Legendary ABC and SBS host Richard Morecroft dies 'at a time of his choosing' at age 70: 'Grateful to go peacefully'

Richard Morecroft has died at the age of 70, after a short battle with cancer. 

The ABC and SBS legend, who was best known for his time as the host of Letters and Numbers on SBS, was honoured in a post shared by family on his Instagram page on Tuesday evening. 

'Sadly, our beloved Richard died today, at a time of his choosing, on the south coast of NSW,' the post reads. 

'He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and was grateful to go peacefully, with his partner of 36 years, Alison Mackay, beside him.'

It continued: 'We are devastated to lose such a warm, generous and caring human and hope that all those who knew him, if only through their TV screens, will remember him fondly.

'Vale Richard Morecroft 20/01/56 - 06/10/26'. 

MORE TO COME  

Richard leaves behind his journalist and photographer partner, Alison Mackay.

The sad announcement was inundated with tributes from fellow media personalities, including ABC host Leigh Sales.  

'The best way I can describe Richard is that he was a gentleman, and a gentle man,' she wrote. 

'He was pure class in every way - a kind, warm and generous colleague, as well as being a consummate professional.

'I had so much admiration and regard for him and I consider myself a lucky person indeed to have been his friend. My love and condolences to you.'

Artist Harriet Goodall wrote: 'Oh I am sad for us all to lose such a generous champion of the arts (and one so kind to artists on Instagram!) but am glad he was able to make choices for his end of life.'

Morecroft joined the ABC in the 1980s, making his mark as presenter of The 7.30 Report, the ABC's flagship evening current-affairs program.

He is perhaps best remembered by many viewers for his role as the presenter of ABC's Lateline. 

In 2010, Morecroft became the host of game show Letters and Numbers on SBS Television.

In later years, Morecroft became associated with environmental issues, particularly through his work with Landcare and his interest in conservation.