Tributes to former `Independent' editor Aidan Pender

Warm tributes have been paid to former Irish Independent and Evening Herald editor Mr Aidan Pender, who died on Tuesday after a short illness.

Friends and former colleagues described Mr Pender (83) as a hands-on editor, a wonderful colleague and a witty and compassionate man.

Mr Pender's first job at Middle Abbey Street was in the works department but he went on to become editor of the Evening Herald in 1964 and Irish Independent editor six years later.

Dr Tony O'Reilly, executive chairman of Independent News & Media, said it was with great sadness he learned of Mr Pender's death. "He was a great editor - independent, astringent and witty. Beneath a severe exterior, he was a man of great warmth and compassion," Dr O'Reilly said.

"It was at the Evening Herald that he honed his editing skills and will be remembered as master of the enormous headline. It was, however, as editor of the Independent that I knew him best and will remember him with great fondness and respect."

Mr Liam Healy, deputy chairman of Independent News & Media, said Mr Pender learned his craft from the bottom up and applied it with great skill and dedication. Current Irish Independent editor, Mr Vincent Doyle, said Mr Pender had been one of the most influential editors in the State.

Mr Pender was Irish Independent editor for 11 years and then became editorial director and a member of the board of Independent Newspapers until his retirement in 1982.

He served as a lieutenant in the Local Defence Force during the second World War and was always interested in the Army. He was a lifelong supporter of An Oige, the youth hostelling group. Mr Pender leaves his wife Lil and their six children Sheila, Caitriona, Joanne, Kevin, Terry and Barry.

The removal will take place this evening to the Church of Our Lady of Victories, Ballymun Road, arriving at 5.30 p.m. The funeral will take place tomorrow after 10 a.m. Mass to Glasnevin Crematorium.

Mr Aidan Pender's obituary will be carried in The Irish Times on Saturday.