David Fordham will always be remembered for his laugh and the laughter he generated. He was one helluva bloke: his presence lit up any sporting team, any studio, any room.
The 62-year-old sportscaster died of prostrate cancer in Brisbane yesterday, but he suffered a lot more than that having undergone quadruple by-pass surgery, a bone marrow transplant, and bouts of chemotherapy.
Yet “Dasher” kept laughing, and kept generating laughter.
Having had the privilege to captain him in Mosman first grade, there was one obvious way to go with “Dasher”: let him go when he had a bat in his hand.
There was no point in ever asking such a free-spirit to hold up an end. It was against his very nature.
There was one memorable innings at Manly Oval when “Dasher” was at his dashing best. He monstered the Manly attack on his way to a lightning 80, batting mainly from the northern end.
To the east was the Manly Tennis Club, with every court in action. Not for long.
“Dasher’s” flat-bat sixes and one-bounce boundaries scorched over the low fence between the two sporting arenas, making it suicidal for the tennis to continue. Play resumed when the “Dasher” was dismissed, a massive relief for both the tennis players, and the hapless Manly attack.
That was David Fordham; everything was fun. Life was there to be enjoyed to the full.
Before he cracked a television career that lasted three decades, he would call the upcoming Melbourne Cup in the Mosman dressing room. It was very professional.
And he took that same professionalism into his television work, covering cricket, rugby, rugby league, golf, and tennis, including three Rugby World Cups, Kangaroo tours, State of Origin, Davis Cup, and Presidents Cup, plus four Olympic and four Commonwealth Games for Ten and Seven.
His standout feature was his instant recall of sporting facts, figures, and newsworthy highlights, matched only by the ABC’s David Morrow.
More importantly, that laughter was ever present.
But you always had to keep an eye on him. “Dasher” was prone to mischief. He’d hide clothing or shoes in the dressing room, and you’d often find the missing items in a team-mate’s kit.
Or he’d organise a non-existent party, telling “guests” only to ring the home number after 10am when the target was at work. The wife eventually saw the funny side of the prank. Eventually.
Two older brothers have played a big part in “Dasher’s” love of sport.
Bob Fordham refereed seven rugby internationals between 1983 and 1987, and holds the singular honour of refereeing the very first game of the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 between the All Blacks and Italy. Bob went on to become the CEO of the Australian Rugby Union.
John Fordham is a manager of top sportsmen and celebrities, including Richie Benaud, Ian Chappell, Mark Taylor, Matt Burke, Ricky Stuart, Glen Boss, John Laws, Anne Fulwood, Steve Liebmann, and Peter FitzSimons. John also writes a mean wine column, and he’s been doing that for longer than looking after the elite.
A trifecta of achieving brothers.
But the younger one is no longer with us. For such a large as life public figure, David Fordham will be sorely missed.
Thanks for the many fond memories, “Dasher”. And the constant laughter.
David Carr
Guest
I played first grade district cricket for Wallsend in the 1970's and 80's and many times "dasher" opened the batting for Newcastle City when I was opening the bowling for Wallsend. His nickname "dasher" definitely epitomised his aggressive batting temperament. He batted as though he really enjoyed it, and at the same time made it enjoyable to watch. If I managed to get his wicket it was always caught on the boundary at fine leg! Thanks to David for his contribution to the game of cricket. David Carr
Dominic Corrigan
Guest
RIP Fordo, you were an absolute legend. Funniest man I've ever met. I had the honour of knowing Fordo for over 20 years and my dad knew him very well too. We are both saddened by the loss. I had the privilege of playing cricket with Fordo when he made a comeback for one season at the ripe old age of 40ish. Even then he played 2nd grade with the same 'dash' described above. I can remember running into bowl while Fordo would stand at mid-off and do a live Alan McGilvray impersonation as I was bowling. Many times I had to stop because I was laughing so hard. His humour and spirit was inimitable and made the world a better place. Love you Fordo, you taught us youngsters so much, most of it not repeatable...Travel well my friend and keep laughing..
Madge
Guest
I am very sad about David's death. He was a wonderful broadcaster and sports personality, larger than life and I have to say I am devastated. My thoughts are with his family and the suffering they have been through and if it can be a comfort to them how well he is thought of by the general public. RIP.
ThelmaWrites
Guest
I'll never forget these lines from the 1992 Bledisloe in Ballymore: "Little on Little! Ja-son Little on Wal-ter Little!" May he rest in peace.
Johnno
Guest
Also on a sad note today I am not a car racing V8 fan, but one of V8 best talents Jason Richards died today. But what in many ways makes his death even sadder than the late David Fordham, Fordho was 62, Jason Richards was only 35, too young and very sad indeed. Also Molly Meldrum the music journalist is in a coma in Melbourne after a home renovation accident. ALl these famous people in Australia today either have died or in serious medical trouble. A sad day for all Australians, get well Molly Meldrum and RIP David Fordham and Jason RIchards. http://www.foxsports.com.au/motor-sports/v8-supercars/v8-supercars-star-jason-richards-dead-after-succumbing-to-adrenal-cortical-carcinoma-an-abdominal-cancer/story-fn2ms9um-1226223960948
rosswall
Guest
Of all the jokes I have heard Fordo tell, and there have been many,I like this one the most. Talking about his leukaemia, he would relate how his doctors went on a worldwide search to find a suitable bone marrow donor. One day he got the call, they had found one. "where's he from" Fordo asked. New Zealand was the reply. "Oh no, not another bloody kiwi". He had the bone marrow transplant which was a success. "And that is why" came the punch line" "every time I watch a Bledisloe Cup Test and the All Blacks start the haka my right leg starts to shake!" You will be missed David.
Johnno
Guest
David RIP as good as David Fordham was I still believe Gordon Bray was the best rugby commentator Australia has produced. Better than Kearnsy,Marto, Fordham,Canno, Tim horan, Kafer.
Todd Slater
Guest
RIP David & condolences to your family. I loved listening to your broadcasts in both rugby codes. You had a great way of bringing the game to life, whilst never losing the twinkle in your eye & sense of fun. In the days before full blown professionalism you made us all feel like we were watching the most important game ever without ever losing sight of the fact that it really only was a game & the real fun was in the playing.
5 from 5
Guest
Spot on Spiro, his commentary of the 1992 Bledisloe and Springboks series was special. It leaves the muppets on Fox now for dead. He just commentated the game with the right knowledge and professionalism, he didn't scream out and try to hard to be funny all the time.
Eric
Guest
Gee, that is sad news. I thought his commentary was excellent, but my memory of him is of strolling out of Ballymore several hours after the Test had finished, which is what you did in those days at that venue. We found ourselves walking side by side to the carpark, and he was fantastic company. I seem to remember that he said he came from Bingara.
Fred Magee
Roar Pro
David Fordham was one of the voices of sports commentary that I grew up with. He called whatever sport it was with energy and enthusiasm. The other thing that stood out was his versatility. A class act who will be missed. Great tribute David.
5 from 5
Guest
RIP Fordo, your family Golf days were a highlight of the year. Went to Auckland with him hosted by Carlton United and he was such a great host. been to many functions that Fordo MC'd and he was always just so sharp. One memory was when I told him on stage how i always would take opffhis commentary and he made me do it on stage in front of a luncheon, I couldn't help myself. 1992 Sydney Club Rugby Grand Final, Randwick v Gordon, Campese scores in the corner "A chance, Campese!!!!! Fabulous stuff, they call him the Wizard of Oz." Will miss you Eddie Charlton
Spiro Zavos
Expert
David was a generous and informed broadcaster who treated games, especially his rugby broadcasts which I loved, as fun, matters for celebration. He was very accurate and knew the laws of the game, too. These are important considerations for many of us who look to broadcasters to provide more than just the name of the player took the ball up and so on. More importantly, he understood the mentality of the players. I knew that his brother was an excellent referee and that some of this expertise might have came from this source. But it was illuminating to read about David's own sporting prowess. As David (Lord) points out in his lovely tribute, he played his cricket as a young man with an insouciance that also marked his broadcasts. You were informed by his commentary and also made to feel that the game you were watching was fun. Thanks for the memories, David ...
Chris
Guest
A sad loss and a man who has contributed much to sport.
crahy
Guest
A real shame and far too young. I enjoyed his tv broadcasts the most but he could mc a sportsman's lunch with the best of them.