RIP Perth social writer Holly Wood

Sunday Times icon Holly Wood loses battle From Perth Now: http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,26203740-2761,00.html HOLLY Wood, veteran social writer with The Sunday Times, died this morning after a long battle with cancer. The social scene writer was 68. Affectionately known in the industry as "Holly'', the popular columnist with the The Sunday Times was much loved in Perth's fashion, charity and social world. Holly will be remembered as much for his work with Perth charities, as his contribution to the media. He was hospitalised last week after a fall, but has battled cancer for more than two years. Holly's life as a social writer began at the Sunday Independent (1983), which was taken over by The Sunday Times in 1986. His career as a social writer provided the opportunity to become involved with many worthy causes including Variety WA Toy Bank (Founder), Rocky Bay, Australian Red Cross, Make a Wish, Youth Focus, The WA Aids Council and others. Holly was honoured with many awards from the community including the City of Perth Citizen of the Year 1999, and the Centenary Medal. Managing Director of The Sunday Times Ish Davies and editor Sam Weir paid tribute to Holly Wood. "Pretty much the first person I met when I walked into The Sunday Times was Hollywood,'' Mr Davies said. "He came up and gave me a big hug and flashed me that big smile and wished me all the best in my new role. "It was a 1000 watt introduction from someone who I grew to know to be a warm, generous and considerate colleague who was pretty much The Sunday Times' ambassador in the community. "I had never met a person who was so universally known and universally liked. "Holly connected with all walks of life, everyone felt happy in his company and wherever he went people would smile and say 'There's Holly Wood from The Sunday Times'. "He was a huge figure in our newspaper's personality and our connection with the community and we will all miss him.'' Editor Sam Weir said: "While diminutive in size Holly was always larger than life.'' "No matter what the event Holly soon became the centre of it. "But what he will be most remembered for is his tireless contribution to charities in WA over many decades.'' ''Holly will be dearly missed -- but not forgotten -- by his friends and colleagues at The Sunday Times and all those who had the pleasure of meeting him.''