Tributes paid as much-loved former Beacon Radio DJ dies

Pete Clements was the longest serving presenter at Beacon Radio. He died aged 63 on April 13.

Now, dozens of tributes have flooded in about the 'legendary' DJ.

Pete’s brother, Spike, aged 60 from Norwich, was also a DJ in London during the 70s and 80s and now runs his own engraving and trophy business, said: "Pete was lucky to be able to work as a DJ at Beacon in the days when independent, local radio was truly special in the community. The DJs were recognised as stars and Pete was most certainly one of these. Comments from listeners, colleagues, friends and family confirm this and reinforce that Pete will always remain a bright star in our hearts.

Speaking on April 13, when the news of the death broke, Signal 107's Dicky Dodd, said: "I was on air when I heard the news and to be honest, I just burst into tears.

"Pete was a real, genuine guy. He was truly lovely, someone you could rely on to help you out. People have been using the word 'legend' to describe him, and I think he really was. He made his listeners feel like his friends and that is a rare gift.

"When I started at Beacon in 1994, Pete was there. When he moved to Texas, we would Skype semi-regularly and I think we was looking to come back to the UK soon.

"It's just so, so sad."

Pete's son, James Clements, aged 27 who is a quality engineer from Claverley, Wolverhampton, said: "I am proud and comforted to see the level of affection that people who knew my Dad had for him. I know that he too would be very proud. Even though he lived in Texas we were in regular contact, we visited him there and he often visited us. I intend to keep his memory alive in the minds of his two grand children Mason & Bethany. I will miss him. Love you Dad x."

Friend Tim Clapham said in his tribute on Facebook: "I'm so shocked and saddened by this mornings tragic news that Pete Clements has passed away.

"A real genuine guy who I respected so much as a radio colleague and a really great friend too.

"I have just shed a tear over Pete Clements. I'm saddened immensely.

"RIP mate. Much love xxx."

Mike Wyer said on Facebook: "The mustang, or 'stang' was his pride and joy. We visited a couple of times in Houston and he was your guide to many great attractions including the Space Center and Galveston. RIP Clem."

Horace Levy said: My all time favourite overnight presenter and friend may have gone but never forgotten. God love him."

Mr Clements was one of the DJs that fronted programmes from across the world, emigrating to Houston, Texas, after the radio was first launched from its studios in Tettenhall on April 12, 1976.

He worked continuously for the station for two decades. He left the radio station in June 1997.

Originally from Norwich, Mr Clements came to Wolverhampton in the 1970s to study biology at the polytechnic.

Beacon Radio no longer exists as new owners dropped the name and moved out of the city.