Vale John Fordham: A trailblazing talent manager and family man

Some heartbreaking news for 2GB host Ben Fordham after news his father John has lost a long battle with throat cancer.

The 75-year-old manager to the stars died on Sunday morning surrounded by his family. His son announced the news in tweet to fans and friends.

“My dad John has died peacefully surrounded by his family,” he wrote. “It was a special goodbye and we feel blessed. He never missed a chance to tell people he loved them so he died with no regrets.”

Known affectionately as ‘Jack’, Fordham had a celebrated career as the manager to some of Australia’s best-known stars of sports and media including Alan Jones, John Laws, Ian Chappell, Lisa Wilkinson and Tracy Grimshaw.

Fordham’s passing comes just days after being told his condition was terminal, prompting his son’s decision to step away from his top-rating Drive show to spend time with his father.

My dad John has died peacefully surrounded by his family. It was a special goodbye and we feel blessed. He never missed a chance to tell people he loved them so he died with no regrets. Today he’s being awarded an ‘Order of Australia’ for service to charity. Love ya, Jack x pic.twitter.com/OhJnxsSXiC

— Ben Fordham (@BenFordham) November 10, 2019

The broadcaster’s told The Australian that the family isn’t ‘sad’ at his passing and is ready to celebrate his life: “We’re a family who’s never felt afraid of telling each other we love each other, so none us have that feeling of ‘if only’.

“He chose his own exit. He choreographed the whole thing. I think he decided he wasn’t going to spend eight or nine months in bed.”

He was to be appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), in recognition of his services to charity, at an Australia Day ceremony, but his family brought it forward to today.