Obituary: Colin Bickler

Born in Leeds of joint British and New Zealand nationality, after university in Wellington Bickler worked for two years in the New Zealand civil service before beginning his journalistic career as an industrial reporter on The Dominion newspaper in Wellington. He then freelanced and did some radio work including time in South East Asia for NZBC until 1965 when he joined Reuters and worked initially on the Eastern Desk in London. Two years later came the first of a succession of foreign assignments, first to Kuala Lumpur then, after a spell back at head office, to Tel Aviv, Manila, Nairobi, Karachi and Istanbul before completing a quarter century with the company as manager, video production in the corporate relations department.

Following retirement at the end of 1990 Bickler enjoyed lecturing and passing on colourful tales of his experiences to students on the journalism course at City University, London.

The funeral took place on Sunday.

PHOTO: Colin Bickler at the Baron’s Bash, London in March 2012. ■