Stanley Willmott has died aged 88. He established Sea FM Gold Coast as the first non-metropolitan commercial FM station in Australia and as Executive Chairman, he established Sea FM Limited as a successful public company.

His career also included time as a Senior Executive at Channel Seven, Sydney; General Manager, 2UE; Deputy Managing Director, Broadcast Investments Pty Ltd and Executive Chairman, Sea FM Limited.

Stanley was elected a FARB Director or Federal Councillor, and held the positions of FARB Vice President or FARB Chairman or President repeatedly between 1976 and 1995. Stanley was inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2002.

Linda Graham reports: “It is with a heavy heart, letting you know Stanley J Willmott passed away peacefully last night, aged 88 years, after living the past 10+ years with MND. Lynette and family by his side. Stan’s mobility was ravaged many years ago causing him to be wheelchair reliant but he still retained a sharp mind, and wit. He even gave me a double dink on his electric scooter chair when he visited the Gold Coast about 5 years ago. Gee, we laughed!! Stan and I chatted on 20 March every single year for the past 35 years, the anniversary launch of the original 90.9 SEA FM. Fly high Stanley J Willmott. I will miss your wisdom and friendship we nurtured post radio career. Funeral in Sydney TBA.”

• Linda was the first on the full time payroll, recruited nearly a year before the original 90.9 Sea FM Gold Coast launched, 4pm 20 March 1989. The group photo below is the original SEA FM team at the first (of many), survey parties.