TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a former teacher and historian with "a great heart and a magnificent mind" who has died aged 92.

Kevin Heneghan, of St Helens, passed away last Monday (May 14), with his death causing much sadness to those who knew him across the town.

Kevin, described as a "staunch Catholic", grew up in Blackbrook and his teaching jobs included St Anselm's School and the St Helens Tech College.

He was also a renowned historian and was in the army Intelligence Corps in Burma.

He also wrote for the James Black column in the Daily Mail newspaper and had a slot  on the Big Breakfast as 'The Wise Man of St Helens' when Johnny Vegas co-hosted the programme.

Kevin, a widower, had 11 children with wife Dolly. He had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"We have been overwhelmed by the messages, we have had hundreds," said daughter Kit Friery, 52.

"After he retired he still had a thirst for knowledge, he had a mind like an ocean. He was a lovely man.

"If you wanted a question answering, if he didn't know he would always come back to you within 10 minutes.

"He was very humble and a brilliant orator. We've lost a great heart and a magnificent mind."

Peter, one Kevin's eight sons, added: "Dad was a frequent contributor to several publications, not least the St Helens Star and would offer his view, knowledge and advice over a wide range of matters.

"He was always thrilled to see his letter or article included in any publication and would await the responses and reactions from other readers.

"Dad's incredible breadth of knowledge, particularly in matters pertaining to the local St Helens and Lancashire history and the Catholic Church was legendary and respected far and wide.

"Over these last few days, whilst informing people and organisations of his truly peaceful death, members of our family have listened with gratitude to anecdotes of the effect Dad had on so many lives.

"From the humorous to the heart-wrenching, from the enlightening to the heart-warming, from all levels of society, his reach has been quite remarkable."

Kevin's knowledge over a significant range of historical, local, religious and general subjects was phenomenal and his library at home contained almost 7,000 books and journals.

This would allow him to reply to a plethora of enquiries comprising many subjects.

Kevin was a former secretary of Broughton Catholic Charitable Society 1974 -88, 1990-94 life member of the Board of Management 1988 (The only person ever to receive the honour), president of the Society 2000-2001, Vice Chairman 2002-2004.

The charity was founded near Preston in 1787. It has Masses said for the living and the dead, gives aid to needy persons, families and organisations.

He served with 95 Field Security Section, Intelligence Corps in French Indo-China 1945- 46.

During his teacher career he worked at St Mary's RC Boys School, Blackbrook St Helens 1946 - 59, was Head of English at St Anselm's RC Secondary Modern School St Helens 1959 - 69 and was a senior lecturer, in the Business and Admin Studies Department of St Helens College of Technology 1969 -85.

Peter added: "Dad was a prolific writer to newspapers and other publications writing over a range of subjects and topics. 

"He contributed to The Catholic Herald, the St Helens Star, the Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph most often.

"His wide-ranging knowledge in subject matter too numerous to list meant that he added to the debate whenever he decided to take part.

"He also appeared on The Big Breakfast as 'The Wise Man of St Helens' when Johnny Vegas was co-host of the programme."

A funeral service for Kevin will take place on Tuesday, May 29 at St Mary's, Blackbrook starting at 10am.