The iconic Darrell Eastlake passed away on Thursday morning after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 75. Rugby league and the wider community paid tribute to a once-in-a-lifetime larger than life character.

We at The81stMinute would also like to pay our respects by inducting Eastlake straight into our Hall of Fame. You can see the full list here.

#BREAKING: In some very sad news this morning, legendary sports announcer Darrell Eastlake has died age 75. The former Wide World of Sports star who worked in TV and radio for over four decades was known for his trademark booming voice and larger than life personality. #9Today pic.twitter.com/E08KwoWlgI

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) April 18, 2018

RIP Darrell Eastlake – remember fondly so many of his calls of different sports. My favourite still is this call of this Wally Lewis hit "WHAT ABOUT THAT HIT FROM LEWIS! TALK ABOUT A BONE RATTLER!" pic.twitter.com/y0puEXoEiV

— Adrian Arciuli (@Adrian_Arciuli) April 18, 2018

For those of my vintage, Darrell Eastlake elevated the role of the sports commentator. Whether you liked his style or not, he made you interested in what he was calling. Sad to hear of his passing. Loved his work.

— Shane Anderson (@Globalgallop) April 18, 2018

Sad to hear of the passing of Darrell Eastlake. I can remember him yelling in my ear while I was driving in the celeb GP race. “Don’t brake, Livinia !!”
So I didn’t. Major crash ensued!
You and your beautiful voice will be missed.

— Livinia Nixon (@LNixon9) April 18, 2018

Terrible news. RIP Darrell Eastlake

My thoughts and wishes to the family & friends.

— Andy Raymond (@Andy_Raymond) April 19, 2018

https://twitter.com/undergrothe/status/986774973149622272

The Roosters are saddened to hear the news of Darrell Eastlake's passing. He was one of game's great personalities and a legendary commentator. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. #RIPDarrellEastlake

— Sydney Roosters 🐓 (@sydneyroosters) April 19, 2018

Very sad to hear of the passing of broadcaster, Darrell Eastlake. Had the opportunity to spend time with him at the 2006 Commonwealth Games … a funny and generous man with a larger than life individual … thoughts with his family #R.I.P.

— Glenn Mitchell (@MitchellGlenn) April 19, 2018

Jack Gibson sitting up high on a cloud in his big fur coat watching Artie do his thing. Folkes is working hard. Langlands is running fast. Now Darrell can take his place in Heaven's commentary box alongside Frank Hyde.."WHAT ABOUT THE OFFLOAD FROM ARTHUR!" #DarrellEastlake

— Curtis Woodward (@woodward_curtis) April 18, 2018

Sad news, Big Darrell Eastlake had died… he was the voice of sport for me as a kid, the Origin, and most importantly for me #F1. Thoughts with his family and friends…

— Trevor Long 💻 📱 📺 📻 (@trevorlong) April 18, 2018

For a long time he was the voice of #Origin – our regards to the family and friends of the late Darrell Eastlake, who passed away this morning aged 75.

Rest in peace, Darrell.

— League Unlimited – NRL and rugby league (@LeagueUnlimited) April 19, 2018