One of the most respected journalists in the history of the Western Morning News has died.

Kenneth Doble, who received the MBE for his services to the profession, was 79.

He had been retired for almost 15 years, but the admiration and affection in which he was held by all who knew him remained undiminished. He was a legendary figure to all the journalists who worked under him, and who will remember for all time his journalistic genius and professionalism, allied to his wit and kindness.

Ken, a former pupil at Plymouth College, first joined the Western Morning News in 1940, at the age of 17.

He had a fund of anecdotes about the happenings over the years, and one his favourites concerned the day an angry reader stormed up to the old WMN building in Plymouth saying that he’d come to horsewhip the editor. A helpful doorman showed him to the editor’s office.

Ken’s first appointment at the newspaper was as a trainee reporter – the newspaper business was in his blood; his father was head of the proof-reading and correcting department. The teenager had already learned to type, which was an advantage, but back then most of the copy was still handwritten.

Years later he remembered the day that, taking advantage of the editor’s absence, he slipped off to the cinema.

As he settled into his seat he felt a hard tap on his shoulder. He turned round to see his boss glaring at him.

In 1942, Ken joined the Army, and served overseas, attaining the rank of captain.

On his post-war return to the office, he became a sub-editor. He also married, but the marriage did not work out and the couple were later divorced.

Ken was made chief sub-editor in 1951, news editor some years later and finally assistant editor.

Over the years, hundreds of sub-editors, reporters, printers and other newspaper staff worked with Ken Doble. All felt better for having known him. First, he was a kindly teacher, helping reporters develop their interviewing and writing skills so that many went on to top jobs in Fleet Street.

He was also a wise and calming presence even when deadlines were fast approaching. Everyone else might be in a state of near-panic, but never Ken. Away from the office he was a ‘bookworm’ and also enjoyed snooker.

Journalist John Powell, who had known Ken for more than 20 years, said: “He was a perfect gentleman – a member of the old school.

“He always managed to get the best out of all his staff because he was so unfailingly kind, encouraging and so knowledgeable. He knew everything there was to know about producing a newspaper, and we all learned so much from him.”

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]