A former splash sub-editor at the Evening Times newspaper has died.
It is believed Robert Weir passed away in his sleep on Sunday, after having completed a casual shift at the Sunday Mail newspaper on Saturday evening.
As well as being a sub at the Evening Times, he was also a National Union of Journalists' Father of Chapel at the paper.
He retired as a sub-editor at the Sunday Mail last year, aged 62. After leaving the Evening Times in 1985, he went on to work for The Herald and the now defunct Sunday Scot before joining the Sunday Mail.
Friend and colleague, Alex Mooney, who worked alongside him at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail, said: “He was a meticulous and brilliant tabloid sub from the old school and his proofreading skills were the stuff of legend. No repetition, echo, tautology or cliche survived his ruthless proofing eye and pages he read bore masses of marks for poor subs to correct. He was also a strict grammarian. Incorrect usage and dodgy syntax, which crept in over the years, sent him into a quiet rage.”
He added: “Busy sports editors desperate to get pages away on time would often plead with him to go easy, but Robert always refused to compromise his high standards.
“He fought and beat throat cancer over a long period and had many major operations on his mouth that left him struggling to eat solid food and speak properly. However, he endured all this with great grace and didn't complain. He will be sorely missed by his many colleagues and friends.
“Probably of more importance to Robert, will be his frustration that, with his passing, those standards he strived so hard to maintain will now slip even further. Tabloid writing and, indeed, the English language, has lost a precious talent.”
Robert will be cremated at Holytown Crematorium, Memorial Way, Motherwell, ML1 5RU on Friday at 3pm. Everyone welcome.
Send your tributes here or comment below.
“I had the privilege of knowing Robert for more than 40 years. When I thought I knew everything about subbing he taught me that in fact I knew sod all about sod all. He was brilliant journalist but that won't be his legacy. He was also a wonderful human being with whom I shared so much laughter and wisdom over the years. Robert enriched countless people's lives with his strength, courage, kindess and humanity. Arrivederci, my big mucker. It's Alright Now.” Den Whyte
“I had the pleasure of working with Robert for a number of years in First Press Publishing. A fantastic man and a great laugh to work with. You'll be missed, Roberto.” Rory Maguire
