A FORMER mechanic, teacher, museum director, professional musician and philanthropist, Dr Kenneth Alexander Barlow, died on Monday at Bury Hospice aged 76.

Mr Barlow, of Ashton Lodge, Ramsbottom, earned international recognition as one of the world’s leading authorities on the history of the gas engine.

His son Kelvin said: "Despite the many things he had achieved in his life, the one thing dad wanted to be remembered for was his willingness to help others.

"That perfectly sums up the sort of man he was."

Born in Whitefield, Bury, he left school aged 14 and became a motor mechanic before serving in the Royal Air Force as a mechanic.

Later, he returned to his studies at teacher training college, becoming a lecturer in mechanical engineering and thermodynamics at Bolton Technical College in 1960, where he stayed for 18 years.

He also lectured at UMIST and was later instrumental in establishing the Greater Manchester Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield, Manchester, where he was Deputy Director.

After taking early retirement 20 years ago, he became a professional organist who organised and performed at sequence dancing around the Bury area.

He and Muriel, his wife of 56 years, also raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

Mr Barlow was a former warden at St Peter’s Church, Bury, and served on the parochial church council for many years.

He was initiated as a Freemason in 1972 becoming Past Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar and was a member of St John’s and Golden Jubilee Lodges in Bolton and Prince Edwin Chapter, Bury.

Mr Barlow leaves his wife Muriel, son Kelvin, daughter Wendy, grandchildren Haydn and Alexander, brother Keith and sister Eileen.

His funeral is on Tuesday with a service at St Peter’s Church, Bury, at 2pm followed by cremation at Radcliffe at 3pm.

Family flowers only, with donations to the Bury Hospice. Funeral director: Sillets Funeral Directors.