PORTLAND, Ore. – Longtime Portland radio personality Les Sarnoff has died from cancer.

Sarnoff died Friday night after a battle with cancer.He was 60 and had been a local broadcaster for more than two decades on KINK FM. Sarnoff was also well-known for his involvement in community events.

Sarfnoff remembered

Radio partner Rebecca Webb posted an Internet message Saturday morning with her remembrance of Sarnoff:

“Despite his courage, strong faith, and medical wonders, Les has lost his battle with cancer. He passed away at the hospital last evening, surrounded by his wife Rita and closest friends.”

“Portlanders will mark his passage in the days ahead—but may not realize how dedicated he was to them, how he walked with them, hearing about their troubles, helping when he could, publicizing their causes, being a friend, being unbelievably kind and patient with all sorts of souls so desperate they would call a radio station for someone to talk to. Morning after morning. For decades. Infinite numbers of sparks of hope, encouragement, understanding, advice, support, connection.

The world around Portland is a better place because he was with us for what suddenly seems like a very short time.”

Webb was his partner in the mornings for more than 20 years.

“Les was a really, really, generous spirit and he was the kind of person who would do anything for you,” Webb said. “Many groups asked Les to mention their cause on the air to MC their benefit and he never said ‘no.’”

His favorite charity was the Oregon Humane Society. He shared that love of animals with his wife Rita.

“I know Rita is probably home listening today with her dogs blue Cody and Murphy and you know, I don't know what those dogs will do without Les because he loved those dogs like his own children,” Webb added.

Legendary recording artists loved les's cool personable style, from Bonnie Raitt to Sir Paul McCartney.

“Paul McCartney thought les was incredible, he thought he was one of the best in the country,” Webb said.

So did his listeners who were filling up the phone lines to pay tribute.

(KGW Reporter Wayne Havrelly contributed to this report)