Lensman Eddie dies at 66

A well-known West Midlands photographer has died after battling a brain tumour for over a year.

Father-of-four Eddie Bissell, 66, who was born in Pleck in Walsall, died at his home in Derbyshire on October 25. Mr Bissell started his 45-year career in press photography on the Walsall Observer, before working at the Rugeley Times and the Stafford Newsletter, where he was chief photographer. He was aslo picture editor of the Birmingham Post.

In 1980 he moved to Derbyshire and became a lecturer at Richmond College, Sheffield, where he set up and led a photo-journalism course, while also working with the Derbyshire Times newspaper.

He then moved on to the Thomson Foundation in Cardiff, where he taught journalists in Thailand, India and East and West Africa.

He then took a position at Derby University and made a final move to Staffordshire University where he was a senior lecturer in Media, Journalism and Cultural Studies.

Throughout his life he lived in Walsall, Rugeley, Stafford and Chesterfield before finally settling in Holloway, Derbyshire.

Eddie met his wife Maureen in Holloway and he leaves behind four children and five grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Holloway Methodist Church, Derbyshire on November 5 at 11am, followed by cremation at Chesterfield.

The family has requested family flowers only.

Donations will be given to Neuro care, Ashgate Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Care, and Marie Curie Cancer care.

Donations may be made at the service or by post, payable to one of the charities c/o Thomas Greatorex and sons Funeral Director, The Green, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3BU.