Tributes paid to former Argus employee Roger King, who has died at 81

Roger King worked in the press hall at the Evening Argus, as it was then known, from 1975 until 1989.

He had began his career at Southern Publishing Ltd in 1962 as a hand compositor, arranging the text and pictures in the newspaper, before transferring to The Argus for 14 years.

Roger, who lived in Patcham for 60 years, died peacefully at his home on December 17.

Born on September 26, 1939 in Gloucestershire, Roger suffered a difficult start in life after contracting bovine tuberculosis at the age of seven.

Roger was a keen cyclist throughout his life

He had to wear a plaster cast on his torso for two years as the illness affected his spine, and attended various sanatoriums until he was 11.

After his family moved to Worthing, Roger became a pupil at Chailey Heritage School and later moved to Brighton, where he began his long term career in publishing.

Kathy Holloway, who also joined The Argus in 1975 as an office junior, remained good friends with Roger all his life and said he found "another family" with colleagues at The Argus, who held reunions every year until 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kathy said: "‘Friendships are like the plants Roger grew – you never knew how they were going to turn out but ours lasted many years and despite the odd blip it blossomed.

"If you had a problem Roger would want to help you find a solution.

"His optimism, kind-heartedness and cheerfulness made him a pleasure to know and his stoicism, much needed in the last few years, never failed him.

"When you asked him 'how are you' the answer was always 'not too bad', and when you said 'see you later', he’d always reply, 'god willing'."

Roger was a keen cyclist and fisherman throughout his life, although he never learned to swim.

He could often be found enjoying a Guinness at the Ladies Mile pub in Patcham and watching the horse racing, and would always spend his winnings on refreshments for old friends at the annual reunion for Argus colleagues at The Ladies Mile.

Roger on his 80th birthday

Roger was also described by his friends and carers as an "extremely talented" gardener, who grew fresh fruit and vegetables and roses, which he was always eager to share with his neighbours.

One of his carers said: "Roger was a true gentleman – generous, kind and thoughtful. He always wore a smile and remained so positive always.

"He loved his garden, especially his roses. He would always go and make you cut those in bloom off the bush and take them home – I’ll miss my red roses.

"Roger, we will all miss you and your caring, kind nature."

Roger's funeral will be held on Friday at 2pm at Woodvale Crematorium.

The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend due to the pandemic, at www.obitus.com.