Brian Daniels (12 Jan 1939 - 20 Mar 2017)

In loving memory of Brian Daniels who sadly passed away on 20th March 2017

Brian was born in the first year of the second world war. He clearly remembers the doodlebugs coming over and exploding in the London area after their engines cut out and a few seconds of eerie silence preceded the blast. One such blast was nearby and lifted the family home a few inches before in came down again leaving various large cracks around the house. He is survived by two older brothers who were evacuated to safer parts of the country - Brian stayed with his mum as he was so young. His father made huge guns at the Woolwich Arsenal and was in the home guard during the war.
Brian went on to serve his apprenticeship as an engineer and just missed out on National Service as he had to finish his apprenticeship first. He went on to become a work study engineer and production engineer before retiring to look after his wife Sally.
He married in 1961 to Sally and they celebrated 40 years together before her death in 2001. They had 4 children, one of whom died as a baby from cot death. His 3 surviving children did well in their lives and he was proud of all of them. Each had their own children and themselves grandchildren making Brian a great grandfather.
Brian had many hobbies and interests including many sports. He was a good amateur footballer - playing for Cray Wanderers - until he badly broke his leg in a match. He did recover to play after that but was always a bit limited by the injury. He enjoyed cricket, table tennis, snooker, cards and darts which he played right up until his illness and death. He was able to regularly score 180 and beat many younger players who were often aggrieved at being beaten by such an old player. Although 78 he never looked his age and could still run at a good pace (in his main photo he is 71) . He enjoyed fishing, philately and war movies/westerns - he knew them all including the actors. A man of many talents who could turn his hand to anything - knitting his own cardigans.... art, puzzles etc -
Brian was a loyal and reliable friend, neighbour, father and husband. He would always offer a listening ear and support to those that asked. He is missed by all.