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Regional daily photographer hailed as ‘true professional’ dies aged 62

Jeff PittA regional daily photographer described as a “true professional” had died aged 62.

Tributes have been paid to Jeff Pitt, pictured left, who worked for the North Wales Daily Post for 20 years.

His career on the Daily Post’s staff between 1992 and 2012 was sandwiched by two spells as a freelance.

One of his most recent jobs was covering a special screening of Star Wars film Rogue One in Rhyl which was attended by Spencer Wilding, who served as one of the body actors for Darth Vader in the movie.

Daily Post editor Andrew Campbell said: “Jeff was a talented photographer and a true professional. Always ready with a joke, Jeff could lighten the most serious meetings with his infectious humour and engaging smile.”

“He was one of the industry’s real characters who rightly became incredibly well-known and popular in the area he served for many years.

“He will be sadly missed by all his former colleagues and I am sure everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”   

After leaving the staff of the paper, Jeff set up his own photography business offering a wide range of services, including freelance press work, public relations, events and weddings.

Haydn Iball, the Daily Post’s head of images, first met Jeff early 1980s when he started out at the Flintshire Chronicle.

He said: “As photographers we often used to turn up on the same assignments. Jeff would always have a smile and a joke and brighten up the dullest of days.

“He has been very kind to generations of young journalists over the years, giving help, advice and the benefit of his vast experience.

“A great photographer, Jeff documented hundreds of key events. He is also well-known to many of people who he has photographed throughout his long career.”

Jeff, who had suffered a short illness, leaves behind wife Keri and daughter Kathryn.

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  • February 7, 2017 at 12:48 pm
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    Sad loss, never directly worked with Jeff but met him a few times while covering the same events and stories and always found him helpful. Nice man and good at his job. RIP

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