His 30 years at the ABC let him develop his own distinct radio style and effortless connection with listeners."I think I've been blessed," Valentine reflected on his retirement in February."The chances of finding a gig that suited me so perfectly were vanishingly small."Valentine, 64, who has died at home using voluntary assisted dying two years after being diagnosed with cancer, was known for his creative and witty approach to daytime radio.The beloved presenter hosted radio and television shows across the ABC for 30 years, most notably presenting the 702 ABC Sydney Afternoons radio show for more than 20 years.He developed a distinct talkback radio style, inviting his listeners to discuss social dilemmas and share ordinary life dramas, rather than traditional talkback subjects like politics and news of the day I fell in love with talkback really early," Valentine said in a special broadcast in February."But I also wanted to explore by getting people to call in with their own problem."Valentine retired from 702 ABC Sydney in February after 25 years with the station, citing the need to focus on cancer treatment.He first announced his diagnosis of oesophageal cancer in March 2024 before taking a leave of absence for treatment