Brian’s Funeral – 9th April 2025

Here's the music we played at Brian's Funeral.

They'll play in order, or you can choose from underneath.

«

Prev

1

/

1

Next

»

Love Is All Around

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

With A Girl Like You

The Harry J All Stars - Liquidator (Official Audio)

«

Prev

1

/

1

Next

»

1. With a Girl Like You - The Troggs (Angie & Bri's song #1)
2. Hymn: All Things Bright and Beautiful
3. Love Is All Around - The Troggs (Angie & Bri's song #2)
4. The Liquidator - Harry J. All-Stars

Brian Joseph Bannister, Gornal Wood Crematorium, 9th April 2025, 4.10pm
by Andy Arblaster, Funeral Celebrant

Good afternoon everyone, welcome and thank you for being here today as we gather to pay tribute to Brian our very dear loved one, friend and neighbour. We are here to call to mind memories of times that each of you shared with Brian. Today is also an opportunity to join your hearts and minds together in support of Angela, Lee and Nikki. Paul and Leah. Beaux and Brooke, Brian’s precious grandchildren each of whom he loved so very dearly, as well as all of his family.

Today we also remember our loved ones gone before us. Seen no longer but always in our hearts.

Nothing can prepare us for days such as these because we are never ready to lose someone who we have loved so very dearly. The pain of loss and the sadness that we now share is the ultimate price that we pay for our love. When we lose someone so very special it feels as if time stands still. There’s a silence passes through us, a quiet sadness. Then comes a longing just for one more day, one more word, one more touch. But time is a great healer and little by little we’ll begin to remember not just that Brian died but that he lived enriching lives with treasured unforgettable memories that will remain forever in your hearts.

Remember too that while those memories remain his light will never go out.

Today we mourn his passing, but we also remember, honour, and give thanks for the life that he lived.

Brian was a Tipton lad, born at the family home to parents Mary and Joseph. A home shared with mom, dad - a railway worker - and his sister, Mary. Brian attended Manor Road, Tipton Green and Park Lane Schools, playing football for various teams in the Tipton area. He began work in the Accounts Department Offices of the Horsley Bridge Iron Works. It was there that he and Angela met. She told me that “Brian was shy” and was pushed into asking me out by his friend David Clifford.

Thanks to David, Brian overcame his shyness. Because the rest, as is said, is history. They married at the Church of Saint Matthew, Tipton in 1969, moving into their first home in Watts Close on the Foxyards Estate. Son Lee was born while they lived there. Moving to Wrens Avenue, second son Paul’s arrival completed their family. Both parents so proud of their two boys.

Many years later his furry son, Charlie the cat, would be by his side or in his arms as they walked round the house.

Angela, Lee and Paul recalled happy memories of family holidays together in Blackpool and Barmouth. Favourite childhood places of Brian’s holding many special and fond memories of holidays with his own family as a lad, often travelling by coach and train. Later in life, happy coach trips to Austria and Italy - Brian would not fly anywhere. When the lads were older, Brian and Angela cruised around the Mediterranean and holidayed in Portugal, Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Gibraltar.

Over the years, Brian encountered the odd mishap. On one occasion at home, Brian managed to shut himself inside his shed for an hour without the family knowing - immortalised in the words of a poem written by a mate. Lee will no doubt share the poem with you later which includes many other such memories.

Brian was a traditionalist and never forgot his roots. He always loved horse-racing but only rarely had a bet on the races - despite having shares in 4 horses in recent years. Meanwhile on the football field, as a young team captain, he was a calming influence on his team-mates. “Just like his footballing hero Billy Wright” said Paul, “he was a football nut and went all over the country with his beloved Wolves team in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s”.

They truly were golden years!

Brian was a family man, loyal to each of them. He loved each of them so very dearly, and a loyal friend to all those fortunate to be counted among his friends.

Not only a gentle man but a true gentleman who will be so very sadly missed by all who loved him and all who knew him.

Brian’s sister-in-law Lindsay will now pay personal tribute to Brian and share more lovely memories.

Some memories of Dad, from Lee.

The earliest memory I think I have of Dad is when I was very small and I used to pile on him in front of the fire in the living room and just 'rile' him while he'd spin me round. I had endless energy at that age but it would wear him out!

The main thing I inherited from Dad is his dry sense of humour. He could be very serious, but he liked nothing more than to sit down in front of the telly and watch one of the classic comedies like Dad's Army, Porridge, Yes Minister, The Likely Lads - and they've all rubbed off on me. I can watch them again and again and think of him really laughing his socks off at them. We actually watched Yes Minister again, together, just a few weeks ago.

He introduced us all to Hancock's Half Hour - I can picture him now watching the one about Lord Byron, or the one where Tony was stuck in a lift, and properly laughing out loud at the funniest lines. He'd usually turn to me while laughing and it was always great to see him enjoying himself so much.

Of course we all loved Only Fools and Horses, particular the Jolly Boys Outing to Margate, but it was only in later years that he told us that he'd effectively been on his own Jolly Boys Outing to Margate with his own mates, when he was younger. As a group they'd often go to various places around the country, usually following the Wolves to away matches.

Dad told us that from a very early age he adored Blackpool. It's maybe not everyone's cup of tea these days, but he often remembered how much his own Dad had loved the place - again he told me this only a few weeks ago. That affection for Blackpool rubbed off on him, and in turn it has rubbed off on me - Blackpool will always remain a guilty pleasure.

He'd grown up loving the old films and weekly serials, and over the years he built up quite a decent collection on DVD of all the old westerns and adventure serials he used to go and see at the Regent/Regal cinema in Owen Street, Tipton.

He loved Horse Racing but hardly ever betted. He usually watched on TV but we did go to a few meetings over the years. He enjoyed studying the form and in later years he even bought himself a share-or-two in a few racehorses. They didn't do much, but he just loved to follow them. I looked up his accumulated winnings recently, and they currently stand at a grand total of 27 pence. He didn't seem to mind!

And then there was his prized collection of film and football books, many new ones but some very old ones. Over the years his older originals had dwindled, so I was really happy that I was able to get hold of some of those originals for him again. Just a few months ago I found him a copy of the Stanley Matthews Football Album that he'd first had as a present from his own Mom and Dad back in 1951, and its sitting right opposite me as I write this.

In his final few weeks he became ever weaker and whilst Mom was in hospital I effectively became his full time carer. We'd chat about all manner of things, when he was strong enough, and then I'd usually give him a hug and kiss before going to bed. One of the days, out of the blue, he called out "I'm proud of you". I know he was proud of both me and Paul, and that moment has given me something nice to think about since he left us.

But of course there are so many lovely things that will remind us of him, and everyone here will have their own - these are just some of mine. Love you Dad!

My Dad, by Paul.

I didn’t know how to start this, so I’ll start by telling you of the time Dad put the bins out one night, only to slip on ice and knock himself out for about 10minutes.

Mum said “I don’t know where your Dad is”, he’s only put the bins out, only for Dad to walk in and say “I’ve just got off the floor round the side. I don’t know how long I’ve been there”.

Or the time he cooked a pizza for me still in the wrapping.

Or better still, the time he got locked in the shed when the latch dropped down behind him. He just sat there until Mom looked through the window and saw Dad sat there staring back at her.

“How long you been there Bri?”

“About an hour” was his reply.

See that was Dad. No fuss. No drama. Just happy to be in the background.

I liked the way one of his best mates described him the other day – like an old shoe.

He liked a simple life. Didn’t like spending money (if he knew what my suit cost, he’d have a fit!!). He wore the same clothes most of the time. I’d buy him Wolves T-shirts and socks and he’d “keep them for best”, but never wear them! (Me and Lee are wearing Dad’s Wolves socks today – they’re still brand new. He didn’t ever wear them!)

Me and Dad shared one big love – Football.

Whether we were going to watch Wolves or Dad taking me to play football for the local team from the age of 11 to 16. For 5 years, Dad stood on the touchline. Home and Away. Wind, rain or shine. Not missing one game.

No other parents there - not like these days! It was just my dad on his own in his flat cap, watching his boy.

If I messed up, I’d get a look to the heavens followed by a clenched fist… (Must do better!)

If I did well, I’d get a nod… (Well done!)

No words were needed, but that little nod always meant the world.

I remember being on the old South Bank at Molineux when Wolves scored or went close. 15 thousand people would lurch forward and backwards and side to side as one, with Dad wrapping his arms around me, protecting me. Elbowing people away from me. No words were needed once again. It was just actions.

See things like this meant the most and they are the things I’ll never forget.

Dad was at his happiest when it was just the 4 of us. Or later 8, when the Bannister family grew. He was so proud to be a grandad to his two beautiful granddaughters and they love him very much.

We would go to Blackpool on holiday when we were kids – Dad would get up about 6 (“best part of the day, that is” he would say). I’d wake up and he’d say “paper?”, so me and Dad would go get a paper and pop to the café for a cuppa.

Just me and my Dad.

I remember that so clearly – that little café painted red and white down a slope at the front opposite the Promenade.

I’m really gonna miss the phone calls 2-3 times of week at 7 in the morning telling me what the weather is going to be like or telling me there’s a match on tonight or his horse is racing later. His voice messages he left me – always starting with “Alright
Paul, it’s only Dad” and ending with “Bye now”

“Watch the wind today – it’s supposed to be quite nasty”

“I wouldn’t bother today if I was you – nasty out there”

Or if I mentioned we were going somewhere, and he’d get his map out to see where it was and work out the best route to go.

That was always him. Always looking out for me.

He got a bit soppy in his old age. He would shake my hand more often and in his last few weeks would get a bit upset when we had to leave, he even kissed my hand.

The reality is, I know that he loved us to bits and we all loved him to bits too.

And we miss him so much.

Night Dad (“Night My Boy”)

Family Memories from Brian's Sister-in-Law, Lindsay Beavon.

I'd first like to start with a beautiful poem just for Angie and the family.

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me; as much as I love you.
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
So when tomorrow atarts without me, don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me, I'm there within your heart.

And now a short bible reading, telling of Jesus's promise to take us home to heaven if we believe,

JOHN 14 v 1-3

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Fathers house has many rooms; if that were not so, woud I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a pace for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you may also be where I am.

It's not hard to recall some very precious times spent with Brian, Angie, Lee & Paul over the years.

As a family we spent some great times with them all. Sunny Sundays in particular were days of picnics, playing football over the common or trips to Stourport and Bridgnorth.

We also had some happy holidays with them. A few come to mind, we were at Chatsworth House in the Peak District and the men, Bri and my hubby Doug were wandering ahead of the rest of us, and were walking alongside the river. We couldn't hear what they were saying as they were too far away. Both men had a habit of using hand gestures when they were talking. So our boys decided it woud be fun to film them and do voice overs of what they might be saying. The one thing that sticks in my mind is Bri making a huge hand gesture of something big and round, Pauls voce came across as saying 'Yes Doug the football was this big! It just fitted so perfectly. Both men totally unaware of what was going on, but we were all creased up laughing.

Another holiday we spent with just Angie and Bri was to Ireland. We were at the Giants Causeway. It was a really hot day. We'd all walked down to the stones, but Doug and I decided on the easy option of catching the bus back up to the visitor centre as it was so hot and quite a climb. Angie and Bri decided to walk. We stood at the top, filming them as they ascended the steep path to where we were. Poor old Bri was hunched over holding his knees, willing his legs to get him to the top! They made it but he'd well and truly had it, so a cuppa was in order.

Now if you've ever been going somewhere in the car with Bri, or following him etc., you'd now he was a very 'careful' driver. He was always well within the speed limit and barely ever reached it. So we all found it rather hilarious when he was done for speeding and had to attend a speed awareness course.

Now Bri was quite a conservative dresser. Shirt and trousers, jumper when it was cold, socks on with sandals etc. But on occassion he went a bit wild. Angie and Bri were going to a friends birthday party, so Bri dressed up for the occassion - as a woman. They even stopped at a local petrol station for fuel, which I'm sure caused a fair few heads to turn and even wolf whistles!

At Angie's 40th birthday party, Bri and Doug deecided they'd be black country kissograms, and dressed in Y-fronts, Flat caps and a tea towel over their arms. What a sight.

Then at Dougs 40th birthday party, Bri and a friend, unbeknown to us, dressed as a mother with her pregnant daughter. Bri was the pregnant daughter looking all demure!

One new years eve, Bri, Lee and their friend John dressed up in swimwear and sang along to the beverley sisters song 'sisters' followed by a dance routine to itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini. Its always the 'quiet' ones!!

Bri had a lovely, but very dry sense of humour. You'd take his pic and when you came to look at the photo, he'd be pulling a funny face. Talking of funny faces, Bri used to do a slow close of the eyes. I don't know if some of you more mature folk remember fireball XL5. Well there was a little alien in it called zoony who used to do that exact same slow eye close. So my nickname for Bri was Zoony, and everytiime I said it, he'd do that slow eye close.

Now poor old Bri suffered very much in his last few days. We saw it first hand and it was quite distressing to see my lovely brother in law like that. I asked him if I could say a little prayer for him. He said yes. So I got on my knees by him, held his hand and said a very simple prayer. He thanked me, bless him. I said 'I'll keep praying for you Bri', he said 'pray thousands, pray thousands please'. So I did.

And on that note, with the familys permission, I'd like to say a prayer now. Please join me, lets pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that we can gather here today to reflect on the life of a very special man, our lovely Brian.

Although we're sad that he's no longer with us, we can remember, with love, the happy times spent with him. I'm sure we all have many more memories we could share about Bri.

But now Lord, he's with You in Your beautiful heavenly garden. Free from pain and distress. Meeting up with those who have gone before him, in Your heavenly presence.

Lord we ask for Your peace, Your strength and Your love for Angie, Lee & Nikki, Paul, Leah, Beaux and Brooke, as they learn to live without Bri in their lives. And may the rest of us, who knew him and loved him, remember him with a smile as well as tears, knowing he is at peace.

We reluctantly give him to you Lord Jesus, kowing we'll miss him very much, but also knowing what an honour it was to have had him in our lives.

May he rest in peace.

In Jesus name, Amen.