Brian James Spencer

“Always loved, never forgotten and forever missed.”

Brian sadly passed away at South Cheshire Hospital on 17th July 2022 aged 65 years.

The beloved husband of Paul.

Brian and his husband Paul were two halves to a perfect whole, true soulmates and the very best friends, fixed together like a magnet, they have never been apart.  Even though Brian has suffered with ill health for decades, since the day they met, Paul selflessly devoted his own life to caring for Brian even to the detriment of his own health, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Whenever Brian has been hospitalized, Paul was never far away from his bedside and Brian’s condition has been so serious at times that he required intensive nursing care in various hospitals including Leighton and Christies, but Paul held Brian’s hand throughout, accompanying him to medical appointments and treatments, encouraging him to remain strong.

Paul has spoken to all the specialists and medical teams, kept meticulous records, administered Brian’s medications, regularly monitored Brian’s observations such as blood pressure, temperature, heartbeat, oxygen levels, in fact Paul has always had everything running like clockwork and without question or complaint, Brian always did as Paul asked, knowing Paul had his best interests at heart.

Brian always knew that had he been attended to by a huge team of full-time carers and nurses at home, he wouldn’t have received any better care.  Paul was his lifeline, his constant light on the horizon, his rock and I know medical professionals have all said the same, Brian wouldn’t have survived so long had it not been for Paul’s love and devotion.

Paul described Brian as a private man, tall in stature and extremely good looking, he was a gentle gentleman with impeccable manners.  A loving and caring man who was totally devoted to his parents and after his dad died, Brian continued to look after his mum.

Financially it was a struggle but to make ends meet, he worked full time at the Inland Revenue and found extra work at the Lyceum – doing something out of his comfort zone – front of house.

I say out of his comfort zone because unless something was flower related, Brian never liked to project himself into the limelight.  And even if he was flower arranging, he didn’t fully acknowledge how gifted he was.  I believe he won many accolades including a bronze at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Brian was an introvert and used to hide his light at the back of the queue whereas Paul was the extrovert and would encourage Brian to stand out from the crowd.  But no matter whether Brian was at the back of the queue or at the front, whether he was feeling unwell or not, he had the most amazing smile that simply melted Paul’s heart.

Brian was welcomed into the world as an only child and very much loved by his parents.  His mum absolutely worshipped him and as a result, Brian’s life revolved both his mum and dad, and although he had to accept the death of his dad, he was totally bereft when he lost his mum.

But one day, Paul came into his life and Brian found true happiness.

Brian was an introvert, Paul was an extrovert, total opposites in many ways but the combination worked perfectly.

Brian had a phenomenal amount of flair and creativity with flowers whereas Paul had a keen eye for interior design.  Brian adored his garden and although Paul wasn’t initially into flowers, he learnt such a lot from Brian.

Brian progressed to become a member of NAFAS and on one of the sympathy cards someone wrote:

“Mercia and NW area of NAFAS – So many happy memories and stories shared within his flower world.  Highly regarded in Mercia and NW, an incredible number of people knew and liked him.”

“He was loved and admired by so many people.”

After collapsing at home, Brian’s condition deteriorated rapidly and when admitted to hospital, he told Paul that he had known for some time that if he went into hospital again, he wouldn’t return home, sadly he was right yet despite that, neither he nor Paul were ready to end the fight and say goodbye.

A thanksgiving service will take place on Friday 5th August at Crewe Crematorium Chapel at 3.30pm

For further information and to offer your condolences, please telephone our funeral home on 01270 584447