Fred Tomlinson, who died on 21 February, 2008 aged 72, was a well-loved Derby college lecturer known for his story-telling and sense of humour.

Nicknamed “Mr T” he taught bricklaying and was so popular that his moped was decorated by his students, who christened the bike “Fast Freddy”.

He developed the heart condition angina after he finished his 16-year career at Wilmorton College 10 years ago.

Mr Tomlinson then taught his son Jimmy, bricklaying and the pair worked full-time together until he could no longer continue because of his heart condition.

Jimmy, of Branfield Road, Derby, said: “We worked side-by-side for a good two years. He always went the extra mile for people.

“They called my dad Mr T, like the character from the A-Team, and he was a bit of a character. He was a quiet man but the lads had a good laugh with him at college.”

Born in Derby, Mr Tomlinson followed his own father into the bricklaying trade. After more than 20 years, he decided to become a lecturer because he had developed dermatitis on his hands.

Jimmy said his father was a devoted Rams fan. He said: “He was born in Derby and he loved Derby, loved everything about it."

Mr Tomlinson's wife of 45 years Ethel said: "He had a good sense of humour and we had a banter with each other, that’s how we were."

The couple, who lived in Balfour Road, Pear Tree had five children – Sally, 44, Freddy, 42, Jimmy, 41, Zec, 36, and Daniel, 33 – and six grandchildren – Kerri, 20, Kirsty, 15, Jake, 15, Max, 12, Lucy, seven, and six-year-old Asher.

• Happy junior school memories of mashed swede, blue knickers and playground games

Return to I_felt_hot_flames_around_my_ears_and_saw_burning_petrol

To post comments to this article, you need to register an account and Login