Brian Westlake

It feels utterly impossible to write this, to put into words the enormity of losing Brian. He died peacefully on February 7th, 2026, at the age of 82, and the world feels a little quieter without his booming laugh and that mischievous twinkle in his eye. Most people will remember him for his time on the football pitch – a talented forward who played for Halifax Town, Colchester United, Doncaster Rovers, and Tranmere Rovers – but for me, and for so many who knew him, Brian was so much more than just a footballer. He was a whirlwind of energy, a genuinely kind soul, and the most wonderfully stubborn man I’ve ever known. I remember once, when I was about ten, he promised to teach me how to properly kick a football, and it took him three hours, a lot of frustrated sighs, and a near-miss with the neighbour’s rose bushes, but he finally did it. That was Brian – persistent, patient, and always willing to share his passions. Brian was the heart of our family. He adored his wife, Margaret, and they were the very definition of a devoted couple – always teasing each other, always supporting each other, and always, always making time for the grandkids. He was a fantastic dad to Sarah and David, and a truly wonderful grandfather to Emily, James, and Chloe. He’d spend hours building Lego castles with the kids, telling ridiculous stories, and patiently explaining the rules of football (even if he occasionally forgot them himself!). He had this incredible ability to make everyone feel seen and valued, and his home was always filled with laughter and warmth. He wasn’t one for grand gestures, but his love was a constant, comforting presence. Beyond football, Brian had a real passion for gardening – he could coax the most beautiful roses out of the ground – and he was a surprisingly accomplished watercolour painter. He loved a good pub quiz, a challenging crossword, and a perfectly brewed cup of tea. But more than anything, he loved people. He had a knack for connecting with anyone he met, and he always had a listening ear and a word of encouragement. He genuinely cared about others and always went out of his way to help, whether it was fixing a leaky tap or simply offering a friendly chat. Brian’s absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and a fierce love for life. He may be gone, but the memories of his warmth, his spirit, and his infectious enthusiasm will live on forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, my dear Brian.