Jack Hartzman

The old World Desk sign still hangs in the Canary Wharf newsroom, where a few of us have been around long enough to remember Jack’s clipped tones, steely gaze and forensic editing skills. For a trainee working alone on a late evening shift, it was an unnerving experience to pick up the phone and hear those three staccato words: “Jack Hartzman here.” You knew that the game was up: if your story contained the slightest weakness, imprecision or fudge, Hartzman would uncover it instantly. He was also a very generous man - years later, he and Vickie kindly gave us the run of their Southwold flat for a family seaside trip. RIP Jack, and thanks. ■