The former Grimsby Telegraph deputy features editor and co-founder of the journalism department at Lincoln University has died after a brave battle against cancer.
Much-loved Richard Gibson, 51, passed away in Louth County Hospital on Thursday with his family and friends by his side.
Richard, a keen actor, director and playwright, had rehearsed in the summer for a role he was due to play at the Louth Playgoers.
He and his wife Julie shared a farmhouse at Skidbrooke, near Louth.
She said: “I want everyone to remember all those good times with Richard and what a wonderful person he was.”
Richard went to Wintringham School, Grimsby, where he studied until 1973 and later graduated from the University of Kent, Canterbury, with a BA Joint Honours degree in history and French. He also did a postgraduate course at The University of Brussels.
He joined the Grimsby Telegraph in 1978 as a trainee and was appointed a sub-editor in 1982. Within two years he was deputy features editor, and was instrumental in helping to launch the Lincolnshire Choice magazine.
After leaving the paper in 1999 he co-founded the University of Lincoln’s Journalism Department where he taught hundreds in his six years of service.
Senior lecturer Bernie Russell said: “He was a very talented journalist with a real gift for words, and a good mate.”
Richard later joined Mortons publishing firm in Horncastle.
Telegraph editor Michelle Lalor said: “It is so sad that the life of such a capable, likeable man has been cut so short. Everyone here who knew Richard will hold fond memories of him and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
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