'The passing of a legend': Much-loved radio presenter Max Kay dies following a short battle with cancer
- One of Perth's much loved entertainers and radio presenters died on Tuesday
- Max Kay died from pneumonia complications with family by his hospital bedside
- Scottish born entertainer's death follows short battle with cancer on his tongue
Western Australia is mourning the tragic death of Max Kay, one of Perth's most loved entertainers.
The Scottish-born Curtin FM 100.1 radio presenter died on Tuesday night, just six months after declaring fans hadn't heard the last of him following a short cancer battle last year.
He was still on the airwaves last month, according to his Facebook posts but had most recently been in hospital with pneumonia, friends told Perth Now.
Mr Kay's family have released a statement confirming his sad passing.
Legendary entertainer, radio presenter and ex-councillor Max Kay has died in a Perth hospital
Family, friends and fans took to social media on Wednesday to pay tribute to the late Max Kay
'It is with immense sadness that we share the news that our loving husband, father and grandfather passed away last night, with his beloved wife Norma by his side, after a recent battle with illness,' the family's statement read.
'Max was an adored husband to Norma, father to his three children and grandfather to eight grandchildren.
'We mourn his loss but celebrate a remarkable life and acknowledge the joy he brought to, not only his family but to all who knew him and those who watched him perform.'
A tumour was found on his tongue last year but took to Facebook just six months ago with some promising news.
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Max Kay (pictured with radio co-host Jenny Seaton) was still on the airwaves at Curtin FM 100.1 last month, according to his recent Facebook posts
'I thought that 2018 was the most awful year of my life. Now, after almost five months of the most harrowing treatment and loss of weight, I have started putting on weight and getting better,' Mr Kay posted in December.
'Yesterday, in the dying days of 2018, my specialist told me that after my P.E.T. Scan results came through, there is no trace of cancer in my body.'
He paid tribute to his wife Norma during his recovery.
'She is my rock and the love of my life! I thank God, the doctors, the nurses and of course my wife, for now making this, the best year of my life. You haven't heard the last of me,' he added.
He had his own theatre restaurant where he wrote, produced and performed in his own shows
Kay's career began as a rock and roll singer after he arrived in Perth in 1967.
He opened Perth's Civic Theatre Restaurant in the mid 1970s, where he wrote, produced and performed in his own shows for 25 years until he closed it in 2001 to pursue other interests.
Later in life, Mr Kay dedicated his time to charity and served five years as a City of Perth councillor.
But he felt more comfortable on stage than in the council chamber.
'You have to watch your back and that's not my cup of tea,' he told the Eastern Reporter in 2017.
Max Kay(pictured) is survived by his wife Norma, three children and eight grandchildren
WA arts minister David Templeman was among the first to pay tribute on Wednesday
The legendary entertainer was also The National Trust of Western Australia president and Prostate Cancer Foundation board member.
He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the arts and entertainment industry in 2003.
WA arts minister David Templeman was among the first to pay tribute.
'It's a very sad day..the passing of a legend,' he told radio station News Talk 6PR 882.
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