AddThis SmartLayers

Former daily deputy editor dies aged 58

A former deputy editor who left a Midlands daily last year after nearly 30 years’ service has lost a battle with cancer aged 58.

Colleagues at the Burton Mail have paid tribute to ‘newsroom legend’ Andy Parker who has died eight months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Andy, pictured, left his job as deputy editor following a company restructure last January and had been working in PR before the cancer struck.

He had been acting editor of the Mail in between the departure of Paul Hazeldine in January 2009 and the arrival of current editor Kevin Booth later that year.

Andy Parker enjoyed his first stint with the Mail in the 1970s, returning in 1982 for a near 30-year stretch.

He died at the Royal Derby Hospital on New Year’s Eve, having spent Christmas at home in Newton Solney, Derbyshire, with wife Sally and children Emma, 25, and Harry, 19.

Jason Davies, the Mail’s former news editor and a close friend, said: “Andy started off as my mentor and soon became a great friend. So many reporters learned so much from him and he truly was a newsroom legend.

“He was uncompromising and forthright but passionate about everything to do with Burton and South Derbyshire, which earned him respect from people.

“The Burton Mail was in his blood. He really cared about the paper and always had its interests at heart.”

Former Mail editor Brian Vertigen described Andy as ‘a newspaper man through and through’ with a ‘great nose for news’ and praised his role in mentoring generations of young reporters.

Andy’s years with the Mail enabled him to indulge his twin passions of music and football, including covering his beloved Gresley Rovers Football Club and launching a series of CDs showcasing local music talent.

Jim Black, the paper’s former managing director said he was ‘a totally committed journalist’ who ‘became probably one of the best-known people in town’.

Steve Lowe, group editor-in-chief for Mail publisher Iliffe News and Media Central said: “Andy was a diligent, hard-working journalist committed to keeping people informed of all that was happening in their community.

“He gave many years to the Burton Mail and leaves behind friends and colleagues who will mourn his death and miss his dry humour. I am very sorry to hear of his death and my sympathies are with his family.”

5 comments

You can follow all replies to this entry through the comments feed.
  • January 5, 2012 at 10:18 am
    Permalink

    I am so shocked to read of Andy Parker’s death. I was only at the Burton Mail for 18 months or so, 12 years ago, as a sub/writer but he was a brilliant news editor with an encylopaedic local knowledge. He greatly encouraged me when I brought in some good tales during a period of personal difficulties for me. Why he wasn’t confirmed as deputy editor after doing the job in an acting capacity was an utter disgrace. RIP to a very fine journalist who justly deserved the accolade of legend. John Bennett, Lichfield.

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(2)
  • January 5, 2012 at 12:48 pm
    Permalink

    So sad to hear of this news and my thoughts go out to his family and close friends. I was chief reporter at the Burton Mail for nearly three years until about five years ago while Andy was deputy editor. To describe him as a newsroom legend is completely apt. He really cared about the paper and the town it served and all of the reporters looked up to him. I have many fond memories of working with him. Yes, every now and then we’d clash over an issue or story, as happens in all good, passionate newsrooms, but without fail we’d always work it out with a good chinwag about whatever latest music we were both into. You’ll be sorely missed Mr P.

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(2)
  • January 5, 2012 at 2:23 pm
    Permalink

    a great boss and friend. i will miss our chats about music and will treasure the cds you put together for me. miss you always gaffer.

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(2)
  • January 5, 2012 at 3:12 pm
    Permalink

    Andy was a wonderful news editor in my time there. Funny, encouraging and very much a proper journalist.

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(1)
  • January 6, 2012 at 1:32 pm
    Permalink

    Through this page I would like to thank everyone for their tributes, messages, cards, and posts, which mean so much to myself and the children. Andy would be happy that he had touched so many lives. For those that wish to attend, his funeral will be on Friday 13th January 2012 at 12 noon at Bretby crematorium, and afterwards at the Unicorn, Newton Solney. Thank you all.

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(5)