THERE were few dry eyes at Winchester’s Hope Church on Tuesday at the memorial service of a homeless man who died just yards away from the doors of the building.

One month ago, Ben O’Brien, also known as Bob, was found lifeless at his usual spot in the Middle Brook Street car park as passers-by went about their daily business on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Pastor Tim Blaber read out tributes to Ben written by his parents and the mother of his child, describing him as a “generous” and “empathetic” man.

Many in the audience were visibly moved by the stories told of his life – he attended the church and was well-known to the congregation.

READ MORE: Comment: Sad death on a Winchester street

Dozens turned up to remember Ben O'Brien (Image: Sebastian Haw)

Also in attendance was Ben’s dog, Gnasher, who has been recovered after going missing for a brief period following Ben’s death.

Speaking for Sarah O’Brien, Ben's mum, Michael Palmer said: “A lifelong Saints supporter, he always enjoyed going to the matches with his dad.

“Trouble could find Ben without him looking for it. Life was a real rollercoaster and, in his own words, he ‘smashed it’.”

Rachael Langford, the mother of Ben’s daughter Maggie, played a song on guitar before her words in tribute to Ben were read out by the pastor: “Ben loved us very much and I think we had a beautiful family once."

All those who spoke of Ben pointed to his generosity, warmth and his ability to draw a crowd wherever he went.

SEE MORE: Councils face ‘unsustainable financial pressure’ on homelessness, says watchdog

On one occasion, according to Judith Stewart, who knew him in Bristol through her church, he gave his shoes to another homeless man, leaving himself unshod.

When Judith pointed out that now he had no shoes, Ben said: “Yes, but I’ve still got my socks. And I’ve got you.”

In spite of the goodwill of many of his acquaintances, Ben continued to struggle with alcohol and drug abuse.

In the days before his death, Mr Blaber told how Ben’s health had deteriorated to the point where he could not walk.

The pastor recounted how he had found Ben unconscious in the street, and how he woke up after a short while and said: “See you on Sunday.”

But before the week had ended, Ben was gone.

Ben O’Brien attended Perins School in Alresford and was a promising young sportsman, with one of his coaches saying he could have played for the county in five or six different sports.

When he was young, Ben said he would never smoke or drink, as he didn’t want to harm his athletic performance.

He later worked as a team manager for Scottish Water, where he met Rachael. He was 39 when he died.