Reg Watts set standards that endure - and changed my life

Reg Watts changed my life and was one of the best bosses and mentors I have ever had. The standards he set influence and guide me still, and doubtless many others, in an age when the way in which journalists operate is always in the spotlight.

When I was abroad, especially in the Netherlands, his contacts and authority in the world of commodities opened doors. His constant encouragement, on visits and from London, helped me to appreciate far more what extra news there might be within and around the markets (and natural and man-made disasters). Anyone who was anyone in commodities seemed to know and respect Reg.

Back in London on Commodities Desk, I learned even more from his knowledge and insights and, occasionally, from his explosive eruptions when we or others had messed up. Setting those infrequent outbursts aside, he was a “real gentleman”, generous with his help and time, genuine through and through and totally committed to whatever he did.

He was a great example of how to be a business journalist. He guided me towards taking over from him in running Reuters Foundation business news workshops for local journalists from eastern/central Europe and the former Soviet Union as states, economies and journalism there changed radically.

Twenty years on I am still teaching, more now at university level, and I often think of Reg, while the example of Reg’s late wife, Jean, his great support in his career and in aiding so many young journalists, helped my wife, Janet, in turn. Gone but never forgotten, as various messages of condolence from journalists around the world underline. Sorry for the cliché, Reg. ■