A grievous loss

The Rev Bryan Middlebrook
The Rev Bryan Middlebrook
1933 - 2006
The sudden and unexpected death of The Rev Bryan Middlebrook from a brain haemorrhage has shocked and saddened all at this branch, the more so because he was such a young 73 year old.

Bryan had served as a volunteer on the Branch Committee for several years and had taken a full part in the life of the branch, going into schools to raise awareness, usually taking our annual Candle Vigil service, shaking a can on the street among many other activities.

Branch Chairman Patrick Nethercot, who had known Bryan for thirty-seven years, said,

"If ever a man deserved the description of a 'good man' it's Bryan. I have known priests who were certainly 'men of the church' but Bryan was more, he was certainly a 'man of God'. His deep faith sustained him, and he was so secure in this that he was never 'in your face' with it, it was just there, a part of him."

Bryan's funeral was on Tuesday 24 October at St. Cuthbert's Church, North Road, Durham at 12 noon. This quite large church, spiritual home to Bryan and Dulcie for many years, was packed with hundreds of people from all the various aspects of Bryan's life. The love for this man was palpable, and mourners crammed in, standing all round the back and sides of the church.

The Rev Michael Peers, with whom Bryan had worked at Langley Park, Esh, Hamsteels and Waterhouses in recent years, conducted the service and the address was given by The Rev John Greaves, former Vicar of St. Cuthbert's, colleague and friend of Bryan for almost thirty years.

A moving and detailed tribute to Bryan was given by his son, the Rev David Middlebrook, who earned the praise and admiration of all present for an informative and witty celebration of Bryan as father, grandfather, husband, teacher and priest, managing to contain his emotion until the very end.

There were Family Flowers only, but donations may be made to the church or to

Family only went to the crematorium and there were refreshments etc. in the Community Room at St. Cuthbert's afterwards.

Branch Manager Jennifer Brown said,

"When I heard we were getting a priest joining us, I thought I'll have to mind my Ps and Qs, but Bryan was so easy, down to earth, he just fitted like an old shoe."

An odd metaphor perhaps, but it suits Bryan.

This world is certainly a poorer place today without him.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.



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