TV presenter Ian Ross dies, aged 73. May he rest in peace.

Ian Ross has died aged 73 from pancreatic cancer.

The former Seven News presenter, affectionately known as ‘Roscoe’, died last night in a Gold Coast hospital, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Ross revealed in January that he had routine blood tests before Christmas which resulted in the news that he had pancreatic cancer. The cancer then metastasised to his liver.

Seven released a statement this morning saying the news team was “deeply saddened by the death of our wonderful colleague, friend and mentor.”

“In a career spanning five decades, Roscoe was one of the most popular newsreaders in Australian television history – a perfect mix of on-road experience and on-camera charisma,” the statement said.

“More than that, he was respected, trusted and with a warm personality viewers loved. What you saw on television was the man behind the scenes,” it said. “He was loved by everyone in the newsroom.”

Ross told The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this year thatthe only way to “handle this friggin’ nightmare” was to remain positive. “Right now I feel healthy and well, I have no symptoms… but I don’t know how long that will last for,” he said.

Speaking to Fairfax journalist Andrew Hornery in January, he explained that he had chosen not to have chemotherapy because it would have reduced his quality of life.

“(C)hemotherapy might only give me a few more months, and only then if it was successful,” he said.

“I don’t want to spend whatever time I have left lying in a bed going through chemo, I’d rather take an earlier exit if I have to… the key to this is taking it one day at a time and we are looking at alternative therapies.”

Ross retired from television in 2009 after a 52-year career in the media.

He is survived by three adult children, eight grandchildren, his ex-wife and his partner of 22 years Gray Bolte.

Ross said of his relationship with Bolte earlier this year:

”We really are the best of mates and always have been, we have rarely had an argument and we share common goals… we move in the same direction and enjoy a good laugh.”

It is understood a funeral service for Ross will take place on the Gold Coast.