One of Scotland’s best-known business journalists collapsed and died at the weekend.
David Telfer, a former business editor of the Press and Journal, had worked with Aberdeen Journals for more than 35 years and was due to retire in March.
The Press and Journal reports today that the 64 year-old had been in an Indian restaurant in the town on Saturday evening when he collapsed at the table and could not be revived. He had been out for a meal with his son, Ross, when he became unwell.
A post-mortem examination is expected to be held today to establish the cause of his death.
Telfer originally from Hawick, joined Aberdeen Journals in 1973 from the reporting staff of DC Thomson, and initially worked in the editorial supplements department for both the Press and Journal and the Evening Express.
After a period as motoring correspondent, he joined the Press and Journal business desk in 1975. He was promoted to chief industrial correspondent before becoming business editor for three years.
He was then editor of North of Scotland Publications before returning to the business desk as a reporter in recent years.
Derek Tucker, editor of the Press and Journal, is quoted in the paper, saying: “David was one of the longest-serving current employees of Aberdeen Journals and there can’t be anybody in the business community in the north-east that didn’t know him. His knowledge of business and industry was second to none. His death is doubly tragic as he was due to retire in March.”
Send your tributes here.
“I dealt with David on a regular basis in the late 80 and early 90s when I worked for the Highlands and Islands Development Board (later Highlands and Islands Enterprise) and it was always a pleasure to work with him. He always had an amazing grip on the subject and his industry knowledge was truly encyclopaedic. Whether it was oil, agriculture or tourism, he knew the subject, the industry players, trends and his predictions were invariably spot-on. After a lifetime of dedication to the business community covered by the P&J’s circulation area it is a real shame that he didn’t get the chance to enjoy retirement.” Iain Fleming
“I wanted to say David Telfer was a really helpful editor to work for and I'm so sorry that he's died. He was too damn young to go and do that.” Gail Purvis
