Tony Lynn MBE

Saltburn Photographic Society

We received the following message from our President Tony Lynn’s family on 4^th March.

“It is with much sadness we have to tell you that Tony slipped away peacefully on 2nd March 2026 in James Cook Hospital after a short illness.

He had 96 years of a happy healthy life full of love and adventures and a very happy marriage to Cath of 71 years. We know he will be missed by many and by his request there will not be a funeral “I don’t want all that fuss” were his words!!!

The best way to remember him is to keep enjoying photography and carry on with the friendship and support of Saltburn Photographic Society his passion for many years”.

Tony and his wife Cath were founder members of Saltburn Photographic Society (SPS) in 1960. Those of us who have been involved with the club for a number of years would probably regard Tony and Cath as Mr and Mrs SPS because of their continued involvement and enthusiasm for all the various aspects of running and promoting the club. Tony was never happier than when he was organising the regular summer coach trips to the Lake District with a stop off in the Yorkshire Dales for fish and chips on the return home. He was also very supportive of our summer outings and encouraged us to make them a social get-together rather than purely a photographic venue. He was also one of the main drivers of the Practical Night sessions in the early days of the club.

Until recent years Tony was a well-known active and popular judge and lecturer on the North Yorks and South Durham Photographic Association circuit and further afield, building up strong connections for SPS throughout the area. Many clubs still speak fondly of Tony’s illustrated presentations of our local area and Lake District.

The esteem in which he was held in the wider community was demonstrated in 2008 by the award of an MBE for Services to the Community – an honour which took him completely by surprise and of which he was immensely proud.

The honour was in recognition for his voluntary work in the local community including being Chair of Saltburn Pier and Cliff Lift, a member of Saltburn 500 Club, President of the Photographic Society, Chair of the Friends of Saltburn Library, and Chair of the Friends of Hazel Grove. He regarded his honour as recognition for all voluntary workers and he paid tribute to his wife Cath.

“I have a terrific amount of support and help from my best friend, my wife. It’s teamwork whatever we’re doing,” he said.

“I think Saltburn people are absolutely wonderful, and I think that living here has given me a style of life I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.

“I never anticipated anything like this happening to me in my lifetime, I’ve never even thought of it.”

Tony will be remembered by many as a gentleman who was wise, kind and helpful, with great wit and wonderful sense of humour.