BARNOLDSWICK'S Ray Aspin, a well-known and respected manager at aero engine giant Rolls-Royce who was awarded an MBE for his services to industry, has died aged 90.
Ray, who lived on Montrose Terrace for half a century, passed away in his sleep overnight on Friday. In his last years, he had struggled with dementia.
Originally from Clitheroe, Ray spent 42 years at Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick, forging his "Mr Training" nickname for the jet engine builders. He selected young school leavers from across Yorkshire and Lancashire, and then guided them to become the next generation of aerospace engineers. In 1991, he was handed an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth.
Ray was also a huge golf enthusiast and a former captain and president of Ghyll Golf Club in Barnoldswick. He also served as a governor at West Craven High School.
He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren. He will be cremated at Skipton in mid-February. His childhood sweetheart and late wife of 60 years, Marie, was also from Clitheroe.
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