Ken Oliver, the Guardian's racing editor for many years until his retirement in 2004, has died at the age of 86. He had a lifetime career in racing journalism, working for various publications including the London Evening News, the Sporting Life, and the Sun.
Oliver was known for his role as 'Larry Lynx' at the Sunday People and as the editor of Ruff’s Guide to the Turf. Colleagues described him as an old-school veteran with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the sport and an unflappable nature.
Chris Hawkins, a racing writer, noted that "nothing ever seemed to faze him." Dennis Sherriffs, a former Guardian colleague, described Oliver as "the most affable, easy-going person you could ever, ever come across."
Tony Paley, Oliver's successor, credited him for his faith in recommending his application to the sports editor. Paley also highlighted Oliver's ability to redesign pages quickly in response to breaking stories.
In retirement, Oliver continued to attend races at West Country tracks, with Wincanton being a particular favourite. He died a few months after celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary.