Former newspaper photographer loses leukaemia battle

Former newspaper photographer loses leukaemia battle A photographer who worked on his local newspaper for 40 years and was awarded an MBE for his services to the county has died from leukaemia at the age of 76. "He was at the frontline of press photography for a number of years and then came back as a freelance writer in retirement. "We worked with one another at the Lincolnshire Echo for something like 35 years and I used to marvel at his knowledge and achievements. He wrote a column for the Echo, then a daily titile, for ten years following his retirement in 1996, becoming known as the king of echo nostalgia. "He was a lovely fellow who was really popular around the city and he was hugely knowledgeable. Peter was made an MBE in the 2003 New Year Honours' list in recognition of his services to Lincolnshire. "Peter will be remembered with affection for years to come. Peter is survived by his wife Patricia, 69, daughters Sarah Washbourn, 36, a photographer at the Sheffield Star, and Jo-Ann Davey, 41, sons Martin, 47, Andrew, 46, and Ian, 44, and five grandchildren. Mike Sassi, editor of the Echo between 1999 and 2007, said: "As journalists we had the utmost respect for him. Patricia told the Echo that it was Peter's birthday on the Saturday before he died but he was so ill he couldn't open his cards. "Had I ever been a contestant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and a question came up about Lincoln, he would have been my telephone a friend. The couple would have celebrated 50 years of marriage next September. "He was a great local historian and this was reflected in the many bygone articles and books he wrote for the Echo. Peter Brown, formerly the Echo's Gossiper columnist said: "Peter was one of the most dedicated and accomplished photographers I have ever known. In a tribute piece in the latest edition of the Echo, Peter is described by his son Martin as 'to Lincoln what David Attenborough is now to natural history. A funeral  service will be held at noon on Monday 16 April at St Swithin's Church, St Swithin's Square, Lincoln, followed by Lincoln Crematorium at 1pm. Former newspaper photographer loses leukaemia battle Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 03/04/2012