Mr Pearson died at Sheffield Northern General Hospital on Monday after he was transferred there from Mexborough Montagu Hospital following a heart attack over Easter.

He is survived by his wife Joyce, son Ian and daughter Norma.

Mr Pearson, a retired civil engineer, is well known for his work with the Denaby Main Forum and Conisbrough and Denaby Festival Committee. He wrote several books on local history and was deeply involved in setting up permanent memorials to war veterans from the area.

In 1998 Bernard campainged for a peace plaque plaque commemorating the armed forces, civil defence medical profession and civilian workers which was placed in All Saints' Church, Denaby.

In more recent years, he helped set up displays remembering the 53rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, in which many Denaby and Conisbrough soldiers served. His Book For Those Who Gave Us Peace relates the wartime experiences of dozens of Dearne people during wartime.

As a historian Bernard's local knowledge was invaluable in setting up a network of walks and trails around the village where he lived.

The son of a miner, Mr Pearson lived in Conisbrough in his early life before training at Sheffield to become a plumber. During his career as a civil engineer, he worked for several large local authorities including Carlisle, Walsall and Doncaster. After retiring in his 60s he moved back to Conisbrough where he became involved in the heart of community activities.

A funeral service will be held at All Saints Church, Denaby Main on Thursday May 22, at 1pm.

Denaby vicar Reg Davies said: "Bernard did a lot of work for the community, particularly the armed forces and veterans organisations for which he will be remembered. He worked extremely hard over his lifetime and achieved many outstanding things in his career. Bernard always concentrated on what he could do to help in the communities and I don't know if we all fully appreciate what he did".