A HIGHLY respected Hull historian who dedicated his life to exploring the region's past has died aged 66.
Friends and colleagues of Chris Ketchell have paid tribute to a man they have described as a "fountain of knowledge" on local history.
Mr Ketchell was best known for running the Hull History Unit for more than 20 years, first at Hull College, in Park Street, then later at James Reckitt Library, in Holderness Road, until its closure in 2007.
He hosted numerous talks and walks through the city to teach people the histories of streets, buildings, monuments and cemeteries.
Known as "the father of local history", he was recognised in 2004 with a Good Mark award from Hull's Civic Society for his dedicated service in preserving the city's history.
Fellow historians who worked with Mr Ketchell have called him an inspiring teacher with a knowledge of the area that was unparalleled.
Fellow historian David Sherwood, who has written two books about Beverley's past, worked closely with Mr Ketchell for 16 years.
His interest in local history was sparked when he met Mr Ketchell at the Local History Unit.
He said: "He taught me about 85 per cent of what I know on local history.
"He had his own unique style of teaching which kept students interested.
"He managed to make it informative but entertaining, he put things across in a very clear and humorous way."
Maritime historian at the University Of Hull, Doctor Robb Robinson, said: "He had a passion and lived for history.
"He inspired a lot of other people to take an interest because he was very accessible."
Mr Ketchell, who was a prominent Quaker, was originally from west Yorkshire but moved to Driffield as a child.
As an adult he lived in the Avenues and had an extensive knowledge of that area.
As well as local history, his great loves were real ale and folk music.
Mr Ketchell died peacefully in the early hours of Monday morning at the Limes Residental Care Home in Driffield, where he had lived since 2008 while battling illness.
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