Tributes to former Argus sub editor Mike Bacon

Mike Bacon would cycle each morning from his home in Lancing to his job at The Argus offices, then in Hollingbury, Brighton, where he was a popular member of the team.

He joined the paper in 1963 where he became chief sub editor, features editor and motoring correspondent, which often meant he could test fast cars in the sunshine.

“We had some lovely holidays abroad when he was testing the cars, he’s driven some lovely ones across the years,” said Mike's widow Sally.

Sally and Mike were married for 53 years (Image: Sally Bacon)

“He covered so many stories, but I remember we were watching the Red Arrows on Brighton beach when one of the planes clipped a yacht mast and crashed into the sea.

“I think the biggest story though was when the hurricane hit Brighton in 1987.”

Mike and Sally, 76, were married for almost 54 years and first met through a mutual friend.

The couple would go on to have four children, Elan, 52, Thomas, 48, Ellis James, 46, and Amy, 38, and six grandchildren, all of who enjoyed a close relationship with their grandfather.

“He would play with the grandchildren and he loved to make time for them,” said Sally.

Outside his 42 years at The Argus and busy family life, Mike’s passion was sailing. He was the secretary of Lancing Sailing Club for 17 years and enjoyed spending time aboard his Pacer.

Mike, front, was popular among colleagues at The Argus (Image: Submitted)

 But it was his sense of humour for which Mike will be remembered most.

“He would come out with a one liner and would laugh at his own jokes,” said Sally.

One of Mike’s former colleagues at The Argus, feature writer Vanora Leigh, remembered him as an unflappable leader and friend.

“For me, Mike was a kind and much respected colleague,” said Vanora.

“His calm professionalism in often challenging editorial circumstances was admired by all who worked with him.

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“He was chief news sub when I joined the Argus in 1980 and later became features editor when I worked with him directly.

“He had a lovely dry sense of humour and was popular with staff in every department of The Argus.”

Mike died of Parkinson’s disease on May 31. His funeral is being held in Lancing tomorrow.