Brian Dawson
It is with great sadness that we learn that club stalwart, Brian Dawson, died on Saturday July 16th.
Brian played at Ben Rhydding into his seventies and has been Fixture Secretary well into his eighties. Before this he was Club President from 1982 -86
Brian celebrated his 90th birthday last Thursday (14th July).
Brian’s funeral will be at St John’s Church, Baildon at 1.30pm on Thursday August 4th followed by an opportunity to meet up and share memories of Brian at the Ben Rhydding Sports Club.
Since we heard the sad news many comments have come in from members and we post a few here which all paint a fantastic picture of Brian:
Such sad news. Thoughts are with his Family! Always very encouraging in the bar after our games over the years. (Will M)
Incredibly sad to hear. A man highly respected by hockey clubs across the north of England. All thoughts with his family. (Andrew L)
This is so very sad. Thoughts with his family. Such a lovely man. He was always there to show support xx (Issy)
Really sorry to hear the news about Brian. He worked tirelessly for the club and helped to make it what it is today. RIP Brian. (Mary P)
So very sad to hear this. Brian was such a great club and committee member over many many years and always interested in everything that was going on. He will be really missed. Thinking of his family at this time. (Hilary M)
They don’t make them like Brian anymore….intelligent, kind, thoughtful, funny…a legend. (Warwick)
A true gentleman and his services to the Club were immense. (Jackie B)
A lovely man, and a true club stalwart who contributed so much. (Mel)
Legend indeed. He gave so much in so many ways. RIP. (Blocker)
That’s really sad. He was such a lovely and gentle guy. He’s going to be missed by many. (David A)
Thinking of his family at this very sad time RIP and 🏑in heaven xx (Anne)
Very sorry to hear this. Always a gentleman and his services to the Club were immense. RIP Brian (Janet)
What a genuine gentleman and a fantastic club man. Will certainly be missed by all. (Matt B)
Very sad news, true clubman (Chris H)
How really sad. Brian was so warm and friendly and also a phenomenal worker for the club particularly with his leadership as fixtures secretary. He was one of those who was so welcoming when I retired back to Yorkshire. Very much appreciated. (Chris Darling)
There were many more comments on the club WhatsApp group and these have all been passed on to Brian’s family.
For now we finish with the comments from two younger stalwarts of the club – Andrew and Rob.
Andrew Musgrave writes: When I first came to Ben Rhydding at 15 Brian took me under his wing and coached me. What a Gentleman, a good player and the most wonderful servant to the Club we love.
He was at the heart of the club without needing to be out in front. He was President of the Hockey Club as well as serving in many other positions most notably as fixtures secretary for longer than anyone can remember.
We played golf together in Ireland for many years and he was part of our Carpet Cup Team from the beginning until very recently.
Brian was part of many of the legendary moments of the Clubs history – international festivals, Centenary events, even witnessing the Malcom Birdsall “exploding golf ball event” in Ireland recorded in the Centenary Brochure!!!
We will miss him very much and want to pass on our thoughts and good wishes to his family.
Andy, John, Mark, Alistair and Andrew
Rob Pratt provides these lovely photos of Brian:
Brian was one of my favourite humans. He loved a good pint and a chat. He’ll be sadly missed. What an incredibly lovely man.
Brian was always a considerate listener.
We extend our condolences to his family as well as to his close friends at the club, including Barry Wilson, Peter Cussons, Peter Richardson and Bev Stott pictured below with Brian.
Brian’s funeral will be at St John’s Church, Baildon at 1.30pm on Thursday August 4th followed by an opportunity to meet up and share memories of Brian at the Ben Rhydding Sports Club.