A CAREER as a hairdresser, publican and newsagent brought Michael John Roach into contact with thousands of Newport people.

And his many friends joined family members for his funeral yesterday, after he died this week, aged 72, following a short illness.

The popular Newport man began his career at Michael's hairdressers in Bishop Street in the 1950s.

He is survived by wife Joan, sons Jeremy and Ashley, and four grandchildren. Born in Newport's Ronald Road, he was an apprentice hairdresser before perfecting his 'short back and sides' during his National Service.

Speaking from their Crescent Court home, his widow, Joan, said: "He came back and opened his shop and cut the hair of a few generations, but one day he came in and said 'that's it, people want long hair now', and he stopped.

"He always blamed the Beatles for ending his hairdressing career," she laughed. A stint looking after their friend's pub, the St Julians, convinced Michael Roach that he had found his new vocation.

Mrs Roach added: "He trained to be a publican, and we first worked at the White Lion, in Mill Street, which is the Royal Mail now, and then the Borderers in Malpas."

The couple stayed at the Borderers for ten "happy" years but decided to change tack again when the pub became a Harvester restaurant.

Son Ashley said: "They were good years at the Borderers and I remember the times when, in the afternoon, when you were supposed to shut the pub, my dad letting rugby fans in to watch internationals and him getting so much ribbing because he supported England, even though he was born in Newport. But he was also passionate about Newport County Football Club."

Still keen to serve the community, Michael and Joan opened Roach's Newsagents, in 1984, in St Julian's.

Mrs Roach adds: "He got up at 4am for nearly seven years and never complained. "He enjoyed it and many people liked him. He would go out of his way to help customers."

When he was diagnosed with diabetes 11 years ago, Joan and Michael decided to retire. Mrs Roach said his wit, generosity and friendliness will be missed. She said: "So many people knew him and loved him."