IT was with stunned disbelief that thousands of his friends woke up this morning – to see the heartfelt tributes already taking up space on his usually football related and family updated wall on Facebook.
BFM’s Ross Yusof, host of the hugely popular ‘On the Ball’ and ‘Off The Ball’, ‘Thank Friday it’s Football', and ‘Life’s a Pitch’, collapsed at his home at around 9.30am. He could not be revived.
Ross, who had celebrated his 55th birthday on September 15, started his radio career at Astro’s AMP Radio Networks in 1997 as a presenter on Hitz and Mix FM. His enthusiasm for football, his vast knowledge of the game, its players, managers, and the latest wheelings and dealings in the footballing world led to some wonderful opportunities for him to present and commentate on Astro Arena.
Upon leaving AMP in 2005, he freelanced as a football commentator both on radio and television, and subsequently joined BFM 89.9 in 2009 as a regular fixture every Monday and Friday night, hosting some of the most lively and amusing guests such as Dez Corkhil, Craig Wilkie, Craig Morraies, Bob Holmes, Gogulan Dorairajoo, Nicolas Anil, Arvind Sidhu, Kam Raslan and more.
It is with immeasurable sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend and colleague. We will miss his voice. We will miss his wit. But most of all, we will miss his warmth and abiding friendship. Rest in peace, Ross Yusof. Our Mondays and Fridays will never ever be the same. pic.twitter.com/mDahMEcUZD
— BFM89.9 (@BFMradio) December 15, 2021
Speaking to The Vibes from Perth, Australia, his brother Zack revealed that he got the dreaded call from Malaysia while at work today.
“We’re all in shock. My brother was a generous, capable, strong and independent guy who was an amazing single parent and a great big brother. He really took care of the people closest to him. I really owe him a lot. He was always encouraging me to pursue my music dream and supported me in everything I did. He was a great brother-in-law to my missus and was (my son) Ciaran’s favourite uncle.
“Ross and I were very close and we thought the world of each other. All a kid really ever wants is for his big brother to always have his back and that’s what I had with Ross.”
Shattered to hear about the sudden death of Ross Yusof, one of the most talented and versatile broadcasters in SE Asia. Having met at the 2006 World Cup, we worked together for almost a decade at @stadiumastro & other projects, including a @BFMradio interview in 2019, RIP Roscoe pic.twitter.com/6Le7alSEG6
— Jason Dasey (@JasonDasey) December 15, 2021
A devoted single parent to his teenage son Kino and a dear friend to many, the tributes on his Facebook page are testament to the kind, witty and personable man he was.
Kavitha Doraimanickam wrote, "Loved his sense of humour and energy. A true radio legend respected by so many of all ages and creeds. My deepest condolences to his son and family. RIP Ross Yusof."
Giri Thesan said: "I will certainly miss our banter on all things footy Ross Yusof . Enjoyed our airtime together on the BFM 89.9 shows. You will be sorely missed. Rest well now my friend."
Vishnu Gopaldas posted: "Rest in peace Ross Yusof ...deeply shocked and saddened. Never met you personally but Mondays and Fridays are not gonna be the same anymore. Radio and football have lost a truly great voice. You will be missed:("
Arvind Sidhu wrote: You brought ever spec of life to this group. It doesn't exist without you. This one hits very hard Rest well, my friend."
"Loved seeing all of your posts, thank you for them. He was a great dad to me and he seemed like a great friend for all of you. Please take care of yourselves and may the voice of my dad live long in radio/commentary history," wrote Kino, his son, in a Facebook post.
As for this writer, Ross Yusof was one of the very first friends she made at AMP Radio Networks – a friendship that lasted through those many years there, and at BFM and beyond.
Ross, you are a true legend and gone far too soon, mate. You will be missed. – The Vibes, December 15, 2021
