THE former technical director of a successful East Lancashire company has died at his home, aged 83.

Jacob Albert Franke van Dijk, of Turton, had a career with the international firm, Mullards, now Philips, which spanned nearly 40 years.

A father of six, he was born in Rotterdam and obtained a master of science degree in engineering at Delft University, Holland. He moved to East Lancashire in 1947 and became chief valve engineer at the Blackburn plant the following year. Before that he worked at the firm's base in Eindhoven, Holland.

He was a governor of Darwen College of Further Education and Darwen Grammar School and also a patron of Blackburn Music Society.

His wife Elisabeth died in 1992. He leaves three sons, three daughters and six grandchildren. Mr van Dijk died on Friday following a short illness. A private family funeral is being arranged.

His son, Franke, said: "My father's secretary presented him with a poem when he retired in 1976 which we believe sums up his life. It is called Success in Life and reads: 'Success has been achieved by he who has lived long, laughed often and loved much; he who has gained the respect of intelligent man and the affection of little children.'"