David Challinor, who was news editor of Optician for 10 years and a former editor of Optometry Today, died on May 29 aged 50 following a heart attack.
Challinor attended Rock Ferry High School in Birkenhead and studied English and media at Bournemouth University. He worked for five years at publisher Benn Brothers as a news editor, then for construction and maritime titles prior to joining Optician in 1996.
As long-time news editor on Optician, he enjoyed reporting on optical politics and interviewed many of the heads of the professional organisations as well as senior figures in practice, retail and manufacturing. Optician editor, Chris Bennett, said Challinor was known for his tenacity, thoroughness and no-nonsense approach to news reporting.
Former editor Alison Ewbank was also among those paying tribute, adding: 'Gentle and genial, interested in anything and everything, David was a much-loved colleague and friend to many. In his personal life he was a devoted family man with a huge range of interests and enthusiasms.
In 2006 he left Optician to edit the Association of Optometrists' publication Optometry Today, becoming editor in chief from 2009 to 2012. At OT he managed a team of journalists and freelancers, on both the print and online publications, and established its web television channel.
Latterly Challinor worked at the Oxfordshire-based offices of Reed Elsevier as an assistant editor on a number of business to business titles. He also spent nine months up until September 2013 as media director of Redhill Football Club where he edited the Ryman League club’s programme, developed a new website and managed its social media output.
Challinor had a keen interest in film and history, travel and current affairs. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Wales at rugby and football, and New Zealand at cricket.
He leaves a wife, Sara Challinor, who is Optician art editor, and daughter Lucy.