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Death of photographer dubbed the 'human dynamo'

Former Ipswich Evening Star and East Anglian Daily Times photographer Tony Ray has died, aged 72.

The much-loved adventurer, who was once dubbed the “human dynamo”, passed away in his sleep early on Sunday.

He had worked for the sister newspapers for more than 40 years, retiring seven years ago.

Within a week of leaving the picture desk he was climbing Spain’s highest mountain in a snowstorm.

From then on, not content with putting his feet up during retirement, he tackled Australia, Nepal, Egypt and Thailand.

Often on his expeditions he would be the oldest by far but never let the generation gap get in his way.

Former Evening Star picture editor Dave Kindred said: “Tony was a larger than life character who had already served for several years as a top photographer on the team when I joined the company in 1963.

“He was great fun to work with and enjoyed the fun side of life both professionally and socially.

“He saw photography change from large format plate cameras through the 50s and 60s to 35mm and in the 90s to digital.

“His stamina and incredible fitness saw him covering events carrying heavy camera equipment right up to his retirement without a hint of tiredness.

“He was always great company and often the joker in the pack; we will miss his laughter and great sense of fun.”

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said he remembered Tony as a hugely-talented photographer.

He said: “He gave outstanding service to both our company, the Suffolk community and to journalism in East Anglia.

“He was a great enthusiast and his smile was often there almost before he arrived.

“After his retirement he kept driving in the fast lane and took up travel writing and photography.

“Mountains and diving were two of his great passions and his stamina put much younger people to shame.

“He had a great love of life and a great life and was never left wondering what might have been – because he had already done it!”

Tony leaves a wife, Mary and two children, Nicholas and Allison, and a stepdaughter Janet.