TRIBUTES have been paid to a music teacher described as a “formidable character with a heart of gold”.

Philip Butterworth, of Highcroft, near Crompton Way, died in Royal Bolton Hospital on Saturday, May 27, aged 63, after a long battle with ill health.

The lifelong Boltonian was best known for being an accomplished pianist and music teacher, founding Allegro Music Service in Mornington Road.

He taught students of all ages, but most of his clients were children and his close friend Caroline Loftus, of Downgreen Road, Harwood, said he had “101 ways” he could get pupils to master their instrument.

She said: “He was a very accomplished pianist and used to perform for patients at Townley’s Hospital.

“When he started his music teaching he began with just a few pupils, but then it went wild. He knew 101 ways to get it across to children and adults.

“He had various people teaching guitar, trombone and piano along with him but it was all underpinned by him.

“It was a big part of his life. Music has always been a big part of his life.”

Mr Butterworth grew up in Curzon Road, just off Chorley New Road, and was one of four brothers.

He studied at Thornleigh College where he started up a band with a group of friends, playing big band sets. Mrs Loftus, aged 63, met him when she was 14 and said he would never have a New Year’s Eve free as he would always be booked to play at various venues across the area.

Before he set up his music school, he worked for charities including UNICEF and also helped out with the Bolton CYVA, a charity in the 1970s that did soup runs at night and helped under-privileged children.

He became ill in around the late 1990s, suffering from diabetic neuropathy, ending up losing the use of his legs as a result and losing the ability to play the piano.

He was later diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Mrs Loftus works as a nurse at Royal Bolton Hospital and spent a lot of time with him while he was there. She said: “Philip was a unique person and a very formidable character with a heart of gold. He was always caring for others.”

There will be a requiem mass at Holy Infants Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, June 8 at 11.15am. An interment at Heaton Cemetery will take place at 12.30pm. Donations can be made to the bereavement room in D3 ward at Royal Bolton Hospital.