More sad news I'm afraid .....I have to announce the death of a former Belfast Telegraph photographer Mervyn Dowling who I was told about today by the current editor of the Belfast NewsLetter Ben Lowry and when I went looking I found an obituary/tribute wriitten by Maureen Coleman and here is what she wrote:

By Maureen Coleman
Mon 21 Feb 2011 at 1

Former Belfast Telegraph photographer Mervyn Dowling has died at the age of 67.

A past chairman of the Northern Ireland Press Photographers’ Association and a well-known face in the local media, Mervyn died in hospital early yesterday morning following a short illness.

Described by his friends and former colleagues as “one of life’s true gentlemen”, Mervyn was a talented photographer who won many awards throughout his career for capturing key moments in sport, news and features.

Before joining the Belfast Telegraph, where he worked for more than 25 years, Mervyn learned his trade at the Ulster Star in Lisburn. He joined the Belfast Telegraph, where he was an integral part of the photographic team and a popular member of staff.

In 2006 he retired to spend more time with his family and to indulge in his favourite pastime — fishing. Paying tribute to Mervyn, Belfast Telegraph Picture Editor Gerry Fitzgerald said: “Mervyn was an outstanding people photographer, who could always get the best out of everyone he photographed.

“He worked here during the Troubles and won awards for his news photography but also for features and sport.

Learn more
“When I first started out he was one of the photographers who helped me and took me under his wing. He was a very gregarious, larger than life character and great company. He will be sorely missed and my condolences go out to his family.”

Chairman of the Northern Ireland Press Photographers’ Association Alan Lewis also praised Mervyn for his photographic |talent and “stoic wit and charm”.

He said: “Mervyn was a key man in keeping NIPPA going and progressing its development through difficult times.

“He stepped in to take over at the helm when the Association was drifting and his energy, enthusiasm and drive brought us back on course to the strong position we are in today.

“Mervyn always had style and was immediately recognisable on the ground when he went out on a job. A superb photographer, his stoic wit and charm both socially and professionally made it a personal and professional pleasure to work alongside him and to call him a friend. A fun-loving family man, he always brought the sun with him where he went and he will be sorely missed.”

Mervyn is survived by his wife Renee, three daughters and five grandchildren.