Newspaper Article 1999 – Newspaper, skating identity dies

Newspaper, skating identity dies

ROGER MORONEY

Napier newspaper and skating rink stalwart Ray Rees died last night, aged 83.

Mr Rees spent all of his 50-year working career with the Daily Telegraph, rising to the position of assistant and sometimes acting editor.

He became affectionately known to those alongside him as “Jaffa” – hard on the outside but soft on the inside.

His meticulous, uncompromising work ethic, coupled with a sharp sense of humour, were qualities which ensured he became a mentor to many people moving through the newspaper business.

He was equally devoted to skating, and was instrumental in helping set up the present Napier Skating Club on Marine Parade, where he was president for more than 25 years.

A part of skating since 1937, he was equally comfortable in the company of royalty who visited the facility, and young children, including members of his own extended family, whom he encouraged in the pursuit.

Mr Rees and his brother Doug created a unique record in the newspaper industry, working together at the Daily Telegraph, from bottom to top.

Born in Hastings in 1915, and educated in Hastings and Napier, Mr Rees joined the Daily Telegraph as office boy in 1930.

He moved into a position as a cadet reporter a short time later, and recalled in an interview a couple of years ago how he had to burrow out of the collapsed readers’ room after the 1931 earthquake.

“It was the biggest shake-up in my career,” he said with a laugh.

He moved through the journalism ranks to become a general reporter, chief reporter, cable sub-editor, chief sub-editor, assistant editor and acting editor.

“Like one big family,” was how he described his newspaper years, upon his retirement in 1980.

As well as his devotion to skating, Mr Rees was a keen sportsman and played both table tennis and cricket to a high level.

He was a member of the Hawke’s Bay and Technical junior cricket teams and followed the game avidly.

Mr Rees was seriously hurt in a road crash which resulted in the death of his wife Eileen, near Palmerston North in 1993.

He is survived by one of his two daughters, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

His funeral will be held on Friday at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church, Napier.

Photo caption – RAY REES … president of the Napier Skating Club for more than 25 years.