Longtime Portland radio personality Les 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.

Radio partner Rebecca Webb posted an Internet message Saturday morning:

“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.”