But the former Knutsford High School woodwork teacher had a sure way of relieving the problem.

"He called all the boys 'John' and all the girls 'Jane'," said his wife Mona. "He thought it was nicer than calling them 'lad' and 'girl' and there were just too many children to learn all their names."

Despite the drawback 85-year-old Chris loved to be surrounded by people.

"At Christmas there was always a big family gathering," said his son John. "Dad would never get names right the first time round but by the end of the day he'd usually cracked it."

But on Saturday Chris had no doubt who the five people were at his bedside when he peacefully passed away in his sleep.

John and his brother Tony were there with their wives while

Mona held his hand just as he had held hers every night during their 61 year marriage.

Before we went to sleep we would go through the usual 'good night, God bless' speech," said Mona. "But then Chris would always take my hand, kiss it, and say 'thank you for everything you have done for me today."

Chris had a life-long passion for woodwork and the upper school master enjoyed every minute of teaching the subject to his pupils.

But his warm heart and cheery manner contributed more to his success in the classroom than his wonderful craft skills.

And his fine portayal of 'Mr Bumble' in the school production of Oliver remains firmly fixed in many people's minds.

"He combined a genuine concern for his students with a dry sense of humour," said Mike Oliver, deputy head at Knutsford High School. "He was often described as a gentleman and had a distinctive way with words."

"Chris will be fondly remembered by his colleagues and particularly by the many students who had the privilege of coming into contact with him," he added.

On his retirement in 1979 he went back to building cabinets and restoring antique furniture for family and friends.

The family home on St John's Road holds more than just memories for Mona as many of Chris' finest creations take pride place throughout the house.

Yesterday (Tuesday) John knelt at the coffee table built by his father and looked at snap shots of holidays and talked of Chris' love for travelling.

"I remember being dragged round endless countries in Europe every summer," he said. "It seemed a drag to have to pitch and pull down tents everyday but now I realise it gave me an opportuinity that many people have never had."

Chris was a regular in the congregation at St John's Parish Church and his strong faith left him with no fear of death.

"In the end it was me who had the fear because I didn't want him to leave me here on my own," said Mona. "At the moment I have my sons with me but in time I think this place will become a lonely place to be."

Above all Chris was a family man and enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren - against their parents' better judgement.

"He would always give them ice cream and chocolate before their tea," said John. "And when we said they shouldn't be eating it he just said, 'Oh, they'll be alright' - and as always he was right."