Former Manchester Evening News art editor David Chesworth has died after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 75.
Born in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, David was 21 when he joined the MEN as a graphic designer straight from art school in Bolton in 1965.
Hired by legendary MEN editor Tom Henry, Dave served under four editors and was a key player in two of the newspaper’s most important developments – the switch to tabloid format and the introduction of colour.
A cartoonist and graphic designer, Dave was responsible for the appearance of maps, charts and explanatory diagrams accompanying editorial content. He also played a key role in the presentation of features including fashion pages and the hugely popular gardening column by celebrated horticulturalist Roy Bee.
When Dave retired in the mid-1990s he illustrated several books written by a friend about waterside walks in Lancashire, but gardening became his great love at the home in Sale he shared with Barbara, his wife of 50 years.
He was elected a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists in 1998.
The couple celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary last year, shortly before Dave was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent a major operation.
Barbara survives him along with their children, Cara and Dominic, and two grandchildren.
James Ross, former Executive Editor of the Manchester Evening News said: "It is very sad to hear of the death of another old friend and colleague. David was a stalwart of the picture desk, able to cope with any emergency - remaining cheerful no matter how difficult the task.
"Away from work, I owed him a personal thank you for designing a garden for me when I lived on top of the Pennine Moors. It was a garden I enjoyed for several years."
The funeral will take place next Thursday at St Joseph’s Church, Sale.
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