A FORMER teacher who helped others learn how to speak with a special computer after he lost his voice has died of cancer.

Geoff Croft, who taught at Knutsford High School for 11 years, was 74.

On Monday mourners packed Alderley Edge Methodist Church to celebrate the life of a teacher who inspired so many.

"Geoff touched the lives of so many and he never forgot his students," said his widow Jean, who worked in the school office for 11 years.

"The school played such a big part in his life and he was always reminiscing about those days."

Mr Croft, who was a keen gardener who loved to take his family on caravan holidays, became head of maths at Knutsford High in 1973.

But he was fascinated by new technology and soon developed the school's first IT suite with then state-of-the-art computers that were three times the size they are now.

He taught students how to type letters and essays but was forced to leave in 1984 when he developed problems with his voice. "Apparently it is quite a common thing with teachers because they are speaking all the time and he had an operation to try to help but it did not work," said Mrs Croft, 75.

But instead of giving up work completely the father of four decided to set up his own computer business from his home in Alderley Edge and help others.

Fond

He developed a voice recognition system that was so successful it was used by speech therapists across the country to help those who had suffered a stroke.

"Geoff only realised there was a need for this sort of equipment when he had the problems with his own voice," she said.

Mr Croft, who died last week, retired almost 10 years ago but continued playing the organ every week at his local Methodist Church. He was asked to play at the church in Princess Street, Knutsford, during the 1950s because the regular organist left and people were so impressed with his talents.

"We have fond memories of that church because it is where we married in 1955," said Mrs Croft. "We were due to celebrate our golden wedding next year."

Mr Croft's love of music landed him a role in a production at the High School while he was a teacher.

He was picked to play the part of Fagin in the musical Oliver, which he reluctantly accepted.

"I don't think he had ever thought of acting before but he certainly enjoyed being up there with the students," she said.

Mr Croft, who supported Lancashire County Cricket Club, fought cancer of the bladder and bowel five years ago but fell ill again last year.

"We had five fantastic years together after that and I'll never forget them," she said.

ssmith@guardiangrp.co.uk