The Express Tribune's Robin Philip Fernandez passes away

Editor Opinion and Editorial Desk, Robin is survived by wife and three children


News Desk November 13, 2018
Robin Phillip Fernandez. PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Robin Phillip Fernandez, Editor Opinion and Editorial, at The Express Tribune, passed away on Tuesday. He was 51.

Robin is survived by wife Marina Fernandez and three children –Merrick, 12, Ronan, 9, and Russell, 6. He survived a stroke a few months ago and was on the road recovery. However, he suffered another stroke on Tuesday and was rushed to hospital where he passed away. He demise has shocked and saddened his colleagues at The Express Tribune.

Robin graduated from St Patrick’s in Karachi in 1985. He went on to pursue a BA (honours) in Mass Communication from the University of Karachi in 1990. Throughout his career, Robin served in senior editorial roles in top media organizations of the country. He was part of the launch team of The News International in 1991.

He also served as senior correspondent for Union of Catholic Asian, or UCA, News for three years before switching to Daily Dawn in 2005 as senior subeditor. A year later he joined The Herald magazine as News Editor. In 2009, he joined another English-language daily, Business Day, as News Editor.

He didn’t stay there for long and quit the organisation to join The Express Tribune as Editorial Coordinator on the National Desk. He was promoted first as Foreign Editor in 2012 and then as Editor Opinion and Editorial in 2017. During his long association with The Express Tribune, Robin mentored an entire new generation of Subeditors and Reporters. Known for his soft-spoken nature and humble demeanor, Robin had a superior news sense, impressive editorial depth and vast knowledge of international and national affairs.

“Robin Fernandez’s sudden demise this morning is a shock for us all at @etribune. A thorough professional, Robin performed his duty as Op-ed Editor with impressive editorial depth. Softspoken and polite, he will be tremendously missed by all. Deepest condolences to his family,” said The Express Tribune‘s Executive Editor Fahd Hussain.



“Everyone who worked with or under Robin will remember him as a great teacher. He was meticulous in his work and kind to all his colleagues,” remembers News Editor and anchorperson Vaqas Asghar.

Former staffer Rizwan Shehzad reminisced about learning from Robin. “Every day he would teach me something while proof-reading pages and my stories.”

“He would say use the right word at the right place and we are done. Robin would remind that ‘there is many a slip between the cup and the lip’. I will cherish the occasional discussions with him.” “My mentor. In the two years I worked with Robin, he taught and encouraged me to write. His acknowledgement of my efforts boosted my confidence,” remembers Rida Waqar.

Soon after the news broke, condolences started pouring in.





COMMENTS (5)

Arshad Raza | 5 years ago | Reply Never seen such a finest professional like Robin Fernandez in journalism who has a thorough knowledge of international and external affairs. Working with him in Arab News, the largest English-language newspaper in Saudi Arabia, had best days. A gentle, polite and decent personality Rovin had. May his family bear this great loss. Robin will be remembered. Arshad Raza Former colleague Arab News
Talha | 5 years ago | Reply Rest in Peace
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ