Obituary: Ron Sly

He had been admitted to hospital just before Christmas after a couple of falls and then contracted pneumonia. His son Christopher and daughter Jennifer said he died peacefully on 6 January with his family at the bedside.

Sly joined Reuters in 1965 from The Associated Press in the first wave of a succession of experienced journalists who transferred from the American agency’s London office. At the AP he had established a reputation as a solid deskman and at 85 Fleet Street, then Reuters' headquarters, he was quickly recognised as an editor who could make the most mundane copy sing. He became a senior member of a strong editing team producing Reuters World Service. On retirement in 1987 he was a chief sub-editor.

Michael Reupke, former editor-in-chief, remembers Sly as a constant bright light in the editorial department. “His wonderful smile and cheery greeting brightened even the gloomiest day.”

Sly's widow, Morag, is herself in hospital.

The funeral will be at Harwood Park Crematorium, Stevenage, on 28 January at 11:45 am.

Postscript: Morag Sly died on 3 February.

PHOTO: A World Desk party in 1988 shortly after Ron Sly’s retirement. Around the table, left to right, are Terry Blunsum, Ernie Mendoza, François Duriaud, Dave Matthew, Jim Flannery, Ron Sly and Peter Seymour. ■