British philatelist Frank Walton, the chair of this February’s London 2022 international exhibition, has died just a month after the massive show took place across the pond.
A Fellow and past president of the Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL), whose London Philatelist journal he edited from 2001-17, Walton also signed the iconic Roll of Distinguished Philatelists (RDP) in 2015.
“Too young, too early,” said Canadian philatelist Charles Verge, who was with Walton at London 2022, where Verge became the eighth Canadian to add his name to the RDP. “The world of philately has lost a great man.” Verge added he was “blessed to have him as a friend and so grateful” Walton could introduce him at the Feb. 21 RDP ceremony.
Mostly focusing on his main specialization of Sierra Leone, Walton authored about a dozen books plus more than 200 articles in various philatelic publications while from 1996-2000 also editing Cameo, a journal published three times a year by the West Africa Study Circle.
He was also involved in the Global Philatelic Library – a consolidated online listing launched in 2010 with material from 27 libraries – and he served on several committees, including for London 2022, London 2015 and London 2010.
“His tragic loss will be mourned by every member of the Royal Philatelic Society London, and his contribution to philately is acknowledged to be one of the greatest in the history of the society,” council member and Fellow Mark Bailey wrote in an online obituary marking Walton’s April 1 death.