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Former deputy editor loses lengthy cancer battle

A former local press deputy editor has lost his long-running battle with cancer.

John Cutting, who started and ended his career with the Isle of Thanet Gazette, died in a hospice in Margate aged 75.

After leaving the Gazette, John went on to work for the now-defunct East Kent Times and later as a lobby correspondent for the Press Association.

He rejoined the Isle of Thanet Gazette as its Ramsgate reporter before switching to cover the east Kent coastal town Margate, eventually working up to the deputy editor’s chair.

He also set up a court reporting agency with his wife of 54 years June.

After retiring 12 years ago, John remained an active member of the community and supported causes such as Amnesty International and the Medical Foundation Against Torture.

He also loved to play chess and was a former secretary of Thanet Bowls Club.

June said: “John was one of life’s optimists. Everybody loved him and he was full of enthusiasm.

“He loved Thanet so much and thought it was a wonderful place to live. He liked the people and loved living near the coast.”

His funeral takes place at Thanet Crematorium at 1.15pm on Thursday.

Comments

Delphine Houlton (22/03/2010 10:02:00)
The best journalist I have ever met. John’s professionalism and passion for news has inspired my whole career. He taught me so much and I will never forget him.

Paul Brookman (26/03/2010 17:02:12)
I’m shocked and saddened to hear of John’s death.
I was a junior with Delphine on the Gazette and although John could be a hard taskmaster I’m forever grateful for all that he taught me. I’ve never forgotten his tuition and encouragement in more than 30 years as a journalist.

Susan Hubbard (nee Haines) (29/03/2010 15:43:55)
Delphine, Paul and I were among five trainee reporters under the tutelage of John Cutting in the 1970s at Margate. John was a firm but fair taskmaster, who spent time going through our copy and showing us where it could be better – and trying to instil in us the ‘rat-like cunning’ he regarded as essential for any reporter. I’m sorry that I didn’t keep in touch and tell him that, like my mentor, I eventually worked for PA. Best wishes and sympathy to June.