Sarah Stuffins writes:

It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you that our former colleague Brian Rotheray passed away yesterday. Brian retired in 2008 after a long and distinguished career at BBC Monitoring.

Brian joined BBCM in 1981 as a German monitor, the first of many roles at which he excelled. These included Listening Room Supervisor and a variety of management roles in the Editorial Department, culminating in 14 years managing BBCM's relationships with its government customers. In this role, he was instrumental in transforming BBCM's relationships with HMG customers. He was a key figure in the successful outcome of the 2005 review of BBCM. The organisation did not escape unscathed but it had been a real possibility that BBCM might cease to exist. He excelled as a monitor and as a manager. He inspired not only respect but genuine fondness in those that worked for and with him, and as a manager he was loyal to his staff and inspired loyalty in them.

Brian was passionate about BBC Monitoring and its history. He was an enthusiastic participant in the Heritage Open Days, even returning to take part after his retirement. He wrote the histories of Caversham Park and BBCM that were published to mark our 70th anniversary, and frequently did talks and interviews for the radio and local groups.

Outside work he enjoyed many cultural pursuits, and loved cricket and golf, both as a player and as an observer. Above all he was a devoted family man and our thoughts are with Brian's wife Ewa, son Thomas, and his family and friends at this time.

This tribute at Brian's funeral was from Bet Tickner:

I began working with Brian in 1996, when he, on his own initiative, set up a  Customer Services Unit at BBC Monitoring.

Monitoring always placed strong emphasis on the quality of its journalism, but Brian saw the need to do much more than that and really understand the needs of customers. He quickly earned and maintained their respect.

Always by preference a private man, I got to know Brian gradually and he came to be someone it was a great privilege to call a colleague and latterly a friend.

Brian was a conscientious man of strong principles and sound judgement, always anxious to be fair, approachable and a good listener. He had no time for pretence or posturing, but always took the time to show concern and kindness to colleagues and friends. For Brian respect was something he would and did earn, but never demand.

One former colleague here today remembers how he helped her when she returned to work after a serious illness, making sure  she did not overwork. I know he did this more than once.

Brian told me that his father, an officer in the Second World War,  believed that to get the best from his men, he had to look after them well and treat fairly. I believe he always tried to do just that with his own team.

I know that all the people here are here because they admired, respected, were very fond of Brian. He was a man whose strength was in his principles and personal integrity,  a  thoroughly decent and  honourable man , or to use the words of another former colleague - a fabulous bloke.

He will be sorely missed.