A FORMER Army engineer who was a member of Darwen Rotary Club for more than 30 years has died.

Peter Nightingale, 78, a dad-of-two and granddad-of-four, died at his home in Earnsdale Road Mr Nightingale was an engineer for most of his life doing National Service with the Army following the Second World War before working for the Royal Ordnance Factory in Blackburn and Chorley.

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He was also a past president, secretary and treasurer of the Darwen Rotary Club and particularly focused on helping young people through their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Rotarian Gilbert Riley said he spent many days doing long-distance walks with Mr Nightingale.

He said: “Peter was a great friend and a true East Lancastrian.

“He did not suffer fools gladly and he was never afraid to say exactly what he thought.

“He always had many interesting stories to tell from his time in the Army.

“I remember many long-distance walks we enjoyed across the country such as in the Isle of Man and Cumbria.

“Rotary was an important part of Peter’s life and he will be sadly missed by all, having filled so many functions during his long membership.”

Mr Nightingale was based mostly in Cyprus while in the Army but also went out to North Africa working on mine disposal and rebuilding areas that had been damaged in the war.

After working for the Royal Ordnance Factory he also spent five years as a caretaker at the former Darwen Moorland High School, which was knocked down last year.

Jill Gibson, Mr Nightingale’s daughter, said: “He was a strict father, but we absolutely respected him for that and if we needed help he was there for us.

“He enjoyed being a grandparent and helped us out when I needed to get my daughters to school.

“He was a lovely person who became very eccentric in his later years.”

Alec Stuttard, Darwen Rotary Club secretary, said: “Peter’s contribution to Rotary in Darwen was immense.

“He had been less active recently through illness but his enthusiasm will never be forgotten.”

The family said that Mr Nightingale died after suffering a ruptured aortic aneurysm.