It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Father Gerard Dowling.

He's been a cornerstone of broadcasting in Melbourne for 50 years and has been heard on racing radio all that time.

Father Dowling started hosting the Family Counsellor program on 3UZ in 1973.

He had the perfect set of skills to host the program, having been ordained for 15 years, seven of those as a social worker in the community.

Father Dowling has been credited with saving the lives of many people and brought so much comfort to thousands of others.

It's only been over the last few weeks that Father Dowling had shown signs of slowing down.

To the family of Father Gerard Dowling, our deepest condolences, but all of us are certainly richer for having had him in our lives.

A special tribute program will air on RSN927 from 10pm on Sunday night.