In reply to Steve Ashton:
> I have particularly fond memories of 'Uncle' Walt because he gave me my first break as a writer. I still have that first, thrilling acceptance letter from 1977. Despite my young age and inexperience, he was always respectful of my efforts. And now it's too late to tell him how much his kindness and encouragement meant to me.
I so know that feeling. You can be the best writer in creation - but if your work doesn't reach an audience, it's not shared, the vital act of communication isn't made. And the people who first believed in you - or just took a chance on you - remain forever in your heart. For me, it was Tim Lewis and Gill Kent; for you, Walt Unsworth.
He was around a long time. My first memory was an article he wrote in a girl's comic annual ('Girl', I think) circa 1961. He was active for decades, did so much. Not as well-known as Ken Wilson but always there, quietly working away, extending his oeuvre, always giving us more.
A good use of a life. RIP.
Mick