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Regional group's printing pioneer dies aged 68

Peter Graham SimpsonA fourth generation newspaper printer who oversaw major innovations in newspaper printing in the UK has died at the age of 68.

Peter Graham Simpson, pictured, served in both production and financial roles at regional titles across the country, eventually becoming technical director of Cumbrian News Group.

Peter, whose great grandfather founded several printing companies and newspapers in the 19th centrury, was born in Newbury, Berkshire, in 1946.

Initially he worked as a graduate trainee in newspaper production at the Reading Evening Post, Chester Chronicle, The Scotsman, Edinburgh Evening News and Tottenham Weekly Herald.

Later, during a spell at the Lincolnshire Standard Group, he oversaw the installation of a Creusot-Loire Super Gazette web offset press.

He then moved to Cumbrian Newspapers as production director and became managing director of Furness Newspapers when the company bought the Barrow-based North West Evening Mail in 1989.

In 1992 he became technical director of the Cumbrian News Group, which became the first group in the UK to introduce a completely shaftless press – one that was operated remotely with significantly less vibration than previous systems.

As well as wife Dasa, he is survived by three children, Emily, Robbie and Martin, and his grandchildren, Charlotte and David.

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  • October 20, 2014 at 7:01 pm
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    Peter was a highly skilled visionary, an excellent boss and a pleasure to work for. A true gentleman, and one of life’s good guys. RIP Peter, you’ll be sadly missed.

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  • October 20, 2014 at 9:15 pm
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    Peter was a beacon of kindness, honesty and integrity when we worked together at the Lincolnshire Standard Group. He was immensely likeable and, somehow, he managed to stay calm when life at LSG was mayhem. His production staff loved him and we in editorial looked to him for words of wisdom and re-assurance. His death is such a sad loss to those who knew him and immeasurable for his wife and family. May you Rest In Peace Peter, you were a good man.

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