Nick Kotch - courage, tenacity and quality

I mourn the passing of Nick Kotch, but I am also proud to celebrate his life.

It was a privilege to work with him and handle his copy on the World Desks in New York, London and Hong Kong. I always appreciated his courage and tenacity in reporting from the far reaches of Africa in the remarkable tradition of Reuters.

To see that Reuters still fields 2,600 journalists more than 40 years after I joined is testimony to its legacy and value to the world, especially in this increasingly hostile environment for news.

Nick epitomized the quality and durability of so many colleagues who I met and worked with from February 1983 to November 2006 - they share the unmistakable trademark of truth, objectivity and stamina as well as collaboration and collegiality.

 I will hoist a glass to Nick and all our colleagues around the world. ■