Tony Ciprian will write no more.
Best known as Cippo, he was TV3's first sports producer - a position he held, on and off, for about 20 years.
He trained nearly every sports journalist and presenter, he could be gruff and tough, but he was always fair and nurturing.
"He could be an irascible 'Old Bastard' but there was never any doubt that his heart was in the right place. The craft of TV really mattered to Cippo and, like Mike Brockie (Executive Producer of the 6pm news programme for 20 years), he played a major role in shaping 3 News,'' Head of News and Current Affairs Mark Jennings says.
Cippo always had a story. It seemed like he knew everyone, had done everything.
He was a police officer before becoming a sports journalist, presenter and producer, working in both radio and television. He also wrote children's books.
He presented the sports news for TVNZ, `way back in the early, exciting days of TV', he would often say. His gravelly voice was known countrywide.
He arrived at TV3 when it first started, he stayed for nearly 20 years. He attempted to retire a couple of times, even moved to Australia, but writing and reporting was in his blood, he never stayed away long. He was always welcomed back.
He was a stickler for grammar and pronunciation. `Cippo's Guide' became a bible for new, young reporters.
He kept up with new technology, he loved social media, he had Facebook and twitter accounts, he interacted often, offering an opinion, a joke, some advice.
His last post was 'Have you had a light-bulb moment today?'. This morning the light went out for Cippo. He was 82.
source: newshub archive
