David Fewster, founder and MD of Beverley FM, and host of Viking’s first show, has died at the age of 69.
Beverley FM paid tribute to the broadcaster and businessman following his death on October 18th.
David was born in Hull and moved to Beverley as a boy, becoming the breakfast show presenter at the launch of Viking Radio in 1984.
He also worked at KCFM and West Hull Community Radio before building Beverley FM.
A tribute from the Beverley FM board of directors reads as follows:
Away from radio, David launched the UK arm of Chem-Dry, the American carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise in 1988, and was joined a year later by his brother-in-law Philip Smith. Together, they grew Chem-Dry from a small start-up company to a multi-million-pound operation with headquarters in Swinemoor Lane, Beverley, before selling the business to Homeserve in 2005.
David married his wife Kathy in 1974 and the couple have six daughters and nineteen grandchildren. He was a prominent member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a Bishop and Mission President. His church work took David and his family to live in the United States for a time, where he was responsible for public relations at the church headquarters which included organising all media and communications for the world’s press attending the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
On returning to East Yorkshire, he rekindled his love for local radio, taking up management positions at KCFM and West Hull Community Radio before starting on a path to achieve a long-held dream of giving Beverley and the surrounding area its own radio station.
The dream became reality in 2015 with the launch of Beverley FM, broadcasting on 107.8FM. David was at the helm as Managing Director and he returned to the airwaves as a presenter. The station has grown to encompass around 60 volunteers working to run all aspects of the operation and for many it was their first time being involved in broadcasting.
David encouraged scores of local people to become involved and mentored many of them to become adept in the world of radio. Local businesses became advertising clients and Beverley FM is now recognised as one of the most successful community radio stations in the country. The team he grew around him are determined to take Beverley FM on to new heights as a tribute to its founder and driving force.
Everyone who knew David Fewster appreciated him as a humble, kind and talented man, a valued resident of Beverley and member of his church. Above all he was a dedicated family man who touched the hearts of many and lived to make a positive difference to the lives of everyone he met. Our thoughts are with Kathy and his family at this sad time.
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This day 1984 – The 7am launch of @VikingFM in Hull (as Viking Radio) with David Fewster.#aircheck #radio pic.twitter.com/Qm9iEjkpmW
— Aircheck Downloads (@airchecks) April 17, 2021
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk