A giant of newspapers, photographer Christopher Gerard Mangan has passed away

A giant of newspapers for four decades has passed away and was farewelled at a “standing-room-only” funeral.

Photographer Christopher Gerard Mangan, whose distinguished career in newspapers spanned four decades, was farewelled this week at a “standing-room-only” funeral, reflecting the many lives he touched.

Mangan, who died aged 68, on April 9, after a short illness, was known affectionately as “Mango”. He was the consummate newspaper professional, capturing memorable images spanning the gamut from politics, crime and sport to royal visits and the biggest celebrities of the day.

Chris Mangan. Pic: Nick Clayton

Mangan used to say that in newspapers, you had to be able to mix with princes, criminals, business leaders and paupers. He was comfortable at all levels of society.

He was a delight for any editor because, while his competitors were searching for something to write or film, “Mango” could sniff out a good picture and a good story.

Politicians, business leaders and socialites often requested him by name.

Mangan was born in Calvary Hospital, North Adelaide on June 26, 1955 and educated at Marist Brothers in Alberton, then Cowandilla Primary and Plympton High School.

He quit school halfway through year 11 in 1971 to join The News - Adelaide’s afternoon paper - as a copyboy. He showed early promise with the camera and earned his cadetship as a photographer.

Over 1 million Rwandan refugees diseased & exhausted line up outside CARE Australia tent in Katale camp, Goma, Zaire where they hope to be seen by Aust doctors. Picture Chris Mangan. 20 August 1994.

So began a distinguished newspaper career. Mangan was mentored by giants of The News darkroom like Bert Stanbury, Bob Cunningham, Ian Coventry, Ken Sellick, Mick Conry, Ray Grimmond and his long-time great mate Ray Titus.

In 1983, Mangan married Anne Kennedy and they welcomed two daughters, Jess and Sophie. They celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary last year.

Mangan worked at The News until it closed in 1992 and immediately joined The Advertiser.

He could charm the birds from the trees. He once persuaded a nun, dressed in full traditional habit, to take off her shoes and dance in the shallows at West Beach.

Aboriginal entertainer musician Jimmy Little shows Lowitja O'Donoghue how to strum the guitar at Tandanya. Picture: Mangan.

Outside the courts, he would talk criminals into posing for photographs.

He covered many of the major news stories of the day in South Australia, from political happenings to the Snowtown serial killings. But his consummate skills also took him further afield. In 1994, Mangan was sent to cover the civil war in Rwanda for News Ltd, now News Corp. The haunting photographs of this human tragedy were some of his best work.

In the late 1990s, Mangan was named pictorial editor of The Advertiser.

Melvin Mansell, the editor of The Advertiser who appointed Mangan, said he left an indelible mark on all who worked with him through his force of personality and natural aptitude for news.

SA murder where bodies were found in barrels in strong room vault of former State bank building in Snowtown. Police officer Denis Edmond inside the now empty bank vault. Picture: Mangan.

“Mango was as talented asking probing questions as he was behind the lens. He had an innate understanding of what was required for a strong news story and photograph, which made him a great pictorial editor,’’ Mansell said.

“These skills also made him an excellent mentor in the newsroom, especially for young reporters, many of whom still remember those lessons today.

USA singer actress Madonna arrival in Adelaide where she will be performing her 'Girlie Show' concert. Here leaving aircraft on her arrival at the Airport, 30 Nov 1993. Picture: Mangan.

Photographer Chris Mangan aka Mango

“Above all, Mango was a character of the highest order. He had a cutting wit – dry, pointed and generally spectacularly funny. It didn’t matter where you were, if you were with Mango it was almost a given a party would break out.’’

While he was an effective and inspiring leader at the picture desk, Mangan was born to be “on the road” and he eventually returned to active photography until he hung up his camera on November 30, 2012.

Mangan’s philosophy as a newspaperman was simple: “We’re here to work hard, not win awards.” So while his personal and technical skills were unmatched, he received just a select few prizes and accolades during his career. One though, stands out: he was a finalist in the National Photographic Portrait Prize in 2009 for the photo “Little Joys” - of Jimmy Little and Lowitja O’Donoghue, which now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.

Chis is survived by his wife, Anne, daughters Jess and Sophie, and grandson Arney.