A former regional journalist who worked in the industry for eight decades has died aged 94.
Tributes have been paid to Geoff Worrall, left, who spent most of his career at the Exeter Express & Echo and was awarded the MBE for services to journalism.
A native of Liverpool, Geoff’s career began in 1938 when he joined the Bootle Times as a junior reporter aged 16.
He moved to Devon and joined the Express & Echo in 1949 where he worked full-time until 1987, but continued on a part-time basis as the newspaper’s “Mr Nostalgia” after his retirement.
His son David said: “He may have officially retired when he was 65 but in fact he never really retired and kept on writing.”
During his career, Geoff also worked at Devon News Agency and was a current affairs researcher with Plymouth-based Westward Television, predecessor to TSW, Westcountry television.
He was awarded the MBE in 2000.
Geoff is survived by his wife, Joan, and children David and Shirley.
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It was my absolute privilege to work with Geoff when I was Editor of the Express & Echo between 1997 and 2005.
This, as the article suggests, was already long after Geoff had officially retired but he still had a passion and an energy that belied his advancing years.
Geoff knew his staff and his patch inside out. And he was a lovely, lovely fella.
My condolences to his family.
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I had the great privilege of working with Geoff as a young reporter in the 1960s and early 70s. A kinder, more considerate and gentler man I have yet to meet. I am sure there are many journalists working in the industry today who have benefitted from his wisdom..
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