(Mike Toms)
Keith Millar pays tribute to his long-term
colleague and friend:
Veteran radio
broadcaster Mike Toms passed away at his home in Howick on Saturday morning
(October 4), after suffering ill-health for some time. He was 80 years old.
Toms was an announcer/producer
on the SABC’s English Radio Service – known today as
SAFM. During his lengthy career, he was involved in all aspects of radio
broadcasting including newsreading, duty announcing and the production of a
variety of programmes. However, his speciality was sports broadcasting. As an
all-rounder, his erudite commentary was heard on anything from cricket test
matches to world title boxing matches and tennis from Wimbledon.
During his broadcasting career, Toms also presented a request programme
on the SABC music radio station East Coast Radio for several years, and was a
regular presenter on the Springbok Radio Christmas fund.
Toms was a sought-after
dinner speaker and raconteur at corporate and awards events. After his
retirement he compiled a production entitled Mike’s Meanders comprising humorous and insightful stories gleaned
from his broadcast career as well as his travels to international sports
events. This production was presented widely to retirement homes, clubs and
societies, free of charge, throughout KZN.
In more recent
times he was writing a column, also entitled Mike’s Meanders, for a Howick newspaper.
As a person, Toms
always strived for absolute perfection. This could make him a challenging
person to work with at times. He was, however, also a man of great compassion
and loyalty. There are many stories of him helping and supporting people in
their hour of need.
The mellow and cultured
voice may be stilled but great memories live on as we say farewell to another
icon of a golden age of broadcasting.
Mike Toms is
survived by his wife, Alison and his family in Cape Town. – Keith Millar
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