RIP – Colin Inman
I have heard that Colin Inman, the FT’s crossword editor for more than 40 years, died on May 14. He was 87.
Colin had a long and varied career at the FT, writing its House Style guide, the newspaper’s bible which is used today. He became crossword editor in 1979 when he inherited three compilers. He grew that number to more than 30, commissioning and editing more than 13,000 puzzles, as well as establishing the FT’s Polymath general knowledge puzzle, until his retirement in 2022.He will be remembered fondly as a great mentor to many at the FT and for his wry humour and gentle nature.
Colin was a great walker, loved attending classical music, opera and theatre and was an avid book collector. He was also a loyal supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
He leaves two sons, Otto and Carl, daughter in law Rachel, granddaughter Olivia, and grandsons Tate and Jasper. He outlived his wife of more than 50 years, Ellen, who died in 2022.
Quite the career. RIP 🙏