ROGER Williams was a familiar figure, particularly within the print trade, while he ran his courier companies Pony Express Transport and Bourne Express Despatch.

Born in Staffordshire in 1945, his mother had been evacuated during the war. Growing up in a rural environment instilled in him a lasting love of the countryside and being outdoors.

The family eventually moved to London and when Roger left school he worked as a sales representative before finding his niche as a partner in a small firm of architectural metalworkers.

The highlight of this period in his life was when the firm was commissioned by the late Queen Mother to make candlesticks for the King George VI Memorial Chapel in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor.

He proudly recalled meeting the entire Royal Family at the service of dedication.

Other prestigious work included making the communion rail in St Bart’s Church in London.

In 1972 Roger moved to Bourne-mouth where he worked as an owner/driver in a local taxi company, becoming chairman of the company for some time.

He then started up the Pony Express Transport which operated from 1979 to 1995.

After a busy working life, Roger took early retirement to pursue his desire to travel. He particularly loved Spain and in 2003 and 2012 he and his wife, Heather, embarked on tours of Australia and New Zealand.

Another of Roger’s achievements in 2012 was going on a group safari to Kenya and Tanzania.

He also enjoyed being an active member of Christchurch Golf Club, at one time holding the position of Seniors Captain, and will be missed by his many golfing friends.

Roger passed away in the Wessex Neurological Unit at Southampton Hospital on January 8, following an accident at home in December.

A well-attended funeral service was held at Bournemouth Crem-atorium on January 25.

As well as his wife, Heather, Roger is survived by his children Ryan and Hayley, his stepchildren Sarah, Victoria and Michael and nine grandchildren.