Ian Davies, who has died at the age of 71, was sports editor of the
BBC World Service when he retired in 1990. In the past few years he
fought bravely against respiratory problems.
Football and cricket
reporting were the joys of his professional life, but he could turn his
hand or voice to any sports subject.
His guidance sent many of
today’s World Service staff on their career paths and his soothing
words lifted many despondent people.
His career took him to the
Kettering Evening Telegraph, the Sydney Daily Telegraph, the Daily
Mail, the Sunday Express and then the BBC World Service.
Every
day, Davies parked his car in the courtyard of Bush House in central
London. When a World Service executive tried to end this perk, Davies
produced a doctor’s letter showing he needed it due to a bad knee. No
one ever proved the rumour that he’d entertained the doctor at a
favourite wine bar.
He leaves his wife June, son Trevor, daughter Sally-Ann and six loving grandchildren.
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