Colleagues and friends paid tribute to “broadcasting legend” Everest DeCosta, who passed away this week.

Mr DeCosta, who was fondly known as “the Silver Fox” and “EDC”, worked in broadcasting for more than 60 years before retiring from the Bermuda Broadcasting Company in 2015.

Patrick Singleton, chief executive of Bermuda Broadcasting, said: “Everest DeCosta was a broadcast icon and for many years, his radio talk show was a daily fixture in the lives of thousands of Bermudians.

“Listening to his show was a must for anyone involved in public life as it served as a handy barometer of what mattered most to islanders at any particular time.

“Everest could think on his feet and his liveliest exchanges with callers were not only greatly entertaining but also enlightening. He also had a deep knowledge of, and appreciation for, popular music.

“Everest retired from [Bermuda Broadcasting] in 2015 but will never be forgotten. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”

Mr DeCosta, believed to be in his early eighties, was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 Bermuda Entertainers Showcase. On receiving the award, he thanked radio audiences for their support over the years and thanked the award organisers for the event recognising more than 50 years of broadcasting.

Gina Spence-Virgil, who was mentored by Mr DeCosta during her talk radio career, paid tribute via social media. She said: “Everest was truly an icon in radio broadcasting.

“He shared many stories of his years as an MC/host at Forty Thieves nightclub for top performers including The Supremes, James Brown and many others.

“He taught me how to work the board, choose music and how to conduct a radio interview. We spent many ‘special’ moments together on air co-hosting. He also taught me not to take the job home and to always be true to myself. He was truly a mentor and friend.

“He was straight up, honest and well prepared, he spent days doing research for every interview. He could recall dates in Bermuda’s history from the top of his head.

“He would surely cut you off air if your were disrespectful and rude. He taught me the importance of balance and not being afraid to ask the hard questions.”

Government MPs also paid tribute to Mr DeCosta in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Jamahl Simmons, who worked with Mr DeCosta at ZBM in the late 1990s, said: “I rise today with the sad news of the passing of a broadcasting legend, a former co-worker, a former mentor and an eternal friend – the Silver Fox Everest DeCosta.

“This man had a career that spanned the golden age of broadcasting. He was a pioneer in talk radio and, like many people who came through Bermuda Broadcasting Company, he was a tremendous mentor and guide and friend to many.”

Scott Simmons, the Government Whip, added: “He was well loved and revered in our community and should be remembered for the service that he has given to this country.”

Patrina O’Connor Paynter wrote a tribute via social media describing Mr DeCosta as a “broadcast legend”.

She wrote: “The wealth of knowledge he had. Everest had witnessed and covered so many historical events in Bermuda. To sit down and talk with him was like opening a book … I was always intrigued.

“When people discouraged me he told me to keep going. He told me to be me. Thank you Papa.”