Legendary Channel 10 weather presenter Ray Wilkie has passed away at the age of 98
Channel 10 weatherman Ray Wilkie has died at the age of 98.
Brisbane 4BC radio host Spencer Howson broke the news on Saturday night, saying he had received the sad information from Wilkie’s son.
Ray was also the sibling of Alan Wilkie, a leading Sydney meteorologist and TV weather presenter.
Wilkie’s illustrious career began after serving his country during World War II in the Royal Australian Air Force.
After his military service, he pursued academic excellence, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Queensland, then began meteorological studies in Melbourne.
Channel 10 weatherman Ray Wilkie has died at the age of 98
Brisbane 4BC radio host Spencer Howson broke the news on Saturday night, reporting that he had received the heartbreaking information from Wilkie’s son
His long career with the Bureau of Meteorology spanned more than three decades, during which he held notable positions such as Regional Director in Brisbane and Darwin.
Wilkie made a name for himself as a pioneer and was reportedly the first BoM expert to cross over into the realm of television.
In 1985, Ray’s charm and knowledge were introduced to a wider audience when he took up the mantle as a weather presenter for Eyewitness News in Brisbane.
Wilkie’s illustrious career began after serving his country during World War II in the Royal Australian Air Force
His reputation only grew in the 1990s, when his predictions began appearing in national late-night news bulletins, giving him a national profile.
Wilkie was integral to the establishment of the Tropical Cyclone Warning Service for Northern Australia.
In 2020, Ray underwent surgery at Greenslopes Private Hospital to correct a bowel disorder that he says “saved his life.”
‘I’m active all the time. I have jam sessions. I’m not really retired, I’ve quit my profession, but there aren’t enough hours in a day,” he told The courier mail at the time.
His reputation only grew in the 1990s, when his predictions began appearing in national late-night news bulletins, giving him a national profile.
In 2020, Ray underwent surgery at Greenslopes Private Hospital to correct a bowel disorder that he says “saved his life”