A FORMER editor of The Sunday Post newspaper, has died, aged 73.
Russell Reid retired from the paper eight years ago after a career in journalism spanning nearly 50 years, but was still writing classical music reviews for Post sister title, The Courier, until a few months before his death.
Dr Reid joined post publishers, DC Thomson, as a general reporter in 1953, based initially at the Arbroath office and working principally for the group’s Evening Telegraph, The Courier and The People’s Journal.
After national service with the RAF, he returned to Dundee and in 1957 joined the features staff at the Sunday Post. He was appointed the paper’s deputy editor in 1983 and then became editor six years later.
Dr Reid joined the Scottish Daily Newspaper Editors’ Committee the same year.
He was vice-chair from 1995-97 and chair from 1998-2000. From 1995 until his retiral, he was also Scottish representative on the Newspaper Editors’ code of practice committee.
Says The Courier: “Outside journalism, Dr Reid demonstrated a passion for classical music. He was a past-president of Tayside Organists’ Society, patron and former honorary president of Dundee University Music Society and honorary vice-president of Dundee University Operatic Society.
“His staunch support of the university and the active role he played in its musical life were recognised when he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2007.”
Dr Reid’s wife, Pat, a tutor in oral surgery, died 12 years ago. He is survived by their two daughters and three grandchildren.
