My wonderful husband, Brian
Always there for me
Always there for our family
Always there for others.
Kind, compassionate, generous and witty – loved by all who knew him.
Brian, you will always be here in my heart;
I will remember the wonderful life we have had together over those 58 years. Always by my side, no matter what.
I love you.

Jacquie (Frog) xxx

My amazing Dad, the best Dad there could ever be. Dad has always been so supportive, somehow always knowing the right thing to say and cheerfully willing to lend a hand with whatever tasks needed doing. For me, the tasks often involved gardening, with Dad being surrounded by piles of hedge trimmings followed by numerous trips to the tip. As children growing up, Mum and Dad made sure we always had a family summer holiday which we all loved and have great memories of. I am so glad that 10 years ago we started the annual family getaways again. With a great sense of humour, gentle wise words and good deeds, Dad had a such a positive impact on my life and I’m sure on so many other people’s lives. I loved the stories he would tell, even the ones I’d heard many times before! I’ll miss you Dad, thank you for all the care, love, fun and laughter.

Love Fiona xxx

Thank you for being the best Dad ever, my hero, my protector and my favourite man in the world. I miss you so much and cannot believe you were taken from us so suddenly. We will always remember you with love and laughter. My beloved Firkie, I will always try to make you proud. Until I see you again….I love you xxxxxxxx

Siobhan McIlmail

Our wonderful Dad, so acutely missed but so alive in our hearts. Dad was an amazing father, husband, grandfather and great grandfather, he absolutely loved his family and together with Mum, created a wonderful family life for all of us. I remember a lifetime of fun filled seaside holidays – in both UK and the most fantastic family holiday in Florida, for all 14 of us! Naturally charismatic, Dad would stop and chat to everyone and always had a funny story, a joke or kind words, he saw the best in people and he was loved by all. His is a story of love, optimism and dreams, he met mum aged eighteen and devoted himself to his wife and four daughters. He rose from the post room to Company Director and he used to say to Mum “One day we’ll have a lovely house”, their dream was realised when they bought Overmead. When we were children Dad would make up the best stories at bedtime, we never wanted them to finish. He was always there to provide support, love, guidance, wisdom and humour. He was and is adored by his family, his daughters, grandchildren and grandchild. We are so lucky to have such great parents. Dad, I miss you terribly but know that you have gone to a happy place, to be with your brothers, friends and parents. I know that part of you is still with us and your legacy lives on in all of us. Thank you for being my father xx

Rosalind Callender

You have left a hole that can never be filled, sleep tight granddad, love you always

Lauren and Izzy

Dad, thank you for being the best dad and grandad that we could ever wish for. You will always have a special place in our hearts, and we will always love you. You always showed unconditional love and support to us all. We have always admired your kindness, strength, wisdom and integrity. Your humour and charisma will always be remembered too. You touched so many people’s lives, and you will live on in our memories.

Love always, Leonie, Gareth and Nathan xxx

Thank you for being the best grandfather I could possibly ask for. You were always there for me: to guide me, and to help me however you could.

We will never forget your kindness, insight, charisma, or your unwavering loyalty to all of us.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for us and thank you for continuing to watch over us.

Love Elliot Callender xxx

Dearly loved brother of Patricia. Your wit and sense of humour is missed by all who knew you. Look after all our loved ones.
Loved and missed everyday.

Patricia Thorne

Our dear much loved Brian.
I have been privileged to know you for over 55 years. You were like a loving brother to me, a close bond of friendship which stood the test of time.
We worked and played alongside each other. We brought up our families together. Brian or as I came to fondly name him, Brizbraz, was always there for me and my family. Uniquely kind and generous, Brizbraz was a natural role model to us all.
I am missing you dear Brizbraz now and will forever.
I’m heartbroken at you leaving us so suddenly and much before time.
Life will never be the same without you, your humour, your kindness, your compassion.
But you would urge us not to grieve but to enjoy life to the full and I will do my best.
You are for me that shining star in the sky and your bright spirit will always be with me.
Rest in Peace dear Brizbraz.
I love you.
Ade xxxxxx

Adrian Partridge

My brother in law I didn’t get to say goodbye but I can still feel you in my heart. I remember the way you told jokes stories which went on to long but that was you the way you spoke always considering others around you I have all these good and loving memories that I will cherish. As a family you were so kind to myself and your beloved brother John or should I say Johnny as you called him and my two sons Tiernan and Pearse.

Love and miss you till we all meet again.

Paula McIlmail

Brian was an uncle but was more like a friend, he always made us feel incredibly welcome and was generous to a fault, both with his time and his money, Jacquie and Brian made an amazing couple, each played off against each other in the most positive way and it was a joy to spend time with them, we would have an interesting and in-depth discussion that as always ended up with uproarious laughter. He was well mannered, compassionate, and kind with a wicked sense of fun and humor, any room Brian was in soon echoed to the sound of raucous laughter because he had that wonderful ability to make people laugh. he has a wonderful family of crazy, mad and lovely girls and grandchildren who were blessed to have such a fab dad and granddad.
Brian was a small man in structure but a giant in personality and we will miss him terribly.
always in our hearts Kings and Christine xxx

Kingsley Morrison

Loved and missed by his brothers Gerry and Paul sisters Jean Patricia and Ann and families.

Patricia Thorne

To our wonderful neighbour Brian. Your ever present smile will be much missed on the Lane. Rest in peace.

Alex and Craig.

How to describe the best uncle I could have asked for! Such an awesome man who brought so much laughter to all of our lives.
I will never forget the endless stories which we would be happy to hear over and over again.
I loved all the occasions we would meet with Auntie Jacquie and Uncle Brian, the trips to crumbs which always included finishing up with Apple pie and crepes to set you up for the rest of the day.
Everywhere we went there always seemed to be another Irish person that uncle Brian would find and start up a conversation with.
He was generally just the nicest, kindest person always there to listen and help if he could.
We will miss you so much and you will forever be in our thoughts & our hearts.
Just one of many memories..

Jens & Shannon xxxx

I couldn’t have asked for a better grandad and role model to grow up with. You always put our family first, by being there for all of us and giving us the opportunity to have family holidays each year, which were the highlight of my year and gave me wonderful memories I will never forget.
There was never a time you weren’t there for me and I know even now that I can count on you to be there for me and watch over me.
I feel honoured and proud to be your granddaughter and to have been named after you with my middle name Brianne, as it is another way of always having you with me.
I miss you immensely but know you are happy as you always were. Your smile would light up a room and make everyone else feel warmth and happiness. I was always my happiest when with you as you made me feel protected and you would make me laugh like no one else could. You made me the person I am today and I am eternally grateful. I will continue to think of you every day and reminisce all our special memories together.
I will love you forever.

Love Ella xxx

To our wonderful neighbour Brian. Your ever present smile will be much missed on the Lane. Rest in peace.

Alex and Craig.

Brian thank you for being there for me at my hour of need. With your professional manner and head of wisdom you brought a very critical serious situation under control and managed to put a bit of normality into it. I’ll always be forever in your Debt.
You calmed and reassured my parents that things may not be as bad as first thought.
You were there rock someone they could relate to.
Your comforting and reassuring smile give them hope.
I guess thats just the type of man you are.
You stepped up to the mark with Your brother paul when called on “shoulders above them all.
Sometimes even the word thank you isn’t big enough.
You will be forever in my thoughts for your kind dignified help you give me and my parents and for just being there all them years ago.
God bless

Paddy Mc Ilmail and girlsxx

I will miss you Brian and your wicked sense of humour, you were one in a million.

Lots of love Rita xxx

Uncle Brian was the best Uncle I could ever have asked for. He has been there at all key stages of my life with love, support, and advice. He was someone I could always call upon and his passing leaves a massive hole in my life which cannot be filled.

Uncle Brian was not just an Uncle, he was a lovely friend and the best of men, so much so he was my best man at my wedding to Sharon back in 2005, we had many laughs that day and he delivered the best, best man speech I could ever have asked for and everyone complimented him on it. His way with words both in serious and fun situations was always comforting and caring. we will miss our visits with you and Auntie Jacquie, to tea rooms and gardens, especially Wisley. When you were with Uncle Brian, you were always guaranteed the biggest cakes, well the 2nd biggest as he would always ensure he had the biggest one going 🙂 and rightly so!

We both feel very lucky to have had Uncle Brian in our lives and even though he has gone, he will never ever be forgotten as he leaves such a wonderful imprint on our lives, lots of happy memories both recently and going back many years which is of great comfort.

We will both miss you very much with much love always

Graham & Sharon xxxx

Brian
Together with Jacqui, my lovely neighbours (and friends), thank you for always being so kind and helpful (and making me laugh so much). I’ll always remember you. You will be so missed.

Lots of love Karen xxx

Brian was a very dear friend to Marius and myself. He was such a kind loyal and happy person always made us laugh. We have known Brian for over 56 years and will be missed so much. He was a wonderful father and family family always came first. We have so many memories which will be in our hearts forever. Rest in peace dearest friend.

Dawn and Marius

Good god Brian, can’t believe you have departed this life without a fuss.
Always fondly remember our Sunday afternoon visit with the lads, Great memories of you.
Condolences to Jacquie , girls and your extended families.
McGinn( as you would call me) ❤️❤️
Rest in Peace Brian.

Lucy Mcilmail

Thank you Uncle Brian for being one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve had the honour to call family!

I’ve never laughed harder than when I’m in your company, your smile and laugh were infectious!! And NOBODY is a better story teller than you …

Spending time with you and Jacquie was always something I looked forward to. You were such wonderful hosts and made me feel so welcome in your home.

Wish we had more time together, but I have so many wonderful memories to remember you by and I will hold onto that.

Sending love to you all,

Victoria, Toby & George xoxo

Brian will be sorely missed by all who had the great good fortune to know and love him
He always lit up every room with his fund of stories and anecdotes and his passing has shocked us all and has left a gap in our lives which will be difficult to fill.

Derek Morrison

Brian was such a lovely person, honest, caring, considerate and socially minded. And that’s before you even mention his lovely warm smile and sense of humour. This road will be the poorer for losing him. It was typical of Brian that he cared for the trees on the road for everyone’s benefit, as carefully as he cared for his own garden. He will be sorely missed and Certainly not forgotten.

With love Kate

My Uncle Brian was truly a ‘splendid fellow you know!’
When I was young, a couple of times a year, my kind and lovely Auntie Jacquie, and my kind and hilarious Uncle Brian would come down to Hampshire and let their four daughters beat me up and terrorise me. The silver lining to this was being in the company of probably the funniest man I have ever known. Within moments of Uncle Brian entering a room there would be laughter, smiles and gentle insults all round. His stories were the best, and I would hang on every gently spoken word. I never wanted the stories to end, but that could also be because when they did, the girls would start beating me up again!

On visits back to England, one of the highlights for Carole, myself, and Sabrina and Dan, was a visit to Overmead. We all loved the cosy chats in the kitchen with tea and cake, the tour of the garden and the huge family dinners.

Uncle Brian, we are more than sad that you’ve left far too soon. There are tears in our eyes, but love and laughter in our hearts. We will never forget you and your kindness.

Chris, Carole, Sabrina, Dan

Can’t believe you have gone especially so suddenly Uncle Brian. You always were a true gentleman and someone I was proud to call my uncle. I loved listening to all your funny stories and I have fond memories that I will cherish forever.

Greatly missed by Michelle McIlmail and sons.

Michelle Thompson

The cinema industry owes Brian a huge vote of thanks for the contribution he made to its renaissance in the 80s and 90s. Without his dedication and tireless hard work, National Screen would not have enjoyed such levels of success or, indeed, the respect of its customers such as the Rank Organisation or Odeon. A loyal and charismatic business partner, Brian`s warmth of personality and humour enveloped solid commercial judgement and a recognition of opportunities from which so many will continue to benefit in future years.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to have known you, Brian. Thank you for being my friend.

Patrick Mahony

Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brian
I didn’t know Brian that well but met him a few times through his brother Paul. I thought he was a lovely and charming man and still remember his lovely charming and witty manner even thought it would have been in the 80s
My apologies for the late tribute but I only came across this notice by chance

Rest in Peace Brian

Raymond Dowling