One of the Channel Islands’ longest-serving radio presenters – and co-founder of Guernsey’s first commercial radio station – has died aged 68 after a short illness.
John Randall was well known to islanders, having helped set up a radio station for powerboat week before helping to launch Island FM in 1992. He then spent more than 25 year broadcasting on BBC Radio Guernsey and across the Channel Islands with BBC Radio Jersey.
John was also huge supporter of local charities, donating both his time and money, to causes such as the Donkey Derby, the Guernsey branch of the Lord Taverners, and notably BBC Children in Need.
Michelle Daniel, Executive Producer at BBC Guernsey, said John was “a larger than life character both on and off air”.
“There aren’t enough words to express just how much he will missed by his friends, colleagues and listeners,” she said. “He will always be part of BBC Guernsey.”
Express Editor, Laura Clayton, worked with John at Island FM when she was a teenager, first on work experience and then in a paid role, and later at BBC Radio Guernsey too.
She recalled John would still phone her “semi-regularly and when I answered he would either say ‘Clayton, Randall here’ or ‘Elf, Father Christmas here’ depending on the time of year”.
“He always had a story for me. More importantly he always had time for me.”
‘Made a difference wherever he went’
One of the charities John supported over many years was Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG.
A spokesperson for the charity said John always gave his “time and energy so generously”, though live shows, co-hosting their music quiz and “getting his pinny on for the Beetons Chip Shop fundraiser”.
He made “a positive difference wherever he went”, the charity said.
Toni Clayton, a past Chairman of the Guernsey branch of the Lord’s Taverners said John was “always very willing to help” especially at the annual children’s Christmas party where he delighted the young guests dressed as a popular character.
“John was a big part of our children’s Christmas party that we put on for many years,” said Mr Clayton.
“He was a member of the Taverners for many years and a great friend to many of the Taverners’ family in Guernsey. We will very much miss his larger than life character and smile. He was a wonderful man. He will be so very much missed.
“Our thoughts are with Julie and his girls and grandson, and his extended family.”