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