Fred Jackson, a former managing editor of the Cape Breton Post known for his good humour and love of sport, died Wednesday. He was 54.
Mr. Jackson left the Post last year after serving as a senior manager for 18 years.
He was recently interviewed by the newspaper about a new business venture in Sydney. Though he declined to say what it was, the Post reported that it was a proposed microbrewery.
Anita DeLazzer, the paper's publisher and general manager, said Mr. Jackson had two great passions.
"First and foremost was his family," said Ms. DeLazzer, a colleague of Jackson's for the past six years. "That always came first. He was a tremendous family man.
"Second was his love for journalism, especially sports."
Ms. DeLazzer described Mr. Jackson as a humorous man with a big heart.
"He always wanted to see the good in people," she said. "He always tried to find the humour in stories. He was also a tremendous community volunteer. He'll be missed by Cape Breton."
A native of St. John's, N.L., Mr. Jackson started his media career as a sports reporter with the St. John's Daily News.
He later moved to the St. John's Telegram, where he was appointed sports editor and assistant managing editor.
Outside the newsroom, Mr. Jackson was a tireless supporter of the local sports community.
At the age of 14, he started a softball program with just three teams. The program eventually grew to include more than 500 players.
As a coach, he took nine softball teams to Canadian championships with the clubs winning five medals, plus a fourth-place finish at the 1989 Canada Summer Games.
In 1991, Mr. Jackson was named coach of the year by Softball Canada.
Mr. Jackson was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame in October 2005.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and five daughters. His only sibling, Craig, is a news editor at the Telegram.
Ms. DeLazzer said the newsroom at the Post was in a state of shock Wednesday.
"Our entire staff here at the Post want to extend our deepest condolences to Beatrice, his daughters and his entire family."