HE came from a dynasty of Eastleigh funeral directors whose history can be traced back to the late 1800s.

Stanley Rogers, who for more than 40 years ran the family firm of A H Rogers & Sons, has died. He was 84.

He was a popular figure in the town and was highly respected for the caring way he carried out his duties in helping the bereaved.

The firm has been based at the same Market Street premises since 1881. In that year Arthur Henry and Jane Rogers arrived from Dorset and opened a business as builder and undertakers.

Over the years each of their five sons worked at various trades as builders and all of them assisted at funerals. Earlier in the 20th century they also became decorators and merchants.

Grandson Stanley returned to the firm in 1946 after war service and in 1952 took over management of the company.

In 1973 the decision was taken to concentrate solely on their activity as funeral directors and monumental masons.

Stan's son-in-law Keith Colbourne managed the company from 1988 until it was sold in 1994. Mr Colbourne said that Mr Rogers, who lived at Colden Common, was one of the best known people in Eastleigh. He could not walk down the street without people stopping and talking to him. During his retirement years he always took a close interest in the business.

He had a great love of horses and the family have asked that donations should be made to the Brook Hospital for Horses or the International League for the Protection of Horses.

Another one of his hobbies was wildlife and during yesterday's funeral service at Southampton Crematorium a recording of birdsongwas played.

Mr Rogers is survived by a daughter.