Architect Gordon dies at 103

Gordon Whyman - keen walker

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Oldham architect who has died aged 103.

Gordon Whyman, who designed many Church of England schools in the North-West, including the extension to Blue Coat School, died at his son’s home in London on Saturday.

His firm, F Thorpe, Whyman and Briggs was based in offices above Barclays Bank in the town centre.

Mr Whyman moved to Uppermill with his wife Margaret in 1940. Son Rick — a former racing driver who owned the Ford garage in Uppermill — still lives in the family home, Hawthorpe Hall, where his father lived until five years ago.

His son Gilbert is an internationally renowned sculptor.

During World War Two Mr Whyman was a major with the Royal Engineers in India, and was stationed on the North-West frontier for five years.

After the war he returned to his practice in Oldham.

Rick said his father was a familiar sight on the moors and roads of Saddleworth where he loved to walk: “He loved walking, even well into his nineties, five miles was nothing,” said Rick. “He died peacefully, while his grandson and great-grandson were reading him a story and that’s exactly how he would have wanted to go.”

Mr Whyman also leaves son Mike, seven grandchildren and eight-great grandchildren.

Funeral details are to be confirmed. Funeral directors Barlow and Sons (0161-624 4301).