A grandfather who oversaw some of the biggest changes in the 125-year history of The Argus has died.

Tributes have been paid to Sam Cox, 66, who joined the paper at its offices in North Road, Brighton, as a young man of 24.

As chief maintenance engineer, he was later responsible for the maintenance of the press and the upkeep of the buildings at The Argus's three-acre site in Hollingbury, Brighton.

Mr Cox, who lived near Preston Park, Brighton, died at the Royal Sussex County Hospital after he lost his fight against cancer of the oesophagus.

His daughter, Hayley Cox, said: "My dad would do anything for anybody.

"He was a true friend to lots and lots of people. He was a bit of a perfectionist in many ways.

"He could also come across as shy but he was a real showman at heart and loved to entertain people.

"He was a much loved father, grandfather, uncle and brother.

"We were very close and it is hard to imagine life without him."

One of Mr Cox's first jobs at The Argus was to help install a message drag conveyer, which sent stories along a tube from the editorial department to the printers.

He later organised the £8.5 million installation of the presses in the 1990s and oversaw the conversion of a derelict factory into what are now The Argus offices.

Every year he used to take part in a Christmas show for staff and their friends and families, which was organised to raise money for The Argus Appeal.

A keen sportsman, Mr Cox played ice hockey, football and golf, had a passion for art and loved holidaying in Greece.

His son, Anthony, who has flown back from Japan for the funeral service, said: "He loved life at The Argus and worked his way up from the bottom.

"He was very good at his job and was once headhunted for Fleet Street but turned it down.

"Even when he retired at 60 he kept working part-time at The Argus.

"When we were kids the offices were like our playground. We were always up there.

"He was extremely popular and we are expecting a big turnout for the funeral."

Mr Cox died on June 23.

A funeral service will be held at the Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton, on Wednesday at 1.30pm.

Flowers or donations for The Martlets Hospice may be sent through Arthur Denyer, Lewes Road, Brighton.

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