One of Kent’s most respected journalists has died at the age of 78.
Award-winning Trevor Sturgess was well known as the Kent Messenger Group’s business editor.
Trevor Sturgess won the outstanding contribution award at KEiBA Gala Dinner 2013
Although he retired in May 2013, he still played an active role in the county as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant.
The 78-year-old’s wife Sue said an ambulance was called for Trevor last night because he was having issues breathing.
But unfortunately, it arrived too late to help him.
Ian Carter, chief operating officer of the KM’s parent company Iliffe Media, has paid tribute, saying: “Trevor was a hugely respected and influential journalist.
“His exceptional business coverage was trusted, authoritative and his stories resonated far beyond the business community – he will be sadly missed.”
Former KM Group chairman Geraldine Allinson has also paid tribute.
She said: “Trevor was an award-winning, talented well-respected journalist and a lovely colleague. He really cared about his work and the people he worked with.
“As editor of Kent Business, he covered the commercial heartbeat of Kent for many years. His articles were read by a huge number of people and every MD, FD and CEO in Kent knew his name.
Trevor Sturgess has died, aged 78
“Trevor became a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent and after he retired from KM he supported the Lieutenancy through his writing. He also helped to promote literacy in Kent as a trustee of the Acorns Read and Grow Charity.
Former Medway Messenger editor David Jones also paid tribute to his long-time colleague and friend.
He said: “I am so saddened to hear this dreadful news. I worked alongside Trevor in one capacity or another for more than 30 years.
“Together we organised the Medway Business Awards, which ran for more than 20 years after the closure of Chatham Dockyard.
“Medway Council was the main sponsor. The aim was to help regenerate industry in the Towns. Trevor was totally dedicated to his role as editor of Kent Business and gave 100% plus to the job.
“On a personal level, my wife Lynda and I are shocked because we were great friends socially with Trevor and his wife Sue.
“Trevor’s untimely death has left a gap in Kent journalism which will be hard to fill.
Trevor Sturgess was the editor of Kent Business
“Trevor and Sue were planning a big holiday early next year to Peru and the Falklands and Trevor had only recently been telling me how much they were looking forward to it.
“It was always lovely to see Trevor and Sue occasionally when at events in Kent and it is very sad to know this won’t happen again. My heart goes out to Sue and their family.”
Trevor joined the KM Group in 1987, two weeks before the Great Storm, initially working in the Gravesend and Dartford office.
He set up the business desk in the early 1990s, based at the Evening Post offices in High Street, Chatham.
In 1993, he moved to KM Group’s Larkfield HQ, where he co-founded with Brian Paine the monthly Kent Business.
Before joining the company, he had been a journalist in the Middle East where he reported on sport, diplomatic and environmental issues.
He also interviewed sporting legends like Pele, Kevin Keegan and Lester Piggott.
As well as Sue, Trevor also leaves daughter Zoe.
