Based on a tribute by Jack Boskett

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing at the age of 72 of Malcolm Ranieri, a regular contributor to The Cornishman (the magazine of the GWSR) along with many other national railway titles. Born in 1945 to an Italian father and English mother, he lived his life in and around Warwickshire, attending the Grammar School in Alcester.

A popular character with a cheerful friendly demeanour, Malcolm was held in high esteem by his peers. As a competent and capable photographer, he was always willing to share tips and advice on technique and equipment. In 1998 he had the honour of becoming a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, followed two years later by gaining a Master's distinction from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.

His images were viewed as inspirational and he was often sought after as a judge of local photographic society competitions. Malcolm was the author of more than twenty books covering Railways - steam and diesel in addition to narrow boats, commercial vehicles and his other love, Traction Engines. Malcolm has been a volunteer on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway for over fifteen years and held the position of duty station master and was also secretary of the North Gloucestershire Narrow Gauge Railway Co. His funeral was held on November 1st 2018 at Bishops Tachbrook, Leamington Spa and was well attended by his many friends who organised a traction engine, driven by well known photographer Dick Blenkinsop, to lead the hearse to the service, as seen below.

Malcolm was a prolific photographer who took pictures of many subjects other than railways as can be seen below.

Examples of his railway pictures will appear in other areas of the site in due course.