Brian
As my manger you led by example,you would not ask anyone to do anything, you wouldn't be prepared to do yourself.
Your knowledge having worked your way up through many roles, meant the was not a thing you didn't know in funeral,you were approachable,unflappable,hard working,with honesty and integrity that has not, or will ever be matched.
Working at Great Brook Street as an arranger one December, we had one of those times when the was not enough of us to see families,I remember coming out of the arrangement room to say goodbye to my family, and doing a double take to see my area manager sat on reception, manning phones,showing families through for visits.I went straight into another arrangement,and again coming out of the room, to say goodbye to my family, there you still were, on reception, only now you were on your knees behind the desk, so you could be eye level with a family,talking with them about service sheets.you had been there most of the day,simply saying "it needed to be done"
The same December you went out on ambulances, helping bring loved ones into our care on Christmas eve,later helping wash the cars, that had been on service that day, so people could finish earlier.
I remember the time you visited a home I was covering at,you came into the office area, and noticed the safe was under the desk, where I was sat at working.I had to sit with a leg either side of the safe,you didn't like the idea of the girls who worked in that office having to sit the same way." Do you think me and you could move that safe to somewhere better" you asked. An hour later, 10 minutes to move the safe, 30 minutes to recover, both having asthma attacks, and needing a well earned drink,and after we put the carpet back in place having dragged it up moving the damn thing, you're understated comment was " yeah,that's better, I'm happy with that"
Though both big lads, the next day we felt a little worse for ware for the safe moving, that Friday was later referred too, by you, as "The two idiots, and safe incident"
Brian
As a fellow Capricorn, we have had the same "practical ideas" in situations, that when pointed out to us by our respective "Wifeys", are quite clearly then, only practical to a Capricorn, and nobody else! the saying over think things, has at times been said,also what were you thinking you . . . .🤦♂️
We like the same (Wifey term) rubbish /crap TV programs/series.I don't have the same taste in your music,and you don't share my love of exercise at the gym. We do though have the same quick dry, sarcastic sense of humour,something that earned you the title from Joan of "My sarcastic Son in Law" 👍
Brian
As my Brother- in- law,the only thing I wanted for Kerry was that the person she would settle down with, would be a better man than I, and that they would care, love and respect her.You were that,and more than did that.
I will forever be grateful to you Bri for looking after her, and being in her life , she is devastated and heartbroken that you have gone,Mom and Dad are, as are Cheryl and I,you were that special to all of us.
I tell Kez at the moment to take one day at a time,the will come a time when she will start to plan for a weekend, or plan for next week, but right now,one day at a time is all she can do without you, I can't bear to think we all won't see you again,so how can she? the phrase it's better to have loved and lost, than never have loved at all, I'm really trying to work that one out right now.
It's so, so cruel.you were so close to coming back to her,if love could keep a person here, then you would be here for another hundred years after we are all gone. that's how much everyone thought of you Bri.
Brian
As a Man was intelligent,kind, caring ,funny,thoughtful,generous,honest,and trustworthy,an absolute lovely guy.
If Brian's been you're friend then you were privileged to have had all the above from such a person.
Liked and loved by so many,Brian you will be greatly, and very sadly missed by so many.
I truly hope we get to see you again someday
David
16th February 2021
