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Tribute edition of EADT for its former editor

A special tribute edition of Archant’s East Anglian Daily Times was printed for the funeral of former editor Ken Rice.

Nearly 200 family, former colleagues and ex-sporting team-mates gathered to say goodbye to Ken, who had been editor of the Suffolk Mercury Series, the Evening Star, and the EADT at a service of thanksgiving on July 3.

His editorship of the EADT, between 1982 and 1993, saw circulation climb to record levels. During his time as editor, the paper converted from broadsheet to tabloid.

Among those paying tribute to Ken, who died at the age of 73, was current EADT editor Terry Hunt, former sports editor Tony Garnett, and members of the family.

Terry described Ken as “a hugely significant figure’’ in the EADT’s 140-year history. Tony recalled Ken’s cricketing prowess as a young man, which saw him nicknamed “the run machine.”

He played alongside future England captain Keith Fletcher in the Essex Second XI, and could have become a professional cricketer, but chose journalism instead.

After the service, members of the congregation were given a special four-page edition of the EADT, produced in tribute to Ken.