John Brain

By Lindsay Clayton
June 19 2012

When I was asked if I would go to John Brain's funeral it was something that wasn't a chore to do. Here was a man that was universally liked and respected by those who knew him.

Hearing the pain in Pat Sanderson's voice the morning after the news broke was enough to tell me that John was going to be greatly missed by more than his family. So when I turned up at Gloucester Cathedral and saw the accumulation of the great and the good of Gloucester and Worcester Rugby I was not surprised.

Gloucester Rugby flag flying over the Cathedral

John was shouldered in, to Tina Power singing Ave Maria, by 6 burly ex rugby players two of whom were Andrew Stanley and Tony Windo. The service was excellent, with input from the family and an extremely eloquent tribute given by Pat Sanderson. The family, although sad, were clearly impressed with the throng of cherry and white shirts along with a few Worcester ones.

The Order of Service

The whole of the Gloucester squad were there along with Dean Ryan, Brian Redpath, Phil Vickery and many current and former Worcester players and coaching staff. Dale Rasmussen. Marcel Garvey. Kai Horstmann. Darren Morriss ,Craig Gillies, Tevita Taumoepeau, Aleki Lutui, James Brown. Thinus Delport, Darren O’Leary, Tony Boddy, Stewart Pickering and Gary Meecham. I have missed loads of those who were there, as so many who turned up to pay their respects.

The funeral of John Brain

Discussion started by Comeonyouwarriors.co.uk (IP Logged), 19/06/2012 19:45

Comeonyouwarriors.co.uk
19/06/2012 19:45

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:07:09:13:33:30 by Powick Eastander.

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DnT
20/06/2012 20:04

Link to the report on BBC Gloucester.

[www.bbc.co.uk]

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TeflonTed
21/06/2012 09:11

Thanks for the review, much appreciated.

I would have been happy to attend to add to the Wuss contingent if I were not here in Guernsey.

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Drutz
21/06/2012 10:05

not looking into a K2 scheme are you TT?

Forced to retire by the RFU

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Shoutin' Bloke
21/06/2012 13:09

Thanks for the report PE- excellent summary, and good to hear so may turn out to honour his life and achievements.

Without it seeming to lengthen the whole process too much for the family, a minutes silence (would prefer applause personally) at the first home games for Warriors and Glaws, or the 'Derby' games themselves to show a fuller appreciation of his contribution as a player, coach and all round nice bloke, would be a nice gesture.

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ESD
29/06/2012 21:48

Totally agree with Shoutin Bloke! Some recognition at our next game with Gloucester would be highly appropriate, and one which allows many more to show his family our appreciation of his professionalism and commitment to Worcester Warriors.

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come on u warriors
30/06/2012 11:55

I think so Worcs Glaws game at 6ways for 1 minute before ko give John a clap.

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old jack tar
01/07/2012 22:30

For me the only way to pay respect to the dead is to stand silently with head bowed as practised nation wide on days of rememberance. This business of clapping has only started in recent years with the return of service mens coffins, give it time and someone will be calling for three cheers. When they change from silence to clapping at the cenotaph then i might go along ........but I won't agree with it By which time The Last Post will have been replaced by The Post Horn Gallop.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:07:01:22:49:05 by old jack tar.

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Brummagem Bertie
01/07/2012 23:59

Whether John's passing and life should be remembered before a game at Sixways and, if so, the manner or remembrance, should both be a matter for his family, surely?

Whilst I would expect the club to want to do something, I hope that they approach the family first, and ask what they
would like to happen. If they feel that a minute's applause is appropriate I will respect their wishes.

Whatever you do, do it safely!

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southstand
03/07/2012 10:20

The tribute at kingsholm before the Irish Barbarians game took the form of a minutes silence with both teams lined up together with John's former team mates standing behind. This was followed by spontaneous applause that went on for quite a while as Johns picture was shown on the big TV screens.
It was extremely moving.

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Brummagem Bertie
03/07/2012 17:20

That appears to be an appropriate combination. A traditional mark of respect for John's passing, followed by universal acclamation of his life's achievements.

Whatever you do, do it safely!

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