Death of former Journal photographer (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Death of former Journal photographer

12:26pm Thursday 14th February 2008 in News

KEN Upton, who for many years recorded life for the Journal through the lens of his camera has died at his home in Elmley Castle aged 67.

"Ken lived for photography. It was far more than just a job," said his wife Vivien. "He was also a very sociable man who just adored his children, Matthew, Jonathan, Daniel and Kate and me."

Born in Coalville, Leics, to a mining family. he began his career as a dark room technician and trainee photographer, studying photography at day release classes.

His first newspaper was the Coalville Times at the age of 19 when he was told he would have to go when he was 21 as the paper could not afford to keep a senior photographer. So at 21 he joined the Windsor Slough Express where he photographed every member of the Royal family and visiting film stars.

His next move took him to the Matlock Mercury, a small paper which he helped put on its feet before the urge to join a larger company led him to the Journal in 1964. He became chief photographer two years later and during the next 18 years he became a well- known figure at all events in the area.

Mr Upton then became picture editor for the Berrows Group and Worcester Evening News and was group picture editor when he left the company in 1991 to start his own business specialising in weddings, family events and PR work.

He also used his talents in voluntary work, particularly with Evesham Operatic and Dramatic Society, the Fine Arts Society and Elmley Castle Cricket Club.

Mr Upton had a great love of jazz, some of which will be featured at a celebration of his life at St Mary's, Elmley Castle, next Wednesday (February 20) at 2pm, followed by burial. Family flowers only but donations may be made to the Royal School for the Blind through Philip Tomlins, funeral directors at The Leys, Evesham.