Ron Sly
Ron Sly: The final word
Sunday 30 January 2011
Sly, former chief sub-editor on the London World Desk, died on 6 January aged 83.
Some of his poems were recited during the proceedings attended by Allan Barker, Mike Hughes, Derek Parr, Anne Sawyer and Peter Seymour, and at the end the following note, left by him with his Will, was read aloud by his son Christopher:
I am dead.
I couldn’t resist that dramatic opening and – since someone is now reading this piece – it must be a true statement.
The act of dying is bound to be dramatic, posing as it does, the question: “What comes next?”
It is the most exciting question ever asked because no living person can ever know the answer.
I am dead and therefore finding out.
So, please, try and share my excitement and don’t spoil it for yourselves by too much gloom and morbidity.
There was more comedy in my life than tragedy (the disappointments only helped to make the satisfactions greater) and I see no reason why death should change the mood for long.
And, do have a get-together. Good fellowship was one of the joys of my life. Let it ease the shock and lighten the load for those who have to tidy up after me.
I had good fortune, a wonderful wife and family and plenty of fine friends.
So, put on some music, raise your glasses and join me in saying: “Thank you for having me, life. It’s been great.”
Ronald Sly
Obituary: Ron Sly
Saturday 15 January 2011
He had been admitted to hospital just before Christmas after a couple of falls and then contracted pneumonia. His son Christopher and daughter Jennifer said he died peacefully on 6 January with his family at the bedside.
Sly joined Reuters in 1965 from The Associated Press in the first wave of a succession of experienced journalists who transferred from the American agency’s London office. At the AP he had established a reputation as a solid deskman and at 85 Fleet Street, then Reuters' headquarters, he was quickly recognised as an editor who could make the most mundane copy sing. He became a senior member of a strong editing team producing Reuters World Service. On retirement in 1987 he was a chief sub-editor.
Michael Reupke, former editor-in-chief, remembers Sly as a constant bright light in the editorial department. “His wonderful smile and cheery greeting brightened even the gloomiest day.”
Sly's widow, Morag, is herself in hospital.
The funeral will be at Harwood Park Crematorium, Stevenage, on 28 January at 11:45 am.
Postscript: Morag Sly died on 3 February.
Photo: A World Desk party in 1988 shortly after Ron Sly’s retirement. Around the table, left to right, are Terry Blunsum, Ernie Mendoza, François Duriaud, Dave Matthew, Jim Flannery, Ron Sly and Peter Seymour.
