Brian Albert Tom Horler (28 Apr 1949 - 3 Jun 2024)

The family of Brian Albert Tom Horler, are sad to announce that Brian passed away on Monday 3rd of June 2024.

Brian, was born on the 28th April 1949 to Celia and Dennis Horler in Paulton Hospital in Somerset.

Brian grew up in the village of Farmborough on the road between Bath and Wells. A farming community. Celia, his Mum, was the post mistress of the village post office on the Bath / Wells road and Dennis, his Dad, when he returned from the war had a job as a draftsman in the Fry’s Chocolate Factory.

Much of Brian’s childhood was spent in the village; at the Post Office, at a small holding called “The Batch” near the church in Farmborough and at Rolly’s farm nearby.

Brian studied Chemistry at the University of Bath and after that did a Masters, then did a PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Imperial College, London.

Brian’s first job was completing destructive tests on kettles for Phillips. Boiling them dry then seeing what happened!

Brian first met Jenny Belk, at Methodist Church in Chelsea sometime in 1973. They married in 1974.

In 1977 their first son, Andrew was born.

In around 1979 Brian got a job with the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) in the Analytical Chemistry lab at Ratcliffe on Soar Power station. This would be his job until he took early retirement to care for Jenny in around the year 2000.

When Brian got the job at Ratcliffe the family moved into Parkcroft Road, West Bridgford.
Christopher, their second son was born in 1980.

In around 1995-6 Jenny was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that robbed her of her physical & cognitive function over the next 20 years until her death in late 2022. Brian cared for Jenny at home for as long as he could manage before she moved into a care home.

Brian and Jenny were both active members of West Bridgford Methodist Church for over 40 years until their deaths. Brian was well known across Nottingham South Circuit for his various roles in the church – small group leader, preacher, circuit secretary and more.

Brian was well known for his love of cats, tools and cheese and jam sandwiches.

Brian was diagnosed with kidney cancer in March 2024, by the time he had the diagnosis the cancer was already in a very advanced stage and had spread into his spine. When he fell in April he broke his spine where the cancer had damaged it and he also banged his head. This started the process that 6 weeks later led to his death.

Brian passed away on 3rd June 2024 at Alexandra Care Home, Long Eaton.