Russell Woolf dies: Nadia Mitsopolous pays tribute to ‘outrageously talented’ ABC colleague and ‘loyal friend’

I feel selfish when I think just how much I grieve for my former colleague and dear, dear friend Russell Woolf. I should be more stoic and be thinking of his beautiful wife Kylie and wonderful daughter Bronte. Losing a mate surely doesn’t compare to losing a loving member of your own family. But Russell was never one to ration his affections and it’s why so many who were privileged to be embraced by the big fella and are now so deeply affected by his passing. I am heartbroken at the loss of my outrageously talented colleague and supremely loyal friend. The breadth and sincerity of the mourning for Russell says everything about his endless capacity for friendship. He was immediately a mate of everyone he met. Those who only listened to him on the radio considered themselves friends. Russell was insatiably curious about everyone and everything and hated nobody and nothing. He was one of the most sincere people walking the earth. To say someone was the life of the party is a cliché that doesn’t do Russell justice. He brought the party with him wherever he went. Being in his company brought so much joy for so many people. I was so lucky to be given this gift every day at work. I loved having him as my sidekick. He had an endless capacity to make you smile and an infectious laugh that instantly infected everyone around him with happiness. I was in awe of his ability to share stories, have meaningful conversations, connect with listeners and breathe new life into yacht rock. Less known, but more greatly appreciated, was his role as mentor and teacher to me and so many others in the industry. Russell spent many years working in regional towns and consequently left a trail of loyal mates across the State. On a recent trip with him to Esperance, where he had worked early in his career, I felt like I was chaperoning the town’s favourite son on a tribute tour. It seemed like every person in the pub that night either wanted to buy Russell a drink or share one with him. He didn’t leave a single one disappointed. Tuesday wasn’t the end of the world, but it was the end of a beautiful friendship many of us had with a wonderful man. Shalom my friend. Nadia Mitsopoulos hosts the Mornings program on ABC Radio