HE was a generous character with a wicked sense of humour and a love for fast cars, family, friends, bulldogs, and life in general.

Brian Elkins, who founded On The Tiles in Millbrook 30 years ago, will be sorely missed by family, colleagues, suppliers and customers alike. His enthusiasm and love for ‘tiles’ was appreciated by loyal local customers who returned again and again.

He worked alongside his sister and best friend Irene who was devoted to her brother, particularly during his final months. Jacques who started working alongside Brian in 1992 has taken over the helm at On The Tiles and hopes to be able to fill the void that his late mentor has left after losing his long battle against Motor Neurone Disease.

One of four children, Brian was born in West Wellow in 1948 and attended Plaitford, West Wellow and Bartley Schools. He was a mischievous lad who loved academia but disliked sport and thought nothing of hitching a lift on the back of a cart when told to complete cross country runs! His enjoyment of physics, craft and working with tools set him on his path working for MFI and Comet, moving to Plymouth for the latter role.

Brian returned to Hampshire to be with his mother following the death of his father. He set up his own business repairing electrical equipment, before founding On The Tiles in 1990. The firm have supplied tiles to cruise ships, historic Hampshire pubs and even Coronation Street!

He was a knowledgeable and practical man who enjoyed many hobbies including flying a gyrocopter, tree grafting, pottery, learning Italian and car mechanics. Brian was always happy to pass his skills on to others.

A Romsey resident, Brian loved driving fast Italian cars, and over the years had the pleasure of owning a Maserati and several Alfa Romeos including the exclusive Alfa 8C.

His love of travel took him all over the world, visiting Italy, USA, Egypt and the Gambia. A favourite trip of a lifetime was having the opportunity to visit Borneo and watch the antics of the Orangutans up close.

Brian will also be hugely missed by nephews Gary and Darren and great nephews Noah and Joseph who will grow up without his kindness, wisdom, generosity, humour, and wickedness in their lives.