A FORMER general manager of The Cornishman died peacefully last month aged 81.

Frank Ernest Munday passed away on February 22 in Poole Hospital, Dorset.

His second wife, Carrie, had died just five days earlier, aged 74, after a short illness.

Born in Delabole in 1928, he was the son of a naval officer who went on to run the village post office.

Mr Munday joined the Western Morning News around 1950, where he worked in accounts until 1971.

His Cornish heritage meant a lot to him so he was especially proud when the opportunity arrived to take over at The Cornishman.

It was a transitional period for the newspaper business when Mr Munday came to Penzance.

As general manager he would oversee and deal with the implications of industry-wide changes for the Cornishman until he retired due to ill health in 1984.

In retirement he became a keen bowls player both in Cornwall, then later in Bournemouth and, until quite recently, would regularly attend the Cornishman Christmas lunches.

Editor

Former chief reporter of The Cornishman Douglas Williams, who worked with Mr Munday at this paper, said: "He came down here from Plymouth when John Page was the editor.

"It was during a time of change in the industry.

"He brought a more modern way of doing business with him. A patient man, he was always well dressed and forever courteous with the general demeanour of a gentleman."

John Richards, who Mr Munday employed at The Cornishman, said: "He was a well liked man, everybody respected him – he was one of the old school of managers and was a good man to work for."

A reporter at The Cornishman during Mr Munday's time, Stephen Crossman, said: "He was a well respected man.

"As manager, he was always ready for a chat and had a keen sense of humour."

Mr Munday leaves a son, Geoff, daughter-in law Helen and grandchildren Jon and Lucy.

The funeral service was at St Aldhelm's Church, Branksome, Dorset, on March 8.

The family have requested donations be made to Cancer Research UK and are to be sent to Tapper Funeral Service, 32-34 Parkstone Road, Poole.