Veteran Sports Reporter Mike Sharpe Dies At 65
[Updated] Noting that it is with great sadness, the Bermuda Broadcasting Company has announced the death of veteran reporter and accomplished athlete Mike Sharpe, who passed away this weekend in Florida at the age of 65.
A spokesperson said, “Mike worked for BBC on and off for more than 30 years and after taking early retirement in 2019, subsequently made contributions on a part-time, freelance basis until earlier this year.
“Mike spent most of his broadcast career covering sports but also anchored and reported the news. Notably, Mike secured the first full interview with Dr Carika Weldon after she returned to the island from Oxford to help tackle the Covid pandemic.
“An accomplished athlete in his youth, Mike competed at the highest level, representing Bermuda as a sprinter at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. He also played competitive cricket.
“Mike was a popular figure at BBC and across the island and will be sorely missed by the countless people whose lives he touched in a positive way over the years.”
Patrick Singleton, CEO of Bermuda Broadcasting, said: “Mike’s passing is huge shock to all of us at Bermuda Broadcasting. He was a well-liked, larger than life character and had a great talent for drawing the best out of his interviewees.
“He had a friendly but authoritative voice and his live commentary on football, athletics and cricket became part of the sporting fabric of our island. Mike had been a tremendous athlete and as a fellow Olympian I always felt proud to be associated with him. He will never be forgotten and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Ian Rawlins, Sales and Special Projects Manager at BBC, first worked with Mike in 1987. Mr Rawlins said: “Mike was then the Sports Director, and anchor for television news and sports. He was a natural for presenting radio and television broadcasting and his voice and mannerisms were well suited to all facets of broadcasting. As a sports journalist he was fair, passionate and respected by his peers. Mike provided his last live commentary this summer during the Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby with Mike Watson – aka Mike and Mike.
“He was an Olympian and Carifta Games athlete who competed in the 100 meters, Triple Jump, and 4 x 100 meter relay team for Bermuda. Mike will be sorely missed by his colleagues and the broadcast community at large and I send my condolences to his family and friends.”
Jasmine Patterson, BBC’s News Director, said: “I’m at a loss for words. The news of Mike’s passing is heartbreaking; we’ve lost a sports and journalism hero. I send my sincere condolences to the Sharpe family.”
Tony McWilliam, Executive Producer at BBC, said: “Mike was a natural broadcaster whose ebullient personality shone through in his reporting. People enjoyed being interviewed by him because he was sincere, knowledgeable and engaging. Getting to know Mike was a pleasure and I offer my condolences to all of his loved ones.”
Bernews would also like to extend our condolences to his family and friends; his contributions to the world of sports and broadcast journalism have been significant and Mike was always was a pleasure to work with.
The PLP also paid tribute, saying: “The Progressive Labour Party, is saddened to hear of the passing of veteran broadcaster Mr. Mike Sharpe. A 1976 Olympic athlete and track and field champion, Mike was held in high esteem as a sports reporter and television anchor.
“Over the years his reporting scope broadened to cover topics inclusive of social issues and politics. He often set up outside the House of Assembly to ask pertinent questions of those on both sides of the political divide. Mike was ever approachable, and always engaging. His professionalism and unique style of reporting will be missed.
To his family and friends, we extend our heartfelt condolences. May the joyful memories of your times together sustain you during this difficult period.”
Bermuda Broadcasting will air a special tribute to Mike Sharpe on tomorrow evening’s television newscast.
Update: Former BNAA President Donna Raynor said, “Mike and I go way back from Carifta days. We started training under Clive Longe around the same time. I always admired Mike as an athlete, he was determined and a competitive athlete. We competed together and he supported me as an athlete and as an administrator. He was so proud of me when I became President. He always told me anything going on in athletics please call him and give him a heads up.
“Mike was also my good friend. We also commentated for Marathon Weekend for years, we always had our banters of who would win for the men and women. I have so many memories. I am in total shock with the news of his passing.”
Dr Freddie Evans, the current President of the BNAA, said, “Mike was sportsman and gentleman, who was interested in athlete development and the growth and expansion of sports. His voice will be missed. On behalf of the Bermuda National Athletic Association, I offer condolences to Mr. Sharpe’s family.”
Update: Former Premier Dr Ewart Brown said, “Mike Sharpe was a memorable contributor to Bermuda in the sports and media worlds. He could make a potentially negative interview a joyful exchange. He will be missed by all of us whose lives touched his over the years.”
