It's a sad day for Ottawa radio listeners and the city's broadcasting community.

Longtime radio host Kevin Nelson passed away early Tuesday morning after a lengthy battle with a serious liver illness.

Nelson, along with partner Bill Parker, was the voice of mornings in Ottawa for 19 straight years as host of the city's number one morning show on Majic 100.

"He was a funny man on and off the air," Parker said. "It was hilarious to be around him."

Nelson launched the show on Aug. 12, 1991 and broadcasted live every morning until he went on sick leave in September 2010.

A knack for radio broadcasting ran in Nelson's family. He was the son of legendary broadcaster Jungle Jay Nelson.

His colleagues are very saddened by the loss.

"He was a legend in Ottawa broadcasting," said Majic 100 program director, Brian DePoe. "He woke up so many people over the years. He'll really be missed."

Bell Media Vice President Richard Gray says Kevin will be remembered for his passion, commitment and dedication to his team, and to his listeners.

Besides being one of the most recognized voices on Ottawa morning radio, Nelson was also extremely active in the community. And he was a fixture at city council meetings.

"He would send me running commentaries," said Mayor Jim Watson. "He was a great friend, missed by me and by thousands of people who listened to him on Majic."

Funeral arrangements for Nelson have yet to be made.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr