A RETIRED council worker who spent 20 years in charge of the borough’s roads has died, aged 79.

John Kenny, of Cranford Close, Whitefield, died peacefully at home last Tuesday after suffering from liver failure.

He leaves his wife of more than 40 years, Edna, four children and four grandchildren.

Born in Halliwell, Bolton, Mr Kenny initially trained as a bricklayer before taking his municipal engineering exams at night school.

After working for Chorley Council, he moved to Whitefield Town Council in 1964, later becoming part of the newly formed Bury Council.

Mr Kenny became the chief officer for highways, and also had responsibility for public buildings and council houses.

He took early retirement in the 1980s, but spent nine years working for the Construction Industry Training Board.

Mr Kenny remained in contact with many of his former colleagues and enjoyed going out for meals with other retired chief officers.

He also supported Besses Boys Band for several years, helping to arrange their concerts.

Mr Kenny’s hobbies included watercolour painting, reading, walking and maps.

A devout Catholic, he attended St Bernadette’s Church in Whitefield and was an apparitor there for many years.

Mr Kenny’s funeral was held at the church on Monday.