Sir Ralph Kohn, philanthropist and Queen's Award winner, dies aged 88

Sir Ralph received the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement for his services to the pharmaceutical industry in 1990.

Soon after, he set up the Kohn Foundation, which supports research and innovation in science, medicine, arts and education. He was knighted in 2010.

As well as his success in the science industry, Sir Ralph was a keen baritone. Among his many activities in the arts, he financed John Eliot Gardiner’s Bach Cantatas project.

In an interview with the JC last year, the philanthropist said he was determined to repay Britain for “the fact that they saved our lives, fed us when we had nothing and clothed us.

“They gave us opportunities to work, to develop ourselves. And the little I have done, Britain has recognised to the full.”

He is survived by his wife and three children, who said following his passing: “Words cannot express our love for him and our gratitude for his extraordinary life and his many blessings”.