A MUCH-LOVED uncle and grandfather, who worked at the Daily Echo for more than three decades, has died at the age of 56.

Graeme Archer grew up in the Winton area of Bournemouth and became an Echo employee after leaving school at 15.

He rose to the rank of senior supervisor in the production department, following in the footsteps of his late father Mervyn who worked in the press room.

After 31 years’ service Graeme went to work at Westover Land Rover but ill health took its toll earlier this year.

Graeme, who lived in Bear Cross, died on September 2, three days after being admitted to Poole Hospital . Several of his former Echo colleagues attended his funeral service at Bournemouth Crematorium on Friday, September 14.

Advertising representative Alvin Jenkins said: “Graeme was a lovely, caring chap and always willing to help, which made the job so much easier.”

Paying tribute to her only son, Rita Archer, who still lives in the house at Cardigan Road where Graeme grew up, said: “He was a very giving person and had a great sense of humour. He was a very loving son and brother to Debbie and Trudy.

“Graeme enjoyed many happy hours at the Echo social club and holidays at the Echo cottage in Minehead.”

She added: “He also loved lake and deep sea fishing and we are planning to scatter his ashes near Old Harry Rocks.”