Tributes Pour In For Football Comic Legend Barrie Tomlinson

Barrie Tomlinson, a revered figure in British comics and the editor of the beloved Roy of the Rovers, has passed away at the age of 88. Tomlinson, who spent most of his life in St Albans, was fondly remembered by his daughter, Jennifer, for his deep passion for comic creation. She noted his unique approach to the character Roy Race, a star striker for Melchester Rovers, whom he presented as a real person and his "best friend." Tomlinson also served as the editor for the Tiger comic and wrote the popular Scorer football strip for the Daily Mirror for 22 years. The Roy of the Rovers comic strip first appeared in Tiger in 1954, later gaining its own title until 1993, and subsequently featured in the BBC's Match of the Day magazine until 2001. Tomlinson also authored books and worked on other strips for various comics. His daughter described him as a "lovely man with a great sense of humour" who enjoyed engaging famous personalities, including Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, and even the Duke of Edinburgh, in his work. A private family funeral was held, with plans for a celebration of his life in St Albans. He passed away at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after relocating to Saffron Walden, Essex, to be closer to his daughter.