Funeral Service

Time: 2.30pm

Date: Thursday 23rd April 2020

Service Details:
Brian's service will be live-streamed via our Facebook page - Champ Funeral Services, on Thursday 23rd April 2020 at 2.30pm.

Brian Metcalf

Following an eleven-year battle with cancer, Brian passed away suddenly in the morning of the 14th April 2020, aged 76. His passing was peaceful and without pain in the company of his wife Sheila and two sons, Duncan and Julian who were by his side at Royal Blackburn Hospital. The previous day, he had been gardening in the evening spring sunshine and later came into the house to cook a hearty lamb stew for his loving wife, the same dish he made on their first date 52 years ago, accompanied by a glass of wine. Always a loving and devoted husband to Sheila, a supportive, caring dad to his two sons, and a wise old Pops to his four grandchildren Oscar, Imogen, Phoebe and Genevieve, who in turn, adored and humoured him. Brian had a good heart and although often a private man, was generous, kind and caring to the wide number of people in his circle, friends and business acquaintances.

The only child of James and Eveline (nee Minds) Metcalf and born in Accrington, Brian studied at boarding school in the Isle of Man from the age of 8.  It was here he developed into a bright, inquisitive, resourceful and self-reliant young man which would serve him well later in life.  School life, however, was cut short at the age of 15 when his own father’s illness brought him back home to run the family business.

From humble beginnings with only four employees, Brian grew the Joseph Metcalf Ltd business into a very successful company employing over 200 people, servicing the Horticulture industry UK wide with the Gem brand.  In the first few years Brian was known at work as Mr Metcalf, but as time passed, he preferred to be known as the less formal BM.

To many members of staff, including his two sons who worked with him, it was a truly enjoyable place to work and had a genuine family feel where people tended to stay for many years.

Brian and Sheila had a loving, happy marriage and they formed a fantastic partnership until the end.  With Sheila by his side, he had the strength and courage to face anything the world threw at him.

Brian was at his happiest seeing others enjoying themselves and with Sheila, managed to host many Rotary and Masonic events and parties with friends raising money for various charities in the process.  Their dinner parties were always a night to remember amongst friends.   Later in life, as he found more time away from work, he took up golf and found time to relax on his boat in Mallorca.

More than anything, Brian would want those who he loved and left behind to raise a glass, enjoy life to the fullest and perhaps shed a small tear as they remember him.

We sorely miss you Brian as Husband, Dad or Pops and will continue to make you proud every day. Thank you for bringing joy, wisdom and happiness to our lives and may you rest peacefully knowing how much you were loved.

Please find a link below with photos of Brian in good times. Should you have any nice photos of Brian yourself, we would love you to share them with us via that link.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3unnBCrgtyPEQwmr8

If anyone would like to make a donation in memory of Brian, these are being gratefully received on behalf of East Lancashire Hospice and Northwest Air Ambulance. Please click the donation link below: