Tributes have poured in for former Guardian boss Rex Pardoe who has died aged 85.

A four-decade career saw him rise from cub reporter to managing director of this newspaper group before his retirement in 1989.

The father of five and charity worker was born in Edmonton before moving to Chingford.

He fell in love with journalism after his very first job for the newspaper – interviewing the chairman of the Chingford Rabbit Club on how to supplement a meat ration.

Over the years Mr Pardoe rose through the ranks and became editor of the Walthamstow Guardian – with colleagues remembering him as a “true newspaper man” whose wit could be as stinging as his occasional furies.

Despite numerous calls from Fleet Street, Mr Pardoe remained at the Guardian during a time of huge change in the industry.

Mr Pardoe once said of his dedication to the Guardian: “I guess I just loved the job so much.
“We used to say we shouldn’t get paid for a job we loved doing.”

He was married to Rose (Lyn) Sawyer for 65 years, after meeting her during a country 
ramble.

Former Guardian sports editor John Burton remembered Mr Pardoe as a “mentor and friend” who was a “true enthusiast for the job”.

Mr Pardoe, who died on Wednesday March 19, is survived by his wife, a son and four daughters, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

His funeral is being held on Friday, March 28, at the City of London Crematorium’s North Chapel.