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Respected local press man has died, aged 76

Cannock & Rugeley Mercury journalist John Baker has died of a brain haemorrhage, aged 76.

Born in Segeley in 1930, John, (pictured), started out as a copy boy at the age of 14 and worked his way through the ranks.

After National Service, John began work for PA Reuters in London before an ulcer prompted a move back to the Midlands. He chose Cannock to be near the Chase and worked for the Express & Star and later its sister Chronicle series.

His many assignments in the area included reporting on the A34 murders, which he covered right through to the conviction of killer Raymond Morris.

After retiring aged 65, it took just six months before he set up as a freelance and started at the Mercury.

Cannock & Rugeley Mercury editor Lindy Young said: “John’s contribution to the Mercury newspapers over the years has been invaluable and we shall all miss him terribly. He was a true professional and a journalist of great integrity – but with a mischievous sense of humour.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with him.”

John cared passionately about his family and the community which he tirelessly served through his legacy of local journalism.

Away from work, he was also a musician and conservationist – a mainstay of the local folk music scene and a committee member of the Association of the Friends of Cannock Chase..

Tributes to John have poured in from his legion of friends across Cannock.

They paint a picture of an intelligent, irrepressible and often highly irreverent individual – one of life’s few genuine gentlemen.

A hugely influential figure on the local folk scene, John nurtured new talent and championed music in the community.

His partner, Linda Lester, said: “John was a wordsmith and a workaholic – he was 100 per cent committed to journalism.

“He was a quiet man so he spoke the truth quietly but he spoke the truth.

“And he was a most irreverent man! He loved anything that was taking a pot at the establishment and he loathed anyone who was puffed up on their own power.”