“Dick Williamson lived and breathed the Evening Express. He was an EE man through and through.”
Ex-Press and Journal boss Harry Roulston led tributes to his one time competitor, RJ Williamson, the retired editor of the Evening Express, who has died age 86.
Impressive
“I have nothing but good things to say about Dick. I was very impressed with him when we worked together. He was a man passionate about his job, Aberdeen and his church.
“He really was all about the Evening Express.”
Moray-born Richard J Williamson – known as RJ or Dick to his friends – was a past chairman of the Scottish Daily Newspaper Society editors’ committee and one of Scotland’s longest serving editors.
His 32 years with the paper included a long reign as editorial number two before taking the top job in June 1985.
Led through change
He oversaw the phasing out of hot metal production and the paper’s change from broadsheet to tabloid as well as being responsible for the paper’s coverage of all the major new events, including the Piper Alpha disaster.
Under Dick’s tenure the paper gained a reputation for life-saving campaigning of note being its drive to see more smoke detectors in the homes of Aberdeen families.
As an elder of St Machar’s Cathedral, which was near to his Bridge of Don home, the event closest to his heart was always the annual Evening Express Carol Concert.
Despite a pressing workload at the Aberdeen Journals Dick also made time for charity work. He was a former trustee of Aberdeen’s Chris Anderson Trust which assisted the development of sporting talent for young people in Grampian region contending with exceptional circumstances.
City’s tribute
In 1996 when Dick retired from the Express, Aberdeen Lord Provost Jim Wyness paid him tribute.
He said: “On behalf of Aberdeen District Council and citizens of Aberdeen I would like to wish Richard ‘Dick’ Williamson a happy retirement.
“He has been at the helm of the Evening Express, serving as editor, for many years. And he has seen the newspaper, just like our city, change over the years.
“Regional newspapers are an integral part of community life informing readers of decisions that may affect them, especially those in the Town House. They are not just about headline melding but they provide information on valuable community matters. Our thoughts are with Dick on his retiral day.”
Final farewell
Mr Williamson passed away suddenly at Torry nursing home, on Monday, October 24.
He is survived by his wife Lesley, his children George and Julie, and their spouses Claire and Peter. He was also doting ‘grumps’ of Kyle, Corey and Ava, and grandad of Alethea and Hector.
His funeral was to take place on Monday, November 14 at St Machar’s Cathedral, Aberdeen.
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