Book of Remembrance

I was lucky to work for Tim for a two and a half year period in the early 2000’s. We first met when he undertook my second interview for the job I eventually got. I knew who he was, and he had no idea who I was but we discovered a mutual love of songwriters and chatted about that for an hour instead of what I was actually there for!

He was, always, completely engaging and an absolute pleasure to spend any time with. His stories were amazing!

He gave me one piece of advice which I’ve always remembered – when your chips are down, and perhaps you might need work, it doesn’t matter who you think you are, no one will call you. You have to pick up that phone yourself – It has served me well.

The radio industry has lost a giant, but is better because he was in it.

Tim was everything great and good that others say about him here, and more. I remember also his wisdom and humour over the 13 years we both sat on the Sony Radio Awards Committee, first under the chairmanship of Gillian Reynolds, then John Whitney, then Tim himself. And with his authority and status in the industry, he commanded chairmanship effortlessly and ably: when John Bradford asked me to produce a session for the Radio Festival, and i staged it as a Hypotheticals, with an expert panel, Tim was my first choice as chairman, which he did elegantly and with gravitas, a very large part of its success. But my most abiding memory is of standing next to Tim on the deck of a Channel ferry coming into port on the south coast on a very stormy sea. A very large group of us were returning from a Programme Conference in Le Touquet, when the ship hit a rough patch and almost everyone was very sea-sick. Remembering something about looking at the horizon, I went on deck for some air and found Tim, alone. “It’s best if you keep looking at the horizon”, he said. So the two of us stood there side by side looking at the horizon, chatting slowly and carefully, for what seemed like ages while the ship tried to dock, after which we all felt much better. When the ship was on a rough sea, Tim Blackmore was always stable and reliable, and, as we all knew, exactly the person needed to lead the crew.

I’m only going to repeat the words everyone else has already used. But goodness he merits them being said over and over again. Tim was a man of generosity, kindness, spirit, fairness, humour, and wisdom. He had such clarity of thought and vision that we will all miss. Condolences to all his family.

A true lover of the wireless!! I have such great memories of working with Tim; firstly at the BBC, then Capital Radio – CTVC (which he did ‘cos he needed the gig and was brilliant!) He was a trued professional in every sense of the word – and all done with grace and humour and integrity. Sadly, they broke the mould with Tim – just wish there would more around like him today. Rest in peace, old friend.

I knew Tim in 1965 when he lived in Chester House, Muswell Hill.
We lost touch when I moved to America in 1967.
By reading his obituary he has led and incredible life and was loved by many.
My condolences to his wife and children.

Very sad news and a huge loss to the radio industry. One of the greats .

Tim was an inspiration and a friend to so many of us.

I am extremely saddened to hear that Tim has passed away. Tim was a lovely man; kind, generous and talented – a true gentleman. I will not forget how much he helped me in my career and I am privileged to have called him a friend. My thoughts are with his wife, Margaret and his children, Jo and Simon. RIP Tim x.

For 30 years Tim’s commitment, passion and continued wisdom helped shape the Sony Radio Academy Awards – the celebration of excellence in the medium he loved. For 13 years Tim accepted our invitation to Chair the Awards. This he did with great integrity and dexterity often navigating challenging debate with a listening ear, sensitivity and grace (and always with a strong black coffee). For all the hard times, good times and fun times we thank and salute you!

I’m so very sad to hear of the passing of Tim Blackmore. Not only was he a titan of our industry but I doubt that there has ever been anyone so well liked or as universally respected as Tim. I count myself fortunate indeed to have worked with or for him numerous times over many years and it was never anything less than an absolute pleasure. Tim was also someone I often sought out for his professional advice and wisdom which I always found to be considered and full of common sense. The world is undoubtedly a far darker place for his passing and it’s certain we will never see his like again. God speed Tim and thank you for everything. RIP. x

I only met Tim a few times at radio events but I knew of his many achievements. He was a gentleman and a radio legend and he will be sadly missed. RIP Sir and thank you for your huge contribution to our industry

I still can’t believe how lucky I was to have Tim as a boss and mentor for most of my radio career. There have been so many highlights, but one that will always stay with me was working with him on ‘Established 1973 – 40 Years of Commercial Radio’. What a privilege to “produce” the man who taught me how to produce! My mind still boggles at the fact that he gave me the responsibility of making, what was a total passion project for him. I did get him to re-take a line – not because he needed to, but because I could!

I honestly wouldn’t be the person I am today without his help, guidance and encouragement and for that I will be eternally grateful. Without Tim I wouldn’t be doing a job I absolutely love and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. My thoughts are with Margaret, Simon and Jo. May you Rest In Eternal Peace.