Tim Stoney, a highly respected journalist whose career spanned three decades across Australia’s major broadcasters, has died aged 58 after a battle with cancer.
Mr Stoney passed away on Saturday, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, fellow journalist Mary Gearin, and their two children, daughter Maggie and son Patrick.
In a deeply moving Facebook post shared shortly before his death, Gearin paid tribute to her husband, celebrating both his professional life and the man he was at home.
“I’m not on socials much anymore but I figure it comes in handy right now as a virtual party for this man, Tim Stoney,” she wrote.
She described him as “the absolute best father his kids could ask for”, crediting him with raising their children while she worked, and called Maggie and Patrick “two stellar human beings”.
Gearin wrote of a man who loved “words and wit and debate and travel and history and politics and sport and jazz and whiskey”, and who was “fiercely loyal” as a family member and friend.
Her tribute also captured the breadth of his passions: “Journo, writer, teacher, media trainer, Demons ruckman, St Kilda fast bowler, decent bat, the most dedicated basketball and athletics dad.”
“And just always, always, ridiculously good-looking,” she added.
“Fate is dealing a beyond-cruel card that could see this big fella leave a 6’5″ hole in our hearts within a few weeks, but this post is to celebrate him while he’s here.
“Love you forever Timmy.”
Mr Stoney carved out an accomplished and wide-ranging media career. He spent three years covering news and sport at Channel Ten before moving to Melbourne to join SBS World News Australia as a news and sports reporter, a role he held for four years.
During his time at SBS, he directed a film exploring the lives of Indian students in Melbourne, reflecting his interest in social issues and storytelling beyond the nightly bulletin.
He later worked at the ABC for five years before taking up a role with Radio Australia. His reporting took him around the world, including the Beijing Paralympics, the Middle East and South East Asia, and a year working in Beijing for China Radio International.
In more recent years, Mr Stoney worked for a communications company, where he trained others in media interviews and presentation skills, continuing to share his knowledge and experience.
Tributes from colleagues and friends have highlighted both his sharp intellect and his warmth.
Gen Brammall, News Corp’s Head of PR, recalled Mr Stoney from his cadet days in the 1990s.
“His self-deprecating wit and intimidating intelligence were hallmarks of a man who left a lasting impression on our newsroom,” Brammall said.
Former Channel Ten colleague Kate McGrath told Adelaide Now that “Tim was special”.
“A gifted journalist and communicator, he was kind, curious, witty, had great passion for sport and history, and just happened to look like a matinee idol,” she said.
“Above all else, Tim loved his family, especially Mary and his two children.
“I know his Ten News family all feel a great loss.”
As tributes continue to pour in, Tim Stoney is being remembered not only for his accomplished career, but for his generosity, humour and deep devotion to the people he loved most.
Images: Facebook
