A service of thanksgiving for the life of Hampshire builder, Richard Ingleton Mussellwhite, was held at Winchester Cathedral.

Mr Mussellwhite (73) died at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, following a stroke. He was the third son of the Basingstoke family of builders, Mussellwhite and Son, established 200 years ago.

The company built many churches in the county, including St Peter's Church, Jewry Street, Winchester, as well as many schools and houses. Estate agents referred to the houses as "Mussellwhite-built" to indicate their quality.

It was the largest building company in the Basingstoke area, employing as many as 300 workers. Mr Mussellwhite's father was mayor of Basingstoke during World War II and his grandfather was also a former mayor.

Educated at Bishop's Stortford College until 1945, Mr Mussellwhite soon became involved in the family firm and became a director in 1955. He did his National Service with the Army Air Corps, Middle Wallop, where he rose to the rank of captain. He married his wife, Joyce, in 1955.

Mr Mussellwhite joined the Round Table and was involved in many charity fund-raising events. He was also a JP in magistrates' courts throughout Hampshire for over 22 years. He joined the board of Blokcrete Ltd, Southampton, and became its chairman in the 1970s.

A qualified therapist, he derived great pleasure and fulfilment from helping others. A keen yachtsman, Mr Mussellwhite had many happy family outings at sea, culminating in a long sailing adventure with his wife, Joyce, in the Mediterranean in the early 1980s.

Mr Mussellwhite was a member of the Society of Wood Craftsmen and he won the Best Craft Stand at Alresford Agricultural Show in 1993. He was also a keen golfer in the Southampton area. Mr Mussellwhite is survived by his wife, Joyce, son Michael, daughter Kay, grandson, Charles, and granddaughter, Julia.

The service of thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral was conducted by Canon Charles Stewart. A tribute was spoken by his daughter, Kay, and a reading given by his son, Michael. His eldest nephew, Robert, recited a poem, and Mr Mussellwhite's friend, Geoff Fletcher, also gave a reading.