many as Rusty, his ABC career extended across two decades, presenting shows across Western Australia and doing the weather on ABC TV News for several years.

He's being remembered as a kind, selfless man with a great sense of humour.

Early in his career he was a resources reporter for ABC Rural, and a regular at Diggers & Dealers in Kalgoorlie.

Russell went on to present Afternoons with Verity James on ABC Radio before taking on Drive for several years.

Former ABC colleague Tom Baddeley described him as cheeky, and someone who could recover well when things went wrong on air.

"With Woolfy, you kind of never knew what might happen," he said.

"If something went technically wrong, you didn't have to worry about it 'cause he was brilliant at kind of improvising and having a good laugh at himself, more than anyone else."

Former ABC colleague Liam Bartlett, spoke about him on 6PR.

"I did want to say how sorry we all are here at 6PR to hear of the sudden and unexpected passing of a good friend and colleague in Russell Woolf from the ABC," he said.

"Always put a smile on your face, fantastic broadcaster, had been a pleasure to spend some years at the ABC with Russell in his company."

When, in 2006, staff at the ABC in Perth were devastated by the loss of much-loved sports commentator Wally Foreman, Russell was asked make the on-air radio announcement.

Russell did it, and did it with grace.

Wally would've wanted it.

Despite Russell's in-person and on-air affability, he retained a strong awareness of the undercurrents of daily news and events. And of WA history.

He once introduced Queen Elizabeth II to Perth, and behind his engaging ways was also known for landing an unexpected zinger question on air, throwing the talent off balance.

After he left ABC Radio for a while, Russell became an MC at various public and private events, often arriving in the nick of time on his trusty moped (sometimes in thongs).

And they weren't always paid gigs. Russell was known to be generous with his time, including as an auctioneer at Huntington's WA quiz nights.

In 2014, Russell ran for The Senate, taking the frontline with former colleague Verity James in one of many campaigns to Save The ABC.

He went with his family to live in Minneapolis after his wife landed a job in the United States and, among other things, tried his hand as a stand-up comedian.

Russell Woolf returned to ABC in 2019, resurrecting his radio career and bringing comfort to those fans who'd missed him from the airwaves.

He ultimately became the solo breakfast presenter, a role he may once have loathed for its early starts, yet it clearly worked for him and the listeners.

Russell Woolf 'made our lives better'

Premier Mark McGowan paid tribute.

"West Australians admired and loved Russell Woolf. He was a very, very amusing, upbeat, uplifting person who made our lives better."

Russell Woolf was 56, and is survived by his wife, Kylie, daughter Bronte, and countless friends.

Posted  8h ago8 hours agoTue 26 Oct 2021 at 7:55am, updated  7h ago7 hours agoTue 26 Oct 2021 at 9:13am