A former local press photographer “who never did anything by halves” has died aged 77.

Dave Lolley spent 34 years with The News, Portsmouth – the last eight of which were as picture editor.

He was born in York and started his journalism career with the Yorkshire Evening Post before embarking on five years of service with the RAF during which time he spent three years as a war photographer in Malaya.

When he left the Force, he worked for a short time on Fleet Street and later joined the Folkestone Herald from which he moved to Hampshire to join the then Portsmouth Evening News.

Dave was best known for his captivating images and was considered fearless in his search for pictures and even spent time in Belfast during the 1970s covering the fighting there.

His wife Agnes told The News: “He had a great love of life and his great passion was for his work.

“He was an action man and news photographer all the way until the end.

“He was also a loving husband and father and is missed dearly.”

His friend Roy West, who was a chief photographer when Dave first joined The News, said: “He was a brilliant photographer and a great character who never did anything by halves. I always had great admiration for his courage.”

After retiring in 1990, Dave continued to cover major events for The News. Short before Christmas he was diagnosed with cancer and died earlier this month.

He is survived by his wife Agnes, daughters Karen and Patricia, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Comments

Paul Bernhardt (31/03/2009 10:59:57)
Dave was picture editor at The News when I first applied for a job as photographer. I wasn’t successful first time round but when another vacancy came about he encouraged me to reapply. This time I got the job, and he continued to offer advice and tips that instilled confidence and a sense of pride in what I was doing. His temper could be frightening at times, and he did not suffer fools lightly. But he was the kind of bloke that would buy you a beer at the end of the day – as long as you didn’t make the same mistake twice! He is one of a handful of professionals I met and worked with on the paper and his part in shaping my career has left an indelible impression. They don’t make them like Dave anymore. RIP.