Tom Tickell, the former personal finance editor of the Guardian whose witty columns guided readers for over a decade, has died at the age of 82. While he dispensed expert financial wisdom in print, he was known to admit he did not always follow his own advice, a characteristic humility that endeared him to colleagues and family alike.
A Distinguished Journalism Career
Tom Tickell enjoyed a long and successful career in journalism, spanning several of Britain's most prominent newspapers. From 1970 until 1982, he served as the personal finance editor at the Guardian, establishing himself as a trusted voice for readers navigating their monetary affairs. He later took his expertise to the Mail on Sunday (1982-84) and the Sunday Telegraph (1991-94), before continuing as a freelancer until 2004, with personal finance remaining his central theme.
His journey into journalism began after graduating in history from Pembroke College, Oxford, in 1966. He first worked at ITN and spent two years at the Economist before finding his spiritual home at the Guardian.
A Life of Lively Service and Passion
Beyond the newsroom, Tickell led a vibrant and committed life. He was a passionate regular at London's Speakers' Corner, where he addressed crowds on topics ranging from politics to the whimsical idea of llamas being suitable for London Transport. His sense of civic duty was profound.
He served with distinction as a Mental Health Act Commissioner from 1985 to 1991 and was a long-standing member of the Mental Health Review Tribunal. His commitment to supporting those in institutions extended to being a prison visitor at Pentonville in north London, where he later joined the independent monitoring board in retirement.
Family, Legacy and Final Years
Born in Oxford during the Second World War, Tom was the son of Irish novelist Jerrard Tickell and author Renee Haynes, a researcher into paranormal phenomena. He had two much older brothers, Crispin and Patrick. As a child, he survived a severe bout of meningitis thanks to the then-new miracle drug, penicillin.
A natural raconteur and mimic from his teens, he became a beloved uncle to ten nephews and nieces, who formed his first devoted fan club. His collections of jokes and anecdotes later found their way into his published works of quizzes and curiosities.
In 1979, he married Anne Tomlins, and they had three children: Lucy, Charlotte, and Nicholas. Even following a diagnosis of dementia, he continued to entertain and joke with his carers and nurses. He is survived by Anne, his children, four grandchildren, and his ten nephews and nieces.
