Ed Miliband's tribute to Dennis Dupont

A grandfather of two from Wolverhampton who introduced computing to the coal industry more than 40 years ago has died. Dennis Dupont was aged 84.

Mr Dupont spearheaded the project to computerise the administrative roles in all National Coal Board stores and purchasing offices in the UK.

Mr Dupont, who died on February 14 following a short battle with cancer, was a member of the Labour party for 60 years and leader Ed Miliband paid tribute.

In a letter to the family, Mr Miliband said: "Dennis was a true party stalwart. His hard work, commitment and loyalty was unfailing. He was an inspiration to us all."

Mr Dupont's only son Paul, aged 56, said: "He was not just a father he was a friend."

After an early career in accounting, Mr Dupont, who was born and grew up in Wolverhampton, joined the National Coal Board where he became financial accountant for South Staffordshire Coalfields. In 1962 he was asked to join a team in Cannock introducing computing into the coal industry.

He was asked to lead the team designing the system for purchasing and stores in the West Midlands. In the mid-1960s, the team took over the national role.

Mr Dupont was a governor on the boards of Codsall High School and St Christopher's Junior School, Codsall. He also served in the Second World War. In 1945 he joined the Royal Corps of Signals and left for India where he worked in military intelligence.

Mr Dupont lived at Springfield House care home in Codsall towards the end of his life. His wife Joan died in 1979. He leaves two grandchildren, Jules, 14 and Chante, 17. His funeral was on Wednesday.