MICHAEL Farrell was born in 1939 in Handel Street, Bradford, and attended St Patrick’s RC School in Westgate and later St Bedes Grammar School in Heaton.

Leaving school in 1954, he became an apprentice moulder with Haworth and Walter Limited Foundry, with premises a few yards from his home.

He served his National Service from 1957 to 1959 as a Medical Orderly RAMC on Troop Ships to and from Hong Kong and Aden. On demob in 1959 he returned to the Foundry.

It was at this time that Mike, who was an accomplished pianist and also a good bass guitarist, joined a new group called The Blue Jays. A few months later, when the group folded, it left Mike and Dal Stevens in disarray.

With Mike's help and loyalty, the group was re-formed with new members under the new title Dal Stevens and the Four Dukes.

Half way through the new group’s existence, Mike left to join the police force in Morley, where he spent most of his career. Later he moved with his family to Batley.

I offer his family condolences. This is the sad passing of another good friend from my school days of 1942.

Mike’s cheeky grin and humour is always remembered. However, it was that special friendship I remember most, when members of The Blue Jays moved on, and Mike for a time helped me form a new group, The Four Dukes. RIP Mike.

* Derek AJ Lister was DJ Dal Stevens at Bradford's Gaumont and Majestic dance halls from 1961-65.