A FORMER research chemist died on New Year's Eve, only days before his 90th birthday.

Leigh Grammar School old boy Wallace Taylor, formerly of Carrington Cottage, Leigh, graduated from Manchester University with a first class honours degree in chemistry and went on to gain his MSc. He held a government post in London then returned to Leigh and began work with a Manchester oil company. He retired from a chemicals research association in Shropshire, where he died at his Cockshutt home.

While in Leigh Mr Taylor was an active member of Leigh Parish Church. He served as a church warden and organised social events at the Church Institute.

His late wife Doreen Harrison was a writer, poet and librarian. He leaves a son, Stephen.