A FORMER employee of Crown Paints in Darwen who invented Plus Two non-drip gloss has died at the age of 88.

Tom Graham suffered from Parkinson’s disease but the cause of his death remains unknown.

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He was born in Darwen on Sarah Street and first started visiting Crown Paints when he took lunch to his Dad who worked there.

Mr Graham attended Darwen Grammar School where he loved chemistry. He went straight to work for Crown as a research chemist at the age of 18.

At the same time as working, Tom gained a degree from the University of Manchester in chemistry. He was eventually promoted at Crown to technical director, which put him in charge of all research and developments in the laboratory for the rest of his career.

This led him to discover Plus Two gloss, which did not drip and gave surfaces a very smooth look. The product was launched in 1981 with a national television advert.

Mr Graham had two children with his wife Jean, who died in 2009. His son Neil said that his father was as great man who was extremely devoted to his family. He said: “He was a very hands on father who was always there for me. He travelled a lot with work but when he was around my sister and I did a lot with him.

“I went to cricket and football with him, Crown sponsored Liverpool for a long time so we went there a lot. We also went to Old Trafford and Headingley.

“Jean was his soulmate and they went everywhere together, he was a very devoted husband. He looked after her for about ten years after she had a stroke, he was such a gentle, lovely man who we will miss.”

For about 10 years Mr Graham lived across from Sunnyhurst Wood in Darwen in Earnsdale Road before moving to Clitheroe. Darwen was a huge part of his life and he loved Lancashire, his son said.

A spokesman for Crown Paints said: “We are very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing and send our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.”

His funeral will take place at Pleasington Cemetery from 3pm on Friday, September 4.

Donations can be made to Cure Parkinson’s Trust and there is a request for family flowers only.