Ronnie Hazlehurst, who wrote the theme tunes for television shows such as Blankety Blank and Last of the Summer Wine, has died aged 79. A former musical director at the BBC, he was closely involved with the Eurovision Song Contest and conducted the UK entry on seven occasions.
He died in hospital in Guernsey after suffering a stroke last week.
Broadcaster Michael Parkinson called the Manchester-born composer "a marvellous and talented musician".
"He was also a funny north country man with a great sense of humour," he said.
"When I was at the BBC I did a series of specials with him. He was one of the great unsung heroes on the music business - and a great professional."
Hazlehurst's partner, Jean Fitzgerald, said: "He was just a perfectionist in his profession and a very kind and generous man.
"To write that sort of music you have to be sensitive".
Hazlehurst was responsible for many of the BBC's best-loved theme tunes, including Yes, Minister, The Two Ronnies and Are You Being Served?
Umbrella stunt
The composer said he always tried to make the music fit the title of the programme - using a piccolo to spell out the title to Some Mothers Do 'Ave Em in Morse code.
"I wouldn't prostitute a tune, to bend it every which way to fit the title," he said, "but if I can make it so, I do".
Hazlehurst served as musical director of the Eurovision Song Contest three times, and famously conducted the UK entry in 1977 using a rolled-up umbrella.
In 1999, he received a Gold Badge award from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.
The BBC's head of comedy, Jon Plowman, said: "He was the composer of many of the best-loved signature tunes of the last 40 years of television - and some of his work is still heard today.
"He's associated with some of the best-loved shows of our lives."
Ms Fitzgerald said Hazlehurst had moved to Guernsey 10 years ago from Hendon, north London, and had had a heart bypass operation in October last year.
He is survived by two sons from his second marriage.
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