RETIRED lecturer Mr Thomas Wilson Bury, died on January 8, at Highfield Hall, Haslingden, aged 78.

Mr Bury, who had suffered a long illness, had previously lived in Newchurch Road, Higher Cloughfold, and was known as Wilson to many of his friends and family.

He was a former pupil of Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and served his apprenticeship in mechanical engineering at TMM, Helmshore, from 1947 to 1952.

After two years of National Service maintaining aircraft engines for the Royal Air Force, he became assistant chief draughtsman at TMM.

From 1957 to 1960 he worked at Howard and Bullough, Accrington, as a development design engineer.

He qualified as a teacher in 1961 and was appointed lecturer in mechanical engineering at Accrington College.

He retired from his post as senior lecturer there in 1985.

Mr Bury was closely linked with Kay Street Baptist Church, Rawtenstall, where he served as a deacon, and as organist and choirmaster for 40 years.

He used his engineering skills to plan and oversee the changes to the church building in the 1980s.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed walking, sketching and ornithology.

He was a member of Haslingden Fly Fishing Association and Rossendale Organists’ Association.

Husband of the late Brenda, he leaves sister Celia, daughter Alison, son Nicholas, son-in-law Paul, daughter-in-law Sue, grandchildren Elizabeth, Hannah, Timothy, Rhiannon, Elinor, Joshua, cousins and many friends.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday, (January 19), when the Rev Matt Hirst will conduct a service at Kay Street Baptist Church, from 11am, followed by cremation at noon.

Family flowers only please.

Donations welcome for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Funeral arrangments: Dawn Johnson for Fred Hamer.