HUNDREDS paid tribute to nationally- renowned haulage boss Stan Robinson as he took his final lorry ride through Seighford.
The road to St Chad’s Church was lined with people who wanted to pay their final respects to the man who put the village on the map but remained true to his roots.
More than 600 people attended his funeral on Saturday and fellow entrepre- neur Hilary Devey, founder of pallet firm Pall-Ex and star of TV’s Dragon’s Den, sent a letter of tribute.
Mr Robinson died on April 6, aged 70, just a day after he had been told he had cancer.
He was taken to his funeral on an American-style truck, emblazoned with the company name and logo.
Employees from as far afield as Scot- land and Devon travelled to Seighford for the funeral of their company’s founder.
He began the business in 1970, with just one vehicle, but there are now more than 180 on the road and depots in Glasgow, Devon and Durham.
Mr Robinson was also known locally for his charity and community work.
He had been a director at Stafford Rangers Football Club and sponsored the club’s shirts for many years.
One of his final community projects was the re-opening of the village’s only pub, assisting villagers in their campaign by being a key investor in the Seighford Pub Company.
They in turn helped his family on Saturday by assisting with stewarding and car parking.
The service at St Chad’s Church was led by Reverend Andrew Hetherington.
Frank Sinatra’s anthem My Way was played as the congregation entered the church and Tina Turner’s Simply the Best - a song adopted by the company - was played as they left.
Hymns included All Things Bright and Beautiful and Lord of the Dance.
The eulogy was read by Mr Robinson’s daughter-in-law Carole and grandson Matthew.
He said: “Thanks for the amazing trips we had together; every one of them was so special.
"As I stand here today words can not describe to me how proud I am of you.
“You were not just an incredible Grandad but an incredible friend, always be in my heart. Keep on trucking Grandad.”
Mr Robinson is also survived by wife Flo, children Mark, Ian and Pauline, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and extended family.
His brother Gerald, who thanked everyone who attended on Saturday or sent tributes said: “A big vote of thanks to everyone who has made a donation in memory of Stan.
"Well over £3,000 had been received, which will be shared between Katharine House Hospice, St Chad’s Church and The Seighford Pub Company.
“Stan was a big man with a big heart.
“He was a well respected businessman known throughout the country, whose word was always his bond.”
