Kate Scotter Roy Waller - the man known as the “voice of Carrow Road” for more than a quarter of a century - has died.

Kate Scotter

Roy Waller - the man known as the “voice of Carrow Road” for more than a quarter of a century - has died.

Norfolk's much loved radio presenter passed away at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital last night after a long illness.

The 69-year-old retired from his long-running afternoon show on BBC Radio Norfolk last year and continued to present his country music show “Rodeo Norfolk” every Saturday until he had to stop due to ill-health.

He will be much remembered by thousands of Norwich City fans as the Carrow Road commentator.

Today, BBC Radio Norfolk editor David Clayton said: “His death is a huge shock and has left everyone here at the radio station so sad.

“Roy always brought a cheeky humour to our airwaves and he was just the same in the office.

“He was a household name in Norfolk known to virtually everybody. He put laughter into the afternoons, passion into the football commentaries and country music into Saturdays.

“His contribution to local radio and specifically BBC Radio Norfolk is immense. He helped put the station on the map and was always a superb ambassador for the station locally and the BBC as a whole.

“We will all miss him and our love and thoughts go out to his wife Sylvie and all of his family.”

Mr Waller, a father of three and grandfather of five, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2005. At the time, he had to undergo a “terrifying” but successful five hour operation.

He was given the all clear from cancer last year and said he felt he has been given “a second shot at life”. At the end of 2009, however, he had problems with his liver and his health deteriorated.

Radio listeners will best remember him for being “the daftest broadcaster in the world” as his radio jingle said.

He had been Norwich City commentator from when the Radio Norfolk started in 1980 to 2007 when current breakfast presenter Chris Goreham took over the role.

In 2004, Mr Waller claimed to have run naked through the centre of Norwich having made the rash promise to do so if Norwich City managed to permanently sign Darren Huckerby.

Broadcasting was his fourth career and he had previously worked with an estate agent and Norwich Union before he worked with the Automobile Association where he presented radio road reports.

In 2008, Mr Waller was given the accolade of Sheriff of Norwich, serving the city for a year.

For tributes to Mr Waller, don't miss tomorrow's paper.

Do you want to pay tribute to Mr Waller? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk