Tributes have been paid to the former chief executive of Salford Council following his death aged 92.
Roger Coltman Rees worked at the council for 25 years, between 1968 and his retirement in 1993, with 19 of those as the chief executive.
His work gained him an OBE in the 1990 New Year's Honours list, for services to local government.
Following his retirement, Roger was also heavily involved in the transformation of Salford Quays.
Paying tribute to him, his nephew Stephen Rees said: "Roger was a much loved uncle, great uncle, great great uncle and cousin.
"He was what you call a gentleman - very polite, very pleasant and very witty.
"Roger's passion was music, he had a wonderful voice. For many years he sang with the choir of Salford Choral Society, and he was a member of the Halle Concert Society.
"Roger loved travelling and, once retired, he regularly went abroad with his choral groups. Roger particularly loved going to Austria and Germany with his choral friends. In later years Roger enjoyed several cruises, including trips to Croatia and Russia.
"Perhaps the most important thing for me is that until recently Roger led a full, active and independent life. His mind and wit remained sharp right to the end."
Roger was born in Leicester and lived in Llanelli, South Wales and Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria, during his younger years.
After completing two years national service in the Royal Naval Air Service, he studied Law at Christ's College Cambridge.
He qualified as a solicitor and eventually settled in Greater Manchester.
In 1962, he moved to Vermure Avenue, in the Markland Hill area of Bolton, where he lived for the rest of his life.
Christ's College Cambridge made Roger a 'Fellow' in 2018 after he donated money to set up bursaries for students from economically-challenged backgrounds.
A spokesman for Christ's College Cambridge said: "Roger Rees retained a lifelong connection with the college, regularly returning for reunions and law events.
"In 2005, he made a significant donation to the College to set up bursaries for students in financial hardship, and continued to support this scheme until his death.
"A modest man, he wanted the name of Kirkby Lonsdale attached to his gifts, rather than his own name, but he delighted in the opportunity to hear from, or meet, the students he was supporting.
"In 2018, the College’s Governing Body was delighted to elect Roger a Lady Margaret Beaufort Fellow in recognition of his commitment to Christ’s. We were sorry to learn of his passing, and he is greatly missed."
Roger died of natural causes, at Royal Bolton Hospital, on January 9.
A funeral service will be held in Christ Church Heaton, on Friday (February 12).
For details on how to watch a live stream of the church service, contact Co-op Funeralcare on 01254 701145.
