Beloved children's TV presenter dies aged 69 after 'hard to watch' dementia battle

Michael 'Gibbo' Gibson has died at the age of 69 after a battle with dementia. The beloved Australian children's TV star was best known for appearing on Channel 7 series Agro's Cartoon Connection.

The Dad-of-two, who was known for starring in Argo's Cartoon Connection, was diagnosed with dementia 18 months ago, before passing away on Monday, June 10.

His grief-stricken wife Carol described him as the "brightest of us" in a tribute shared to Facebook.

"Many of you may know by now of the passing of my lovely husband Michael," she began, adding: "He left us after another dementia battle and, while it was sad to watch, I’m grateful he’s now free."

"He was the brightest of us and we were so fortunate to share his time."

Michael's Agro puppeteer Jamie Dunn also penned an emotional tribute via social media.

“Farewell my funny friend. You were hilarious 100 per cent of the time! I have nothing but wonderful memories of you,” he wrote on Instagram.

Agro’s Cartoon Connection was a top-rated children’s show, which ran from 1990 to 1997 on the Seven network.

It was hosted by a shaggy-looking puppet called Agro alongside co-hosts Ann-Maree Biggar, from 1990 to 1994, and Terasa Livington, from 1995 to 1997.

Michael both produced and featured on the show as his character Gibbo, usually wearing painter’s overalls.

The 69-year-old star studied under veteran Australian TV and radio announcer Max Rowley, before moving onto NIDA where he studied alongside Hollywood stars Mel Gibson and Judy Davis in 1977.

He went on to work at the Nine Network in Brisbane as their promotions manager as well as writing and performing comedy on radio stations, including B105.

He is survived by his wife Carol and their two children.