In loving memory of Brian Clive Naylor who sadly passed away on 19th February 2016
Brian Clive Naylor was born on December 21st 1929 to Royce and Madge Naylor in Purley; He was the second of four children, Tony, Brian, Michael and Gill . Brian grew up in Purley, until the war came along and they moved to Birchington on Sea. From there he went to Bromsgrove school where he began is love for sport, a love that would span his life, there - with Rugby and Cricket! At 18 Brian did his national service, based in Dorset, near Lulworth Cove before returning at long last to Purley and the family Business. It was at Naylor and Root that he spent his whole working life, alongside Tony (his brother) and John (cousin). He started an apprenticeship there, worked hard to pass his company secretary exams, became company secretary and with time moved onto become director and then managing director. He was a great diplomat and was always able to deal with awkward people (and I gather there were a fair few in the Vauxhall franchise world), but he was also a great leader, able to create a culture at Naylor and Root that was fun, professional and brought the best out of people.
While he was doing his apprenticeship it was suggested that Brian might like to go to a pyramid party (ask Pat for the details) with a lovely young lady. It didn't quite happen but Brian being a determined young man arranged a follow up date at Thamesis sailing club (sailing - another lifelong love!) that led to an announcement six months later that he and Pat were to be married! They married in 1956 building their home (Marlin Reach) in Kenley where they had 20 happy years before moving to their current home. In 1961 they were blessed with a son, Michael and 2 years later, Scott came along to make the family whole.
Life was busy, with the business to run, a growing family to take care of, Brian’s involvement in Rotary (a subject I will come back to) and projects to undertake on the house. But it was also a time of much laughter, dear friends, and from what I gather a good amount of sport being played. In fact Brian has the most impressive repertoire of sports I think I have ever come across. Rugby and cricket at school, tennis, squash, golf, croquet and even a spot of windsurfing. But then that was reflective of the energy that he put into everything he did.
Brian retired in 1997, a year later than he had hoped but threw himself into retirement. He took up golf, joined a bridge club at chrome golf course, swam with the early birds, more latterly played croquet and of course there was his involvement with Rotary – a charity that he had more than 5 decades of involvement with. He was a recipient of the long service award, was, for a time, President of Battersea Rotary and membership secretary among other roles, but more the titles was the hard work (and a great deal of good memories). The family recall race nights, sons and daughters evenings , Christmas collections, and lots of networking drawing others into to join and share in the outstanding vision that Rotary carries. His love for sailing allowed him to organise a scheme where disadvantaged young people had the chance to sail on tall ships and Pat was telling me Brian’s joy at seeing the difference those trips made to some of these young people – pride, self-belief, confidence that had never been there before. A welcome to all those from Rotary present today – thank you for all you do.
Brian remained incredibly active until health challenges began in the last six years. Despite incredible courage and resilience in the last months after his fall he gradually deteriorated and passed away with the family present on 19th Feb.
I asked Pat, Michael and Scott how they would describe Brian. They said;
- A man with a great sense of humour (and terrible jokes!) He was always laughing
- A man with a great love for life.
o He loved travelling, seeing new places around the world.
o He loved cars and bikes, in fact anything mechanical it would seem
o He loved people; he would talk to anyone regardless of who they were and whether they were at a business function or in the supermarket checkout queue.
- And finally he placed a great deal of value on family. Nothing pleased him more than when the whole family and friends were together.
Brian was a great father, (he loved his boys), he was a super grandfather (who he got so much pleasure from his grandchildren) and a great husband, who even to the end wanted to make sure Pat was ok. Brian lived life very very well and he will be missed.
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