Those who knew him say he was a knowledgeable broadcaster, a great teacher and mentor, a man passionate about sport, a humanitarian and a good mate.

Mr Dengate lost his battle with bowel cancer at 8.15am. He died peacefully in the company of his family.

Good friend and colleague Ross Larsen, manager of 2MCE, said Mr Dengate’s death will leave an enormous hole at the community radio station where he has volunteered for the past 30 years.

“He was such an intelligent man,” Mr Larsen said. “He never had a bad word for anybody.

“He had a very positive approach to life, even during his illness. And he still had so much to offer. His death is a great loss.”

Mr Larsen said Mr Dengate was a very popular and talented presenter. He was celebrated not only for his presentation style, but for his incredible knowledge of music, his wit and that sense of humour so loved by everyone.

Nineteen years ago Bob Dengate started one of the station’s longest running programs, Saturday Night Jukebox.

Fans have stayed loyal throughout his illness, regularly sending him dedications and tributes.

“In our last conversation he said that just to be able to lay in bed and listen to 2MCE on the radio kept him going,” Mr Larsen said.

“He loved radio. He had the talent to be a professional broadcaster but he chose to do it on a community level.”

Mr Dengate went on air for the last time last month when he phoned in to share some of his show’s proud history with listeners.

He was a board member and a life member of 2MCE.

Mr Dengate lectured at Charles Sturt University and before that taught maths in Bathurst and Oberon for many years.

He was also quite proud of letters that were published in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Western Advocate.

His mate, Councillor Graeme Hanger, said it was a great moment when Bob had a letter to the editor and a Column 8 mention in the Sydney Morning Herald on the same day.

“He was a wonderful friend, a great teacher and parent, a good cricketer, a fine judge of a racehorse, a raconteur, a thoughtful Sydney Morning Herald correspondent and the winner of a dozen Cryptic Croonings on ABC radio,” Cr Hanger said. “He will be sadly missed.”

Robert William Dengate is survived by his wife Kay, his son Paul and daughter Meghann. He was also the much respected step-father of Simon, Jason, Jeremy and Danae.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday at All Saints’ Cathedral commencing at 2.30pm.

Private cremation will follow.