A former regional press crime reporter has died at his home at the age of 64 after a long illness.

John Kerr spent more than 20 years as a crime reporter for the Glasgow-based Evening Times before retiring.

He fought a long battle with Crohn’s Disease and had been in and out of hospital for a number of years.

John was found dead at his home on Tuesday and a post-mortem was expected to be carried out because of the sudden nature of his death.

His career in journalism started at his local newspaper, the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser, before he moved to the Sunday Mail and the Daily Record.

John then moved to the Evening Times, covering some of the biggest crimes in the city, and was regarded as the media expert on the Bible John murders.

Editor Tony Carlin said: “John Kerr was a superb journalist whose attention to detail, commitment to getting the story and ability to portray events accurately and memorably made him a huge asset to the Evening Times.

“His warmth and wit made him a hugely popular member of the Evening Times family where his talent was universally respected.

“John will be sadly missed by all of us and our condolences go to his very many friends and family.”

He was known as a man of many words but few notes, with an ability to retain information in his head rather than his notebook.

Despite having retired, John was still writing and helping budding young journalists, passing on his knowledge and skills.

He is survived by his close family, including mum Margaret and wife Rena.

Comments

robert heron (19/07/2010 15:22:59)
WEE AND WEE AIDEN MISS YOU MATE R.I.P