Media man mourned

Tributes have flowed for a former Karratha man and media professional who died suddenly this month aged 72. Jack Tedrick was branch manager at Pilbara News for three years from July 2011 to July 2014, bringing with him years of sales and management experience. The much-loved father and grandfather then left Australia for Fiji to be with family, where he managed broadcast media and later assisted his son Ben in the hospitality industry. Another son, Lincoln, said some of his fondest memories with his father included fishing and making waffles. “He certainly lived life. The way Dad always would break into one of those old 60s songs at the drop of the hat, the cowboy boots that he was always wearing,” he said. “The way that he cared for people quite deeply ... he had a positive effect on a lot of people. “Dad helped a lot of people and he was helped by a lot of other people as well. “He will really be missed.” Mr Tedrick’s daughter-in- law Natalie Marletta took to social media to express her loss. “Bubba Jack, you are a man with the biggest heart of gold. A man with so much love for all his family. A man that touched lives and made such a huge impact on so many,” she said. “You had this incredible zest for life and infectious laughter. We love you eternally Bubba.” Mr Tedrick’s sister Marcia LeBrone said her big brother had a great sense of humour. “(He) could make you laugh a lot. Going to miss him dearly he was my teddy bear,” she said. Mr Tedrick was well-known in the Karratha community, with former Pilbara News employee Melissa Tan saying they kept in contact long after he left. “It was a huge shock. I was a huge mess last week,” she said. “He was probably one of the best bosses you can ever have.” Former Pilbara News cadet Ebony Swetman said she was saddened to hear of Mr Tedrick’s passing. “Best guy ever. Best boss ever. Such a fun, caring and understanding person,” she said. Mr Tedrick was well-known in the media, having also worked as the sales director of Perth radio station 96fm during the early 1990s before going on to become the station manager in 1992. In 1993, Mr Tedrick began working at PMFM as the national sales director. His funeral was held in Fiji last Friday.