The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) joins with the rest of the media fraternity in mourning the passing of veteran broadcaster, Dorothy LaCroix, and columnist Geof Brown.

LaCroix, affectionately called 'Dottie Dean', lost her battle with cancer on Sunday. Forty-eight hours later, news came of the death of yet another beloved media practitioner, columnist Geof Brown. He, too, battled cancer.

Born in St Mary, LaCroix started her career in radio in Belize and then joined the staff at Radio Jamaica in the 1960s. During her tenure, she supervised the music library, was a programmes supervisor and also a radio supervisor. Between 1983 and 1989, she was programmes director at the station, a post she held until she retired.

Standard for broadcasters

PAJ President, Byron Buckley said LaCroix's on-air presentation will remain a standard for succeeding generations of broadcasters to emulate.

LaCroix was one of the first 15 women in Jamaica to be awarded the Order of Distinction. She received it in 1985. She retired from the board of directors of the RJR Communications Group last year and is survived by a son and daughter.

Brown, 78, was a social worker and a weekly columnist with the Jamaica Observer at the time of his death. He previously wrote a weekly column for The Gleaner. He also appeared as a commentator on several radio current affairs talk shows.

"I am saddened by his passing," said Buckley. "A fair and balanced voice has been silenced."

The PAJ president said Brown was a supporter of the PAJ, and had enquired about his membership status as recently as July, and suggested ways for the association to improve its service to members.

Brown is survived by five daughters and his wife.