A former assistant news editor and features editor at a daily-turned-weekly paper has died after a long illness at the age of 56.
Chris Horan, left, joined the Scunthorpe Telegraph in 1989 as its deputy news editor and remained there until 2008, being best known as editor of the Nostalgia features and magazines.
After leaving the Telegraph, he worked for two years as a freelance journalist and a sub-editor for the Cleethorpes Chronicle newspaper.
Tributes have been paid to the father-of-five after his death in Scunthorpe General Hospital on Sunday.
In an obituary in the Telegraph, former colleague Malcolm Dixon said: “I always remember Chris for his painstaking attention to detail in everything he wrote.
“Although he was not born in Scunthorpe, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the town’s history.”
While at the Telegraph, Chris played a major role in an anti-litter campaign in Scunthorpe and helped raise thousands of pounds for charity as a member of a fibre-glass dinosaur pulling team in England and Ireland.
Until his illness, Chris enjoyed playing five-a-side soccer and darts and was a keen rambler.
He was also a member of a sailing crew and wrote the book “Humber Sail and History” as well as articles about historic ships.
Sign up for our free daily email bulletin
Follow HTFP on Twitter
Got a story? Email the Editor at
Both shocked and saddened to hear of Chris’s passing. Lovely man. Was always a pleasure working with him at the Scunthorpe Telegraph. I counted him as a friend during my time on the paper – he always took the time to enjoy a night out with the younger bunch. I still often recall, to my current colleagues, an unintentionally racy headline he used for a story in one of his nostalgia pieces. He’ll be missed.
Report this comment
Sad to hear this news. As Malcolm points out Chris had encyclopediac knowledge of the patch he was on in Scunthorpe. His old school principles helped younger journalists coming through the ranks. A true team player who was valued highly by his colleagues in the newsroom.
For example spotting out small errors (that often go unnoticed by hacks) that could have looked horrendous in print was also a key feature.
But it didn’t end there. Chris put in plenty of effort running football teams, getting kit ready, picking people up and organising nights out from Brigg to Ibiza!
Beating local rivals Grimsby in Northcliffe 5-a-side tournaments and coming back down the motorway with the trophy was a real highlight.
Thanks for the memories Chris.
Report this comment
Very sad to hear of Chris’ passing way. Was only at Scunny Telegraph briefly but Chris was a top man – very helpful and friendly. Thoughts with his family.
Report this comment