MEMORIES of prominent Malvern and Ledbury businessman Colin Rodway were shared at his funeral this week.

Holy Trinity Church at Link Top, Malvern, was packed on Tuesday morning for the service.

The pews were full and mourners packed into the aisles for the service in the church where Mr Rodway, aged 67, was an active member of the congregation.

The congregation, thought to number about 400, included family, friends, colleagues from organisations such as Rotary and employees and customers of his well-known hardware business.

The service, performed by Rev Derek Sharples and Rev David Nichols, included the hymns Praise My Soul, O Jesus I Have Promised and The Day Thou Gavest, introduced as Mr Rodway's favourite.

His sister Elizabeth read the famous passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes and Trevor Guiver, a close friend of Mr Rodway for 40 years, gave a tribute and reflection that was both amusing and moving.

He recalled how they first met, and gave accounts of some of the highlights of Mr Rodway’s extensive charity work, including a bathtub marathon in which the tub – which Mr Rodway supplied – was paddled 27 miles around the Priory Park pond. He also spoke movingly of Mr Rodway’s illness and their contact during his last days.

Mr Rodway’s two children, Ginnie and Simon, gave an emotional recollection of their father, and what he had meant to them, and the service closed with a commendation and farewell, and a blessing.

The service was followed by a private committal at Worcester crematorium for close family members only, while guests were invited to Worcestershire Golf Club after the service.

Mr Rodway spent his working life in the hardware business, running shops in Malvern, Barnards Green and in the Homend,Ledbury.

Among those who attended the funeral were Ledbury mayor Allen Conway, former mayor Keith Francis and Jan Long of Ledbury Rotary.

Mrs Long described the service as a “special send-off for a special and well-loved man”.

He was also well-known for his community spirit, and was an active member of community groups such as Round Table, Rotary and the 41 Club.