TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart of the textile industry who died at his home in Balderstone.

Professor David Brunnschweiler, a dad-of-four and grandad-of-six, was awarded an OBE for services to the textile industry in 1991 and also received an honourary professorship from De Montfort University.

The 87-year-old Commons Lane resident was born in Manchester and graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology after attending Chorlton High School.

He married his wife Jane in 1950 following a stint in the army completing his national service.

During his career, he served as the chairman of the Textile Institute, chairman of the TI Diplomas and Publications committees and was an honorary doctor of technology and visiting Professor of Nonwovens at the University of Leeds.

During his career he was an executive of numerous nonwovens manufacturing companies and industry suppliers, most notably Cosmopolitan Textiles and NIRI, and a board member of many organisations.

The family moved to Blackburn in 1971, relocating to Balderstone in 1974.

Daughter Melanie Janus, 50, said: “Dad was an extremely hardworking person with a huge variety of interests, including a lifelong interest in the railways and a love of the English countryside and churches.

“We are all very proud of everything he has achieved during his life time.

“He was always happy to support and encourage his family in whatever direction they chose to follow. We will miss him very much.”

Son Andrew, 53, said: “He was very positive in everything he did. If any of us wanted to do something he was very supportive and always full of encouragement. He was very open minded about everything that we organised.”

His funeral will take place at St Leonard’s Church, Balderstone, on May 12 at 11am. Donations to the Salvation Army and Balderstone church.