FORMER Sun wordsmith Alan McQuillan — a sub-editor on the paper for 27 years — has died at 65.
Alan began his career in 1977 as a trainee reporter in Widnes before switching to subbing on the Western Daily Press.
He moved to London to write BBC news bulletins at Broadcasting House and also worked for The Observer, Daily Mail and The Sunday Times.
Alan joined The Sun in 1988 and it became his long-term home as he helped guide a generation of young journalists.
After retiring as deputy chief sub-editor in 2015, he could not give up the job.
Much to his family’s amusement, Alan would “sub” everyone’s conversations and check the paper every day to “maintain The Sun’s high standards”.
A proud family man, who loved playing tennis, he would have been 66 today. He leaves a wife, Janet, and two daughters.
