Walter Fearn, former DC Thomson children’s publications managing editor

DC Thomson’s former children’s publications managing editor has died, aged 85.

Walter Fearn passed away this week surrounded by family at his home in Carnoustie.

He is survived by his wife June, two sons and a daughter, six grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

Mr Fearn attended Newport Junior Secondary and Bell-Baxter High School in Cupar before starting work at The Beano in 1950. He was subsequently promoted to chief sub-editor and given the job of starting the company’s nursery titles in 1961.

He joined the editorial management team of the children’s publications in 1979, became managing editor and represented DC Thomson at publishing fairs around the world.

He was involved in the transfer of some of the best-known comic characters, including Dennis the Menace and Desperate Dan, to TV and video.

Mr Fearn’s interests included football, golf, cinema and travel.

In his younger days he was a successful amateur footballer, playing for Wormit in the Midlands Amateur League, and was captain of the Editorial All-Stars team.

He was also president of the Dundee Cine Society and was involved in producing a range of films, from comedy to animation.

A family man, Mr Fearn enjoyed holidays to Greece, the Canaries and Lanzarote.

His wife June, said: “He was a very caring husband, a real family man.

“He loved his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchild and also loved our holidays abroad.”