DEREK Patel will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on in Bolton.
The 58-year-old, who died in his sleep, became a father figure among the town's Indian community after moving here more than 40 years ago.
As well as being a successful businessman and florist and a dedicated husband and father, his work with young people and sport - including instigating the transformation of a little-used hall into a temple - helped many Indian immigrants in Bolton to integrate.
His work towards founding what is now known as the Bolton Indian Sports and Cricket Club, and his subsequent fundraising, helped the club develop into a vital facility for many Indian people and their families.
Mr Patel was truly a leader, and his work in making Bolton the successful multi-racial town that it is cannot be under-estimated.
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