Thomas Brian Birchall ‘Brian’

“A father holds his daughters hand for a short while, but holds her heart forever”

Dad was born in Red Bull, near Kidsgrove on March 25th 1935, just before Twin sister Betty. He started school in Church Lawton, then won a maths scholarship to Sandbach Grammar School.

Dad was called up for National Service in 1953, training in Devizes Wiltshire, then travelling over to Japan using his maths skills in the pay corps. On his return he had various jobs from training as a tailor, working in pot banks to working at Rolls Royce, as his Dad had done before him. He then moved to Fodens as a machinist, where he worked until his retirement.

Dad’s passions in life were his hobbies, which were playing chess, suduko puzzles and his brass bands. He loved spending time with his chess friends and every Thursday with his band family at Winterley Methodist Band.

Dad also loved nothing more than being at home, with a cup of tea and some cake and biscuits, while we were watching quizzes and cookery programmes together. He really was the most kind, gentle, caring and thoughtful Dad. I felt so lucky to be able to call you “my lovely Dad”. You will be missed, but remembered and loved every day.

Dad sadly passed away on Sunday May 17th.