Obituary: Chris Catlin

"He was an exceptional, once-met-never-forgotten character who is going to leave a hole in our lives," said David Rogers, a former colleague.

Catlin joined Reuters in 1969. After excelling as a correspondent in Moscow and Bonn he switched to a career in management. His first two managerial posts were in the challenging areas of Israel and South Africa.

“In both places, supported by his wife, Shirley, he made a significant contribution to the growth of our business,” said Peter Holland, whose area management role included both countries. “He will be greatly missed.”

Subsequently he was appointed country manager in Germany, based in Frankfurt, and then in China.

Michael Reupke, former editor-in-chief, described Catlin "as one of the most successful managers in the tradition of distinguished correspondents who became distinguished national managers. I know he had the rare quality of being an excellent salesman with a keen understanding of markets which helped produce spectacular results first in Germany, then in China."

Catlin left the company in 1994. In recent years he produced three books: Brudersuche (2004), published in English as Fallen Brothers; Game for Gourmets (2007), a countryman's cookbook; and The Game Book (2007), a shooting anthology.

The funeral service has been set for 3:00 pm on Tuesday 24 February at St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire to be followed by a reception/wake nearby.

The church is opposite The George, the town's best-known hotel and a local landmark, and not far off the A1.

“Chris had one stipulation: no black ties!” David Rogers said. “Shirley and the children, Alex and Jenny, hope to see as many old friends and colleagues as can make it.” ■