Tributes paid to Lewis Murray Thomson, a stalwart of the newspaper industry

The life and contributions of Lewis Murray Thomson, a beloved figure in media.

Tributes paid to Lewis Murray Thomson, a stalwart of the newspaper industry
Warm tributes have been paid to Lewis Murray Thomson, a retired director of DC Thomson & Co Ltd, who passed away at the age of 88. Known affectionately as “Mr.

Murray,” he died peacefully at Roxburghe House in Dundee on December 20. His legacy as a dedicated businessman and family man from Invergowrie is fondly remembered by colleagues and community members alike.

A man with ink in his veins

Lewis Murray Thomson was often described as having “ink in his veins,” a testament to his lifelong passion for journalism and publishing.

Throughout his 67-year career at DC Thomson, he was not only a leader but also a mentor who genuinely cared for his staff. His remarkable ability to remember personal details about employees and their families fostered a sense of belonging within the company, making everyone feel like part of the DC Thomson family.

Family and community connections

Leading the tributes, Mr. Thomson’s son, John, highlighted the profound impact his father had on both the company and the community. “DC Thomson and our role in the community meant the world to my father,” he stated. His extensive knowledge of the business and personal connections with employees made him a unique figure in the organization. Many current and former colleagues, customers, and suppliers will miss his presence and the relationships he nurtured.

A lasting legacy in media

Born in November 1936, Mr. Thomson joined the family-owned publishing business in 1957. His career was marked by significant contributions to the growth and success of DC Thomson, where he became a director in 1974 and remained on the board until his retirement in 2014. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he served as a trustee of the company’s pension funds and was actively involved in supporting local charities, including a 25-year tenure on the board of The Northwood Charitable Trust.

His influence extended beyond DC Thomson; he also contributed to the wider media landscape as a non-executive director of Central Television for a decade. Graham Huband, managing editor of The Press and Journal, described Mr. Thomson as a “true gentleman” whose passion for newspapers was evident until the end. “He read our titles and many others with a discerning eye,” Huband noted, emphasizing the regularity of his inquiries to the newsroom.

Lewis Murray Thomson’s dedication to journalism and his community will not be forgotten. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact he made in the world of media.