Ben Fordham’s father, talent agent giant, John Fordham has sadly passed away aged 75 after a lengthy battle with throat cancer.
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A report from The Daily Telegraph sates that John – who managed some of Australia’s biggest stars – passed away peacefully at the Sacred Heart hospice in Darlinghurst, Sydney listening to his favourite Frank Sinatra song, My Way.
According to the publication, Fordham Snr – who worked with the likes of Ian Chappell, Mark Taylor, Lisa Wilkinson and Kerri-Anne Kennerley over the years – spent his final days doing what he loved best, swapping racing tips with Alan Jones, having a beer and a punt – and even working for his clients right until the end.
Speaking about his father’s last day, radio star Ben told The Australian: “He dictated a really heavy message on Saturday afternoon involving one of his clients in a contract negotiation.
“It was very robust, very stern to an employer and he was determined to get it resolved.”
“It’s a weird feeling but we’re not sad, we’re genuinely happy,” the Ninja Warrior host continued.
“We’re a family who’s never felt afraid of telling each other we love each other, so none of us have that feeling of ‘’if only’’.
“He chose his own exit, he choreographed the whole thing. I think he decided he wasn’t going to spend eight or nine months in a bed.”
On Thursday Ben revealed doctors had told his father his battle with cancer was going to be coming to an end.
“I’ve spent the day with him today and I’ve actually made the decision late yesterday I’ll be wrapping up the radio show either at the end of today or tomorrow and that will be it for the year,” Fordham said.
“It (the cancer) has been around for a few years. He’s had a couple of bouts with it. He beat it and then it came back and then recently it came back again.”
In his last couple of years, John set up the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation following his own diagnosis.
“(John) was inspired to learn more about Head and Neck cancer and what could be done to ensure others did not suffer from the dreadful complications associated with this disease,” the foundation states.
John will receive a posthumous appointment to the Order of Australia today.
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