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Sporting sports editor dies aged 59

Tributes have been pouring in for Bridport and Lyme Regis News sports editor Terry Collin, who died suddenly at his home on Sunday.

Terry, (59), had worked for the Bridport News and Dorset Echo for more than 25 years, at one time being deputy editor but most recently as sports editor of the Bridport News.

Colleagues remember him as a journalist of the old school; courteous, dedicated, passionate, accurate, professional and a true gentleman.

  • Terry Collin
  • He always fought his corner to maintain the prominence and importance of the sports pages and will be sorely missed by all his colleagues and friends.

    Former Bridport News editor David Cozens said: “Terry was essentially a very private man but, over a friendship spanning 40 years, we forged a relationship based on mutual respect.

    “My admiration of his journalistic flair on a wide range of topics, his knowledge, his commitment and his solid support never waned.

    “He loved his family, he loved his West Dorset and he loved his Bridport News, being absolutely dedicated to all three.

    “It could be said that the phrase ‘gentlemen of the press’ was coined with journalists such as Terry very much in mind.

    Dorset Echo sports editor Paul Baker added: “Terry was the wise old head of the sportsdesk and often us younger ones would turn to him for help and advice which he was always happy to give.

    “His knowledge and passion for sport was infectious and an inspiration to us all. The paper won’t be the same without Terry’s name on the sports pages. He will be missed greatly.”

    Bridport Football Club manager Pete Conning added: “There were no thrills and spills about his copy, he wrote it the way he saw it and was always fair and understanding. Terry was a courteous, friendly and professional man and St Mary’s Field won’t be the same without him.”

    Away from football, Terry was also renowned for his outstanding cricket reporting and became a familiar face on the boundary at Dorset Minor Counties matches.

    Dorset vice-captain Sean Walbridge said: “The way Terry transferred what he saw into words, was a real talent. He loved his cricket and was very knowledgeable about the game.

    “Terry was loved and respected by everyone connected with Dorset cricket and I know his death has come as a blow to us all. He was professional in every sense of the word and a true gentleman with it.”

    Final farewells to Terry will be paid on Tuesday at Weymouth Crematorium and during a special gathering, to which all are invited, in the Casterbridge Room at the King’s Arms Hotel, Dorchester.

    The service at the crematorium takes place at 11.30am. Family flowers only are requested but donations in memory of Terry are invited in aid of disabled sport.

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