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Absolute legend and cricket throughout the world will never be the same.
RIP Richie!

RIP

Very sad on hearing the news this morning that Richie Benaud had passed away during the night. Apparently he studied the media before starting his commentary career. Watching cricket on tv in the Summer will not be the same again.

I was shocked to hear of Richie's passing this morning. I tried to think of when I first heard him on Aussie radio/TV, but it seems that he has always been there. He's left a huge hole in world cricket...well played Richie, we have lost a true gentleman and brilliant personality. RIP.

Along with Drew Morphett and the Winners on the ABC Richie's commentary was the sound of my childhood. A sad day for the country let alone cricket. Thanks for being you Mr Benaud....a class act....we will miss you RIP

I tell you what - the special presentation on telly right now as I type is a truly magnificent tribute to the great man!

One of the best pieces of free viewing I've seen and the legends & common folk that have been saluting Richie are priceless in their quality

Geez I will miss Rich & Greigy - but I now hope I keep hearing Bill for few more years yet - you know , just to help smooth it over sort of thing

Rest in eternal peace buddy

I found this last night looking through an old file of autographs. I sat in front of the Channel 9 commentary box at the WACA at a McDonalds Cup game back in 1982 between WA and South Australia, and waited for the commentators to arrive. I got the autographs of Richie, Tony Grieg, Ian Chappell, Keith Stackpole and Dennis Lillee. Couldnt believe my luck on that day. Ive attached a scan of the signatures from that day, which, according to my ABC Cricket book from the 1982/83 season, was December 22

Richie Benaud has been farewelled and laid to rest at a quiet funeral service.
Despite an offer for a state funeral, the cricketing legend loved by millions wished for a small private farewell which his wife Daphne respected with a quiet, dignified ceremony.
Following the funeral service, a memorial was held and attended by Richie's former cricket commentating colleagues, television network executives and Test cricketers past and present.