{UAH} Tributes paid after death of 'greatly loved' former journalist who was once imprisoned in Uganda while covering story
|
7:44 AM |
No comments |
Tributes paid after death of 'greatly loved' former journalist who was once imprisoned in Uganda while covering story
John Fairhall
1 hour ago / Clacton and Frinton News
TRIBUTES have been paid to an acclaimed national journalist who had been imprisoned whilst covering a coup in Uganda.
John Fairhall, a former African correspondent for the Guardian died on Saturday aged 86 after a severe stroke.
Mr Fairhall had predicted a coup was imminent in Uganda by Idi Amin in 1971 and repeatedly returned to the country despite the risk to his own life.
In September 1972 Mr Fairhall was imprisoned in Makindye prison in Kampala for four days and heard other inmates sledgehammered to death.
Six months after being released he was named international correspondent of the year by the International Publishing Corporation for his hard work and bravery.
Upon returning to England he was appointed the paper's education correspondent, before being promoted to section editor. He eventually retired in 1989.
Having been born in Clacton in 1928, he was evacuated to Kidderminster during the Second World War in 1940 after a German plane carrying sea mines crashed in the town.
Mr Fairhall moved to the Mistley area in 1988 where he was able to indulge his passion for sailing as a member of the Stour Sailing club.
His Dutch scow Roker was often seen on the River Stour and other areas around the east coast until ill health prevented him from continuing.
Wife of 56 years Frances paid a glowing tribute to her husband who she met while they both worked as regional reporters in Norwich.
She said: "He was a man of integrity with a great sense of humour who was greatly loved by his family.
"When he was covering the Ugandan crisis our children were very small and it was a very worrying time.
"It was difficult keeping up with what was happening."
Mr Fairhall is survived by his wife, children William, Holly and Tom, three siblings and four grandchildren.
A private family burial will take place at Wrabness Church on July 13 followed by a remembrance of John's life at the same venue at 2pm.
The family has requested no flowers.
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com or Abbey Semuwemba at: abbeysemuwemba@gmail.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment