I’ve always thought it’s an important duty of any local newspaper (or website these days) to publish obituaries.
The lives of people who’ve made a difference to their communities should be publicly celebrated.
I know from the feedback I receive how much families appreciate tributes to their loved-ones being published.
I also know that many would see it as a sign of disrespect if their local paper didn’t bother, and it’s an area of regional journalism that publishers underestimate at their peril.
It suddenly struck me that I’m writing these life celebrations more and more, as a consequence of knowing a lot of people due to my own advancing years.
I don’t do it for any payment but because it matters and I enjoy writing about people.
The latest is today’s tribute to Norman Sturman, who made an invaluable contribution to local cricket in Darlington.
Here’s a reminder of some more tributes I’ve written about important local people over the past year:
HAUGHTON CRICKET LOCAL HERO NORMAN STURMAN: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/26093798.cricket-bat-guard-honour-local-hero-stormin-norman/
CHESTER-LE-STREET GOALKEEPER EMMA HENDERSON
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/25871042.tributes-footballer-winner-cancer-fight/
DARLINGTON CRICKET CLUB STALWART: Brian Johnson
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/25847878.darlington-cricket-club-leads-tributes-brian-johnson/
MUCH-LOVED PARISH PRIEST BOB SPENCE: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/25826794.special-send-off-priest-who-touched-innumerable-lives/
DARLINGTON MUSICAL THEATRE VOLUNTEER JOHN LLOYD
https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/culture/theatre/25691990.musical-farewell-true-gentleman-local-theatre/
DARLINGTON PUNCH AND JUDY ENTERTAINER BRIAN LLEWELLYN: https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/25464033.hundreds-pay-tribute-darlingtons-punch-judy-legend/
