Design and technology expert Dr Richard Speed has died aged 73 from prostate cancer. In the mid 1950s, he studied English and design and technology at Loughborough.

During that period, he met his wife, Pam, and they were married in 1958. The couple have two children — James and John.

His first job was as a teacher of design and technology at St Albans. After two years, he moved to Hatford near Faringdon.

After a brief spell at a school in Swindon, Dr Speed began a 23-year period teaching design and technology at Faringdon Secondary School.

During this time he became deputy headteacher.

In 1985, he became adviser in design and technology for Oxfordshire County Council.

In 1989, he retired but continued for a year as a supply teacher. In his retirement, Dr Speed started his own business, Technology Associates, to provide technology advice for schools. For this he was given a Heart of England Award.

In 1990, he organised the first of his Oxford Summer Schools, covering a wide range of arts and crafts courses, including vocal and instrumental workshops.

In the 1990s, he started Live Jazz in Oxfordshire to promote jazz events in the county.

He was an active member of the Oxfordshire Jazz Federation for many years and, until recently, produced its events guide, Jazz Finder.

The funeral was held on Tuesday at in St Denys’ Church at Stanford in the Vale.

At his request, black clothing was not to be worn.