Tributes to long-serving Whitehaven News photographer, John Story, 67

During his working life John, 67, was extremely well known throughout the whole of West Cumbria, the ever-present newsman with his camera at the ready, at the area’s many community events and top stories over a period of nigh on 40 years.

Kendal-born, he was a photographer with the Barrow Mail for a time before joining Cumbrian Newspapers in the late 1970s. Based at The Whitehaven News offices on Queen Street, he would also provide a picture service to the company’s other titles including the Times & Star, News & Star and Cumberland News.

Former Whitehaven News editor Colin Edgar said: "This is a dreadful shock and I send deepest sympathy to Mandy and the rest of John's family.

"So many readers will have known John. Like every newspaper photographer he was there for the milestones in people's lives - the first week at school, the school proms, the big wedding anniversaries, and those moments of triumph and tragedy.

"He had a knack of chivvying people along to get just the right photo because he had the photographer's eye, he knew what image would catch the reader's attention.

"As a paid-up member of the human race he would have a grumble when we piled 'just one more job' on him when he already had a to-do list as long as your arm. But when he came back to the office to process his pictures he would rush to show you the end results, justifiably proud in his craftsmanship.

"May you rest in peace, John. You've earned it."

CN Group chief executive Robin Burgess presents The Whitehaven News' photographer John Story with his gift to commemorate his 20 years' service with the paper in 2002 (Image: Newsquest)

Long-time colleague and former Whitehaven News reporter Margaret Crosby said: “John was always a pleasure to work with and was highly regarded for his photographic talent and his good natured interaction with the public, both important factors for the success of a local newspaper. His loss is deeply felt and our sympathies go out to Mandy and the family.

“John would be first on the scene when a big story broke, due to his wide network of local intelligence and, in pre-digital days, working to deadlines, would have the film processed, developed, printed and transmitted on to the news editors in double quick time. He covered every Royal visit, hundreds of carnivals, fetes, agricultural shows, sporting events….travelling many miles in the process.

“He was an accomplished technician and a safe pair of hands…..if a photo was needed at short notice, John would be the man to provide it. He had a tremendous knowledge of the area, its people and events and his lifetime legacy will be the many thousands of exceptional images he recorded of West Cumbria’s people and places during four decades. His atmospheric close-up of trail hounds leaping a fence became award-winning and much admired.”

John Story ready to capture the action during a Save Our Services march for West Cumberland Hospital in 2006 (Image: Mike McKenzie)

Mike McKenzie, who worked alongside John as a photographer for 20 years, said: “I came into the newspaper industry, joining John Story at The Whitehaven News. He immediately took me under his wing, befriended me and looked after me.

“He was always there for advice if I needed it. He was supportive and friendly and made me feel part of the group.”

Chris Morley, Northern & Midlands Senior Organiser at the NUJ, said: “John was a solid and loyal member of the National Union of Journalists having joined in the middle of the long hot summer of 1976.

“I’m not sure if that was what inspired his trade unionism, but John stayed with the union through thick and thin and he achieved life membership having completed more than 40 consecutive years.

“Not content with simply being a member, John also took on the role of Father of Chapel (workplace branch) where he was a strong advocate for his members at the Whitehaven News for many years. Even after stepping away from his excellent press photographer role, John continued his NUJ affiliations as chair of the West Cumbria branch.

“John was in every way respected by his colleagues and the union has lost a fine champion in the region.”