Former ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ weather forecaster lived 'amazing life'
Master mariner Craig Rich joined the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ South West team in 1978 and continued in the role for 25 years
- Published
The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's first regional weather forecaster has died aged 86 after living an "amazing life", his family has said.
Craig Rich joined the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Spotlight team in Plymouth in 1978 and held the position for 25 years.
The former presenter died on 1 December and leaves behind his wife Pat, to whom he was married for 62 years, and their three children Jo, Sarah and Thomas.
Mr Rich's family said he "died peacefully" and that it was now a time to celebrate his life.
Former ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Spotlight presenter Justin Leigh, said: "Whenever I think of Craig, I think of laughter. Smiling and laughter.
"He had a twinkle in his eye and an almost boy-ish love of telling jokes.
"So, no matter how stressful and panic-stricken the newsroom could be sometimes, the moment Craig arrived was a moment of joy every day.
"He brightened the day no end."
Mr Rich's family have said it is now time to celebrate his life
Mr Rich's career also saw him take on the role of head of the Department of Shipping and Transport at Plymouth Polytechnic as a lecturer and tutor.
In 1968, he was navigation advisor to the Sunday Times for the Round the World Yacht Race.
Prior to his career in media, he had joined the merchant navy after leaving Devonport High School for Boys at 16, and went on to captain ships around the world.
The main routes he sailed were between South Africa and the UK.
Mr Rich was a fully-qualified master mariner and an extra master mariner.
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