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Senior regional print production journalist dies aged 63

1598655719756A long-serving newspaper production chief who spent more than 30 years with a regional publisher has died aged 63.

Peter Morrell enjoyed a 45-year career in journalism, most notably at Reach’s Welsh subsidiary Media Wales which he joined in 1995, holding numerous roles including head of multimedia.

He was also night editor of the Western Mail for many years, the first digital editor of Wales Online and more recently a regional sub-editor in the publisher’s print production team.

Peter, left, died suddenly during the Christmas and New Year break, prompting tributes from colleagues past and present.

Neil Fowler, who originally brought Peter to the Western Mail in 1995, told HTFP: “Peter was a great journalist who loved the regional press and understood how it could be made to succeed.

“He was fully involved with me on two major projects: he was deputy sports editor, then sports editor, on The Journal in the northeast when we converted it in to an authoritative tabloid in the early 1990s; and then he followed me to Cardiff in 1995 to help lead the night production team as we re-modelled The Western Mail.

“On both papers Peter played a consummately professional role which helped bring the great success that both The Journal and The Western Mail enjoyed at the time.

“It is so sad that he should die so young.”

Reach editorial director Paul Rowland said: “I know first-hand from working alongside Pete for many years what a wonderfully kind-hearted colleague he was, not to mention a top-class journalist.

“Pete – who actually interviewed me for my first job – was a senior figure on the Western Mail for many years, and the first person to hold the position of digital editor for WalesOnline.

“More recently, he played a key role in the sub-editing group of our regional print production team.

“My thoughts are with his wife Anna and the rest of his family, as well as Pete’s colleagues in the print production team, and all those who worked closely with him over a long career in this business. He’ll be much missed.”

Head of print for Reach regionals Jonathan Roberts added: “Peter dedicated his working life to regional news. He simply loved the job, and was comfortable in every area of the newsroom, from print to digital, content to production, front page to back.

“His passion, skill and versatility made him the natural choice for a number of editorial management roles he held during his career. He led with confidence, because he understood the business so well, but always with a smile and a sense of fun that made him such a popular figure. So many colleagues, myself included, very quickly became firm friends.

“In recent years, Peter achieved his dream of living on the West Wales coast, doing the things he loved most: spending time with his wonderful family, improving his golf – one of his many sporting passions – while never being too far away from a newspaper.

“We will miss him dearly, and our thoughts are with Peter’s wife, Anna, their children, and wider family and friends.”

Peter leaves wife Anna, children Jonathan and Rebecca and sister Jill.

His funeral will take place on Friday 24th January at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 10.45am, followed by a service at St Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, at 2pm.