I first met Brian around 1988 when I attended my first weightlifting competition at Woking Weightlifting club. After that for a number of years I travelled from Chelsea in London to Woking to train at his club. He welcomed me and was happy for me to train under his guidance. 

It was Brian who encouraged me to do my weightlifting coach's and Referees qualifications. As a result I was assistant coach to the U 16's squads at Bisham Abbey and attended two International U 16's Championships, as assistant coach, including one in Italy.  Brian loved Italy and the language so he came along to watch, he even took the squad out to dinner to celebrate. 

As a referee I have travelled all over the world as an IWF referee attending Senior and Junior European, Olympic and Commonwealth Games , and many World and European masters Championships, this would never had happened if Brian had not encouraged me.

There was one time when Brian put me and Sandra Smith up for the night before driving us to Belgium and back, to attend a Masters Weightlifting competition. Not many would have done that, but Brian did.

Both Brian and myself were committee members of the South East Counties Committee for several years organising competitions which in fairness Brian did most of the work. Brian put in a tremendous amount of work on these committees running and coaching at his club as well as his full time job and having a family. 

Brian was instrumental in many ideas in weightlifting coaching writing many papers on the subject and was always open to new ideas. 

His passion was weightlifting and his club concentrating on youth lifting, schools etc. Brian set up the Postal Clean and Jerk Competition and I believe had around 400 entries.  This was extremely successful in encouraging participation in the sport.

He was also a trustee on the Weight Lifting Foundation that helps clubs and lifters of U 23's . He approached me several years ago to become a trustee and it was a pleasure working with him. The foundation has helped many young lifters and clubs over the years and this is a result of Brian's hard work and dedication.    

Brian was intelligent, had a great sense of humour, but more than that Brian was my friend and I will truly miss him. My sincere condolences go to his daughter Sara and friend Margaret.

Now Brian our journey has ended.     

Caroline Charles