'Tony' Anthony Harry Eyles Brettell (16 Nov 1941 - 8 Oct 2019)

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Location
Robin Hood Crematorium Streetsbrook Road Solihull B90 3NL
Date
1st Nov 2019
Time
10am
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In loving memory of Anthony Harry Eyles Brettell who sadly passed away on 8th October 2019.

Anthony, affectionately known as Tony, was born on 16th November, 1941 in Swindon, Wiltshire to Faith and Harry Brettell. After completing his Bachelor of Education in Birmingham, he became a teacher for the Birmingham Education Authority eventually becoming headmaster of S James Primary School, Handsworth and Heathmount Primary School, Balsall Heath. He lived in Birmingham for the rest of his life.

In 1966, Tony married the love of his life, Gillian Brettell, who survives him. They married on the same day as the World Cup Final which, in itself, is testament to the love he had for Gillian. Tony is also survived by his children Richard and partner Karolina; Clare and partner Jon; Andrew and partner Helen as well as six grandchildren, Hamish, Jack, Ruby, Sam, Ben, and Max.

Tony had a passion for cricket and the radio. Every summer, the radio was tuned into Test Match Special - at home, in the car, and on holiday. It wasn't just summer, though. When England were on tour the radio could be heard at all hours of the night. Tony tried to instill his love of cricket in his children. Weather permitting, test matches took place in the garden of 30 Peacock Road - four runs if the ball hit the back wall of the house, six runs for hitting the wall on the full, six and out if it went into the neighbours' gardens.

Tony was known for his sense of humour and his ability to play with words. He often wrote humorous poems to celebrate family events and he enjoyed a good cryptic crossword. Even to the last he was making typical 'Tony' jokes. Tony was, most definitely, a home person and not a great traveller. But he always put family and the needs of others first and accompanied Gillian around the world on her many travels. It was only right that his last moments were spent surrounded by his immediate family. But he would have found it highly amusing that they were spent on the other side of the world.

Carmen Pace lit a candle
Carmen Pace wrote

I was so sorry to hear the sad news and my heart goes out to his family. Tony was a wonderful person and one I was proud to call a friend even after I left Victim Support. His devotion to family, charity work and cricket made him a very special person. Sorry Tony but I still don't understand the game.
En arche en e logos en e logos a pros ton theon.

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  • Thank you Carmen . He is dearly missed

    Posted by Andrew on 22/12/2019 Report abuse
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Val Mansell new Lacey donated £50 in memory of 'Tony'

Fond memories of the laughter shared by by the Brettells & Laceys.

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Darren Purnell donated in memory of 'Tony'
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Rose Purnell donated in memory of 'Tony'
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Lizzie Tunley (new Tolley) wrote

Anthony (Tony) was my late Dad’s cousin. My Dad and Tony shared love of cricket and similar dry humour meant they remained close and I believe they have now been reunited ❤️
I have memories of Tony from childhood and beyond - most of them make me smile and even giggle due to his sense of humour and lovely way with children.
Continued love and condolences to Gill, Andrew, Clare, Andrew and the whole wider family as they say goodbye to him this morning. With you all in spirit. Xxx

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Ann Williams donated £30 in memory of 'Tony'

Remembering the sweetest, gentlest, kindest person.

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Ann Williams is attending the funeral
Steven Postans donated in memory of 'Tony'

It was a pleasure to be with Tony at Victim Support, he was a lovely guy, very dedicated to his clients and he will be very missed by volunteers and staff, past and present. However he's left a wonderful legacy during his many years of volunteering, its beyond doubt he's made a massive difference to peoples lives.

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Helen Brettell donated £30 in memory of 'Tony'

In loving memory of a big brother. Love from Adrian and Helen

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Helen Brettell donated £50 in memory of 'Tony'

You are now in the great pavilion in the sky, where rain or bad light will not stop play. Hope the wicket is good. Rest in peace mate. Love Adrian and Helen

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Josephine Elowe donated £50 in memory of 'Tony'
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Lewis & Pam Coley donated in memory of 'Tony'

Tony,

We shared so much together. Very happy memories of holidays, school chat and meals together. We shall miss your dry wit ,fun and friendly smile . Much love and rest in peace
Love Pam and Lewis

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Lewis & Pam Coley wrote

Tony,

We shared so much together. Very happy memories of holidays, school chat and meals together. We shall miss your dry wit ,fun and friendly smile . Much love and rest in peace
Love Pam and Lewis

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Doris Macdonald wrote

All my memories of Tony are coloured by his warmth of heart and generosity and kindness of spirit in many situations.

with love

Doris

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Doris Macdonald donated £10 in memory of 'Tony'

I will remember Toy with great fondness for his kindness and care in many ways.

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Doris Macdonald donated £10 in memory of 'Tony'

Remembering Tony with great fondness for his kindness and care for others.

with love

Doris

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Raj Pahal donated £20 in memory of 'Tony'

I had the pleasure of crossing paths and meeting Tony through the life of work at Victim Support. Tony held an invaluable position in Victim Support he touched a made a difference to the lives of victim’s and colleagues alike for which he will be truly missed and fondly remembered. Sincere condolences to Tony's family I hope you all seek comfort in the beautiful moments & memories you share of Tony. Warmest wishes Raj.

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Raj Pahal lit a candle
John Wright wrote

Tony was a true friend to me. Loyal, supportive, kind, generous, and fun. I will miss him.

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John Wright donated in memory of 'Tony'
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John Wright donated in memory of 'Tony'
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Ben and Sam Brettell donated £50 in memory of 'Tony'

We will miss you so much Grandpa

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Andrew Brettell donated £50 in memory of 'Tony'

We will miss you !!

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Karolina Brettell posted a picture
Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.           Rumi  Rest In Peace my dear Tony❤️

Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation. Rumi Rest In Peace my dear Tony❤️

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Sue Bowser wrote

I have fond memories of Tony at Victim Support SW Birmingham. He brightened up my Fridays giving many years supporting people in need. I'm sure Tony made a difference to a lot of people throughout his life & that he will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family.
God Bless Tony. Rest In Peace
Sue Bowser

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Sue Bowser donated £10 in memory of 'Tony'
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Adrian Brettell posted a picture
Pre Christmas get together

Pre Christmas get together

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  • Great photo Uncle Adrian

    Posted by Andrew on 25/10/2019 Report abuse
  • That’s a great picture Adrian 😘

    Posted by Lizzie on 1/11/2019 Report abuse
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Andrew Brettell posted a picture
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Andrew Brettell posted a picture
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