My friend, Vernon Scott, was a legend in local journalism. His career spanned 50 years and this remarkable fact didn't go unnoticed when he was presented to The Queen during a Royal Visit to Pembroke Dock in his retirement year.
"That's amazing Mr Scott" was her response which made for a cracking headline at the time.
I knew Vernon both as an adversary and a colleague.
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When I joined the old broadsheet West Wales Guardian, he'd been the Western Telegraph's Man in Pembroke Dock' for several years.
I soon discovered that everybody seemed to know Vernon Scott and if they didn't know him personally, they knew the name.
During my early rookie years our paths often crossed whether it was collecting obituaries from the house (a daily occurrence in those days) covering Pembroke Boro' AFC for our respective papers, attending council meetings or reporting the AGMs of local sports clubs.
I'm not afraid to admit that he scooped' me for than once, sniffing out stories that were right under my nose but it never affected our friendship and I learnt so much from him.
Later, when I joined the Telegraph, I had the privilege of working alongside Vernon and fully appreciating how good an operator he really was.
I remember one story in particular. It was Christmastime and Vernon was attending a function in the Lion Hotel, Pembroke. But down the street tragedy was unfolding when fire swept through a building, claiming the life of a young girl.
Vernon's first hand account of a terrible night was a stunning piece of writing.
He described how groups of young people, who only a few hours earlier had been celebrating the season of goodwill, gathered in silence outside the fire ravaged building as firemen recovered the body of the young victim.
They were, he said, witnessing death for the first time.
I have never forgotten that powerful article. It was as good a piece of writing I've seen by anyone, anywhere and I know I am not alone in thinking that.
Although he is always associated with the Western Telegraph, Vernon cut his teeth in journalism on the West Wales Guardian in Pembroke Dock where - like me - he learnt the ropes alongside the great Llewellyn Thomas.
You were never bored when Vernon Scott was around. He was a brilliant mimic and story-teller which made him ideal for amateur dramatics.
When I heard of his death on Sunday morning, I could hardly believe it. He was truly amazing.
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