Ken Owen, former editor of the Sunday Times, has passed away.
Peter Malherbe, former news editor and managing editor of the Sunday Times, described Owen as a fine journalist and editor.
"While many found him to be difficult to deal with, I learnt to work with him and found him to be surprisingly kind and supportive. He was passionate about journalism and loved the world of newspapers. He was not one to sit in his office lording over those beneath him - he loved nothing better than to roam around the newsroom listening to the gossip of the day and offering advice to struggling reporters.
"We always knew we would have his backing, as long as we were fair and 100% accurate.
"One of my most vivid memories of him was the day South Africa won the Rugby World Cup in Johannesburg. We were right on deadline as the game went into extra time, but Ken insisted we wait for the outcome. A large group of us were sitting in his office and no-one was more jubilant when Joel Stransky kicked us to victory. I think he may have even shed a tear or two.
"His death is a sad loss to South African journalism."
As the news broke, people took to twitter to share their condolences and stories.
Read the speech Owen gave at his 80th birthday party below after discovering he had cancer:
Ken Owen 80th birthday speech by tom_627545025
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