THE funeral of Aulton Thomas Rogers, known as Tom,took place yesterday when his family paid a moving tribute.

The 60-year-old was stabbed to death near the Oasis Leisure Centre pm June 26 while cycling home from work at the Woodlands Edge pub.

Friends and family from all over the world attended the service, which was followed by a celebration of his life at the pub where he worked.

The tribute said: “Today we have bid farewell to the beloved Tom Rogers, father to David; brother to Roy, Dawn and Karen.

“We have been saddened and shocked by the circumstances of Tom’s death. However, as a family, we have chosen to focus on the wonderful life that Tom had and the fact that he was a good man, who tried his best in life.

“Tom was a unique person, with an adventurous spirit. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

“We would like to thank everyone for their kindness, thoughts and prayers.

“As Tom would say, ‘Give my love to all.’”

Tom, who lived in Walcot, had previously been described as a gentle and unassuming man who loved his job. Many of his family live abroad but still maintained regular contact with him.

Shortly after the incident, they released a statement describing him.

They said: “Our brother, Tom Rogers, was a kind, unassuming, gentle man with a happy heart. He was a very quiet person, a hard worker and a man of simple tastes and means.

“Even though we live overseas, we have all enjoyed regular contact with Tom.

“We are fortunate that just a couple of weeks ago we were able to spend some wonderful time with him.

“Words cannot describe the sadness and devastation we all feel at this time. We sincerely appreciate all of the thoughts, prayers and support we have received.”

The stabbing , which took place in an underpass close to the Oasis, shocked the town and led to an outpouring of grief from residents online, as well as calls for CCTV to be placed at the scene.

  • Jason Voong, 27 of Southbrook Street, has been charged with Tom’s murder, as well as the attempted murder of Leanne James, 24, at the same place on May 8.

Voong remains in custody and a plea and case management hearing will take place at Bristol Crown Court on September 19