BBC broadcaster Walter Love hailed ‘incredible performer’

BBC broadcaster Walter Love hailed ‘incredible performer’

31 January 2024

TRIBUTES have been paid to veteran BBC broadcaster Walter Love, who died last week at the age of 88.

Mr Love, who lived at Inch outside Downpatrick, had a career lasting over 70 years and in 1997 was awarded an MBE for his services to broadcasting.

He passed away in a nursing home on Friday following a short illness.

Mr Love started out as a freelance contributor to BBC radio in the 1950s before landing a job as a studio manager in London.

He then spent a decade as a TV newsreader in Belfast before joining Radio Ulster in 1978.

He hosted Radio Ulster’s Day By Day and Love in the Afternoon, as well as the Sunday programme Love Forty.

He loved jazz music and presented the Sunday night programme Jazz Club with Walter Love, which was broadcast for the final time last year.

He was inducted into the Phonographic Performance Ireland Radio Awards Hall of Fame in 2014 for recognition of his skill and passion.

Director of BBC Northern Ireland Adam Smyth said he was an “incredible performer on air” and was “genial, kind and cheerful”, also remarking that he had “a hint of mischief”.

Mr Smyth added: ”He loved presenting radio programmes and his melodious voice, ability to create rapport, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of music made him one of our longest-serving and best-loved broadcasters.”

Mr Love was closely involved in a number of local organisations.

He was president of Lecale and Downe Historical Society, a keen member of Inch Art Group and worshipped at Inch Parish Church.

Mr Roderick Downer, chair of Lecale and Downe Historical Society, said he had known Mr Love for over 60 years and described his death as “very sad news”.

He continued: “Until recently Walter was president of the Lecale and Downe Historical

Society and had been for almost ten years.

“He was a regular attendee, had some good contacts and was a very popular and active member.  He was good at interviewing people and always made a great job of introducing and thanking our speakers.

“Apart from his love of jazz he was a mean cook and an accomplished artist. He will be missed by all who knew him.”

Mr Love was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary, and two brothers, Hugh and Brian. He is survived by his sister, Daphne, and another brother, Dick.

A service of thanksgiving will take place in St Columba’s Parish Church, King’s Road, Belfast, on Friday at 2pm.