The family of a popular Halesowen-born businessman have paid tribute to him after he lost his five year battle with heart disease.

Bruce Porter, aged 81, (pictured right) who died peacefully last month at his home in Ashley Close, Norton, will be remembered as the founder of Oldswinford-based engineering company R B Porter Ltd.

The former navy electrician began the company in Stourbridge in 1961 and moved his business, which specialized in heating and air conditioning, to its current Hagley Road premises in 1964.

Bruce's widow, Sybil, said: "He never lost his spirit right to the end, he loved gardening and any work with his hands, he was an engineer through and through."

Born and raised in Colley Gate, Halesowen, Bruce saw action during the war having been called up aged 18 to serve in Ceylon, (now Sri Lanka), and during his service had a lucky escape on a routine troop transfer.

Bruce, known to his comrades as Brummie' due to his Midlands accent, was making his way to join HMS Tulip when his troop train was halted because the line was blocked by a dead body.

After arriving at the docks late, Bruce was told the ship had sailed without him and later heard news it had been torpedoed with the loss of all hands.

During later years Bruce's passion for orchids was recognised with national awards and his garden was highly commended in the 2006 Stourbridge In Bloom competition.

Bruce's daughter Jacqueline said: "He was a real Black Country character and a wonderful dad. Everyone will remember him for the way he was, a nice person with a dry sense of humour who could turn his hand to anything."

Bruce's son Anton added: "He led a full life and packed a lot into his life. We will all miss him."