Radio veteran, singer, club DJ and writer Chris Ho died of stomach cancer on the morning of Sept 27.
A post on his Facebook page, as well as on radio station Mediacorp Gold 905’s page, stated that he had been battling cancer for the past two months.
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His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from friends, fans and colleagues in the media and entertainment industry, many of whom were not aware that he was ill.
Chris Ho battled stomach cancer for two months before succumbing to the disease on September 27.
Ho, also known as X’Ho, was a presenter on Gold 905’s evening drive-time show, Homestretch With Chris Ho, but it is understood that he had not been on air for several months.
Radio DJ and singer John Klass, 46, was one of Ho’s close friends who was with him when he died at National University Hospital.
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“I’ve known Chris Ho since I joined Rediffusion in 1991. We shared a lot in common from being radio hosts to songwriting and being recording artistes,” Klass, a presenter on radio station Class 95, tells The Straits Times.
From fronting 1980s new wave band Zircon Lounge to writing about music as a columnist for various local and international publications, Chris Ho was instrumental in capturing the cultural zeitgeist.
“He was a dear friend who was a true artiste and the consummate professional in all he did in his profession as a radio host and in his immense love for music.
“I’m truly grateful to have been with him in his final hours and had a chance to thank him for his friendship and love through the years.”
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He was an inspiration to many in the radio industry, says Bernard Lim, 53, programme director of radio stations Kiss 92 and One FM 91.3.
Among the albums Chris Ho had produced.
“Chris Ho has always been a mentor and inspiration to me. Many years ago, he roused my passion in radio and landed me my first freelance job in Rediffusion back in the 1980s.
“It is truly shocking and sad to hear the news. We have lost a great radio voice in Singapore.”
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Former radio and television host Lauretta Alabons 51, said he seemed fine when he visited The Flying V, a bar opened by her concert promotion company LAMC, two months ago.
Alabons, who first knew him when they were both presenters on Rediffusion in the 1990s, tells ST: “I have so much respect for his knowledge in the music business. I will miss him.”
