Stan Martin, who worked at the company for more than 40 years, played a key role in the shift from ‘hot-metal’ to computerised publications in the 1980s.
He died in the New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, on 6 May after a fall that occurred at his Bloxwich residence.
Mr Martin began working for the company in 1953, as a Linotype operator. This was during the era of “hot metal” typesetting when every page of a newspaper had to first be cast in metal before printing.
He was instrumental in the early 80s in the move to an electronic-only newsroom. It took several years for Fleet Street to adopt this technology.
He retired in 1992 at the age of 65. However, he remained in contact with many colleagues.
Maureen Stobart has known him for many years and described him as an ‘adorable chap’ who is highly valued because of his ability to adapt new technology.
Stan was sent to train on computerised linotypes, after he worked on hot metal machines. He was a clever man, she said.
He was someone who they could count on to learn everything and then teach it to others.
She told me that Mr. Martin is a passionate glider pilot in his free time.
Retired Express & Star director Richard Green said: “Stan was a much-loved family man, who was valued by everyone who worked in the composing room.
Stan worked for the firm for many years and retrained numerous times during this time. He was a nice guy.”
Olive Martin, the wife of Mr Martin, died around 10 years ago. The couple never had any children.
Janice Heeley, his niece, said that her uncle was fiercely independent until the end.
She said, “He was always a gentleman. We used to visit him often.”
We would always take him to the grave of his late wife, and he’d bring flowers. He always wanted to come with us when we took him shopping.
The funeral of Mr Martin will be held on the 19th June, at Cannock Chase Crematorium at Norton Canes. It will begin at 12.30pm. The Ivy House, Stafford Road, Bloxwich will host a wake.