Gerry Clarkson: a singular talent

Gerry Clarkson's son James has crafted such a comprehensive and powerful tribute to his father that it's difficult to know what's left to say. It really is the Rolls Royce of obituaries.

My Reuters career broadly overlapped with Gerry. He distinguished himself through an enviable body of knowledge on UK equities. Some colleagues achieve distinction by spreading their skills across a plurality of postings and subjects. He eschewed this pluralistic approach and opted instead for a laser focus on a singular aspect of editorial activity. He stuck with what he knew best and reaped immense respect for that from all those econ contemporaries belonging to Generation Gerry.

Last century Reuters accommodated driven specialists as easily as those journos offering multi-talents. Let's hope this fine tradition persists. RIP Gerry. ■