Brian Wilson

Born in Armley, Leeds, Brian received his early musical training in the Choir of Christ Church, Upper Armley. He joined the Parish Church Choir at Leeds in 1952, remaining a full-time chorister until retirement from singing in 1990 when still at the height of his considerable vocal powers and having served under five Vicars of Leeds and three organists. He remained a faithful parishioner until his death.

He stood out as a soloist, but his contribution when singing as part of an ensemble was equally distinguished, as was demonstrated on the acclaimed early LP recordings from the Parish Church during the late 60s and early 70s under the direction of Dr Donald Hunt.

Mr Wilson's son Stuart followed him into the Choir, becoming Head Chorister. Following an apprenticeship at the long-established Leeds organ-building firm of Wood Wordsworth & Co Ltd, Mr Wilson rose to become Chief Voicer, regulating the tone of organ pipes, and his work is to be heard in countless instruments on which he worked, most notably the restoration of the organ at Leeds Parish Church in 1965 and the complete reconstruction of the Leeds Town Hall organ, completed seven years later.

These instruments show the clearest evidence of his formidable gifts for pipe-voicing, an art in which his natural and unforced musicianship was ideally suited.

His work on many smaller instruments was just as widely valued and acclaimed, and he was a friend to numerous small churches and chapels, their clergy, officers and people.

He had an easy capacity for friendship, and enjoyed the confidence of many members of the clergy and the musical profession.

Later work for J W Walker & Sons proved that his skills remained undiminished.

His interest and enthusiasm ensured that he kept up to date with the latest developments in organ-building, and he was a valued member of the Institute of Organ Building.

A great follower of football, Mr Wilson had played for his regiment during National Service and was recalled following demobilisation for the team to assist in the winning of that year's trophy.

A knee injury brought his playing days to an end but did nothing to dampen his enthusiasm for the sport.

It was claimed that whether Leeds United had won, drawn or lost in the previous day's match could be divined from his expression when entering the Vestry on a Sunday morning.

Mr Wilson is survived by his wife June, their son Stuart and daughter Susan.