Saluting legendary former editor-in-chief, David Hill
David Hill, former editor-in-chief of Cape Community Newspapers, now known as Cape Community Media, died at Mediclinic Constantiaberg Hospital on Monday August 12, after a battle with cancer.
He was 79 years old.
Mr Hill was born in the village of Linton in Cambridgeshire on May 26, 1945, and started his journalism career at Eastern Counties Newspapers in Norwich.
He retired from the then Cape Community Newspapers – where he was instrumental in launching several new titles readers have come to know and trust – in December 2007.
Those who knew him said he had “ink in his veins”, and was instrumental in shaping community journalism, and believed that local stories could shape and unite communities.
His career spanned decades, during which he became known for his excellent sense of humour, sharp editorial eye, and love for breaking news stories.
Outside the newsroom, Mr Hill was a devoted family man, loved hiking and the outdoors. In recent years, he managed a hiking group for the University of the Third Age (U3A), every Monday for almost 10 years, and was an avid tennis player.
Those who knew him fondly recall his love of his family, grandchildren, and the abundant energy with which he approached life.
His family celebrated his life during a memorial service on Saturday August 17, at Silvermine Retirement Village in Noordhoek.
In his eulogy, his son Stuart said his father was a ray of sunshine that could brighten the gloomiest day.
“Dad was not physically strong but had an iron determination for what he believed in, he fought his final struggle with so much bravery. His request to pass peacefully was honoured but not before he fired off a few shots with a banana from his hospital bed at his grandchildren with a hospital bowl on his head,” he said.
He said his father was determined to find the best in everyone, enjoy each moment and share his joy of being alive.
“Through my eyes as a child he never ceased to amaze me,” said granddaughter Amelia Hill at the service.
“He was tough and strong, had the best hats and the cleanest tennis serve I’d ever seen – the greatest granddad any child could ask for.
“Now through my young adult eyes, my granddad has shown me the meaning of love. Love for a wife who he simply adored. Love for nature and all its great wonders he’d explored. Love for family who he’d support through every small step. Love for sports and a love for spending time in the sun. He has shown me how to love life. To take advantage of every day and to enjoy the simplest of things because those are what matter the most.
“On behalf of the grandchildren, I’d just like to thank my granddad one last time for showing us the love every child deserves but we were lucky enough to have because of him.”
Sandy Naude, CEO of Africa Community Media, which publishes Cape Community Media, who worked closely with Mr Hill for many years, said he was a force of nature – a gifted soul with the ability to inhale life with great gusto.
“He was a seasoned journalist with a love of community news, his colleagues, sport, nature, and an entertainer on any occasion. His Freddy Kruger impersonation was legendary,” she said, adding that he was an editor who led from the front and took his role as a mentor very seriously.
“His life has left footprints on the hearts of his beloved family, his former colleagues and friends.”
Chantel Erfort, editor-in-chief of Africa Community Media, who succeeded Mr Hill in December 2007, said: “He loved journalism and was happiest when we were breaking a hot news story.”
She described him as a fun-loving man that pushed staff to be the best they could be.
“He was a mentor with whom I worked closely before I took over the editorship of CCN. I recall being invited to breakfast at his Constantia home where he and I ‘talked shop’ while Lynne briefed André (Ms Erfort’s husband) on what was required of the spouse of an editor. She went into great detail about what to pack for lunch,” Ms Erfort said.
Cape Community Media editor, Simonéh de Bruin, who also worked closely with Mr Hill, said he never asked any of his staff to do anything he wasn't prepared to do himself.
“He had an impeccable work ethic and many of us benefited from his sharing of his knowledge, his experience, and of himself. He believed in the importance of community newspapers and his infectious enthusiasm, passion and vision contributed immensely to the longevity of our titles and brand and the trust that people have in us.”
Cape Community Media news editor, Graeson Haw, said Mr Hill lent a wonderful “Pythonesque” quality to the newsroom.
“I'm having flashes of him striding up and down in his fire marshal helmet and the ‘message for you, guv’ alert on his email. He could also spot an extra space in copy from across the newsroom. Go well, David Hill.”
Southern Mail reporter, Roshan Abrahams, said: “I remember David Hill as an energy bunny who was the first person to get to work and the last one to leave. Although he was a passionate journalist and hard-working editor, he always had time to crack a joke and spread positive vibes in the department. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.”
Former Constantiaberg Bulletin reporter, Karen Watkins, said it was through Mr Hill that, in July 2007, she found herself behind an Apple Mac computer after landing “a dream job” as a reporter on the Constantiaberg Bulletin at Cape Community Newspapers.
“My greatest memory of David is when he would arrive at the office in Newspaper House with the boundless energy of a border collie happy to be with his flock of journos. Handing out comments and compliments – a new hairdo, a great story, a question about a sick family member, or a joke – he would be excited to be there, with us, where he was meant to be, ready to grapple with whatever breaking news or situation that came his way.”
Laura Knight, a Mountain Mondays hiker, said Mr Hill had been involved with U3A hiking for many years, and latterly as the leader of the Mountain Mondays group.
“His boundless energy, enthusiasm, sense of humour and never-say-die attitude rubbed off on all of us even when we were foot sore, weary and sometimes wet. He entertained us, challenged our knowledge of the English language, and everything else too,” she said, adding that he had excellent knowledge about flora and fauna.
“His bravery and positivity in trying to keep on fighting what ended up as a battle that could not be won, was more than most of us would have endured. We will miss you, David.”
Mr Hill is survived by his wife, Lynne, his two sons Greg and Stuart, their partners Hanim and Tammy and four grandchildren, Amelia, Tanya, Alice and Elio.