DESIGN and technology education expert Dr Richard Speed has died aged 73, following a battle with cancer.
Dr Speed and his wife Pam moved to Hatford, near Faringdon, in 1960.
After a brief spell at a school in Swindon, Dr Speed began a 23-year career teaching at Faringdon Secondary School.
In 1985, he became adviser in design and technology education for Oxfordshire County Council.
He retired in 1989 but started his own business, Technology Associates, to provide technology advice for schools.
Dr Speed also organised Oxford Summer Schools, which covered a wide range of arts and crafts courses.
His love of jazz music was probably gained from his piano-playing father and in the 1990s, Dr Speed started Live Jazz in Oxfordshire to promote concerts, which over the years used venues in Abingdon, Culham, Frilford and most recently Carswell Golf and Country Club, near Faringdon.
Dr Speed and his wife had two sons, James and John.
His funeral is at 1pm on Tuesday at St Denys’ Church in Stanford in the Vale. At Dr Speed’s request, black clothing is not to be worn.
Jazz and gospel singer Lillian Boutté will travel from Germany to sing at the service
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