Manfred Pagel - much maligned and misunderstood

Manfred was much maligned and misunderstood. He was given a tough job and did it with honesty and integrity. I well remember the howls of outrage when he ruled Reuters would no longer carry the UK Top Twenty listings. But he carried on regardless with the bigger picture in mind. On a more personal note I found him a supportive and interested editor who gave respect and won it in return. On one memorable occasion I was called to a phone at Heathrow and found Manfred on the line. He wanted to know how I could have passed through London without dropping in for a chat to tell him how I was doing. He was genuinely interested even though I was no longer in his baronetcy.I was honoured in later life to be counted as a friend, albeit a distant one. RIP Manfred, one of the few Baronets who will be remembered. ■