Frank Warrick, Channel 7 newsreader, dies aged 76

Legendary Channel 7 newsreader Frank Warrick, who had a 40-year career in television, died this morning after a five-year battle with dementia.

Legendary newsreader Frank Warrick OAM has died following a long battle with dementia.

The 76-year-old passed away peacefully just before 5am Tuesday surrounded by his family, after five years of suffering from the illness.

The Queensland newsreader who worked for Channel 7 retired in 2001 after a 40-year television career that began in radio in Toowoomba and included a stint as lead presenter for 9News Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has paid tribute to Frank Warrick.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has remembered the TV journalist in parliament this morning, saying he was a welcome guest in homes across the state.

“We are just learning of the sad passing of Frank Warrick,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Frank Warrick, pictured in 2004, has been remembered by his co-presenter Kay McGrath as a “consummate professional”. Picture: Jono Searle

“Frank was a welcome guest in thousands of Queensland homes for many decades as a newsreader and as a journalist.

“His love for this state was on show in a documentary series called The World Around Us, especially the part he loved best – Queensland. Our sympathies go to Frank’s wife Lyn and their family.”

Frank Warrick with his co-presenter Kay McGrath.

Mr Warrick’s long time co-presenter and television icon, Kay McGrath this morning released a statement about the death of her mate.

“My sincere condolences to Frank’s wife Lyn and family,” Ms McGrath said.

“We had a very successful 13 year on air relationship during the 80s and 90s when 6pm news was a ritual for viewers.

“Live TV can be a challenging environment at times, but we always had each other’s backs.

Frank Warrick worked in television for 40 years.

Frank was the consummate professional – I never saw him fazed or flustered on air. He taught me a lot and I’m very saddened to hear he’s left ‘this world around us’.”

The television news giant had an ability to relate to people from all walks of life, said Mr Warrick’s son Scott Warrick, as he acknowledged the end of life care provided to his dad.

“The family would like to acknowledge the compassion and wonderful care provided by Regis aged care,” Scott said in a statement.

“And as a family thank the wonderful comments from all Queenslanders from all walks of life and all age groups.

“Dad was an absolute gentleman and professional who had the ability to relate to all people from all walks of life.

“The wonderful comments today have comforted our family.”

Frank Warrick fought a battle with dementia for almost five years. Picture: Glenn Barnes

7 Brisbane News Director, Neil Warren said:

“Frank changed the way TV news was delivered in Queensland, going live on air for hours on end with breaking news and putting himself at the centre of big stories.

“He was the ultimate news man and what he pioneered back then, continues with our team today.”

Mr Warrick also presented Frank Warrick’s The World Around Us and quiz show The $1,000,000 Chance of a Lifetime.

Mr Warrick will be remembered with a tribute on 7News tonight.