In loving memory of Brian Maurice Watson who sadly passed away on 20th April 2020.
Brian came from a rich cultural heritage, proud of his paternal side with links to the British Military in India. From his maternal side, he traced his family history back to the days of French trading.
Forging a new life in England was a massive change as he dedicated his life to providing for his family.
Brian’s journey in life began in India with his Dad, Mum and sisters Jennifer and Brenda.
He began his education in primary schools then attended boarding school for 10 years.
His Dad arranged his journey to England 58 years ago at age 18, via trains, ship and ferry, arriving in Sheffield to stay with his aunt.
Six months later his family came to stay too.
He married Pat and they had three wonderful children - Pierre, Caroline, and Stefan.
His working career began in engineering, but he soon decided that it was not for him, going on to become a building estimator.
On making new friends, he and two others went into partnership converting an old mill in Grantham into a nightclub with cabaret entertainment, restaurant and pub.
Unfortunately in the 1970s at the time, there was a slowdown in the economy and the business folded.
The next stage of his career was in financial services in Nottingham, in which he excelled and undertook successfully for more than 30 years.
He had many clients, many of whom became lifelong friends, and latterly continued to appreciate his sound advice.
He was a loving and attentive Grandpa and had four grandchildren.
He had a passion for reading, particularly history.
He also had a great flair for design in the home and garden, and the clothes he designed for Karina.
If you met him, you would never forget him.
He had a charisma that was all his own.
We met Brian and Karina at an overseas convention of Hambro Life/Allied Dunbar and became very good friends. Brian and I had a mutual interest in deep sea fishing and at every opportunity we would escape the meetings and go fishing. Karina and Sylvia would spend the time sunbathing. We would all meet up later and enjoy a few beers.
Brian was very good company and we would have long discussions on a variety of subjects. He will be sadly missed.
Brian was one of my oldest and dearest friends, we first met in 1958 and remained friends for life. I will miss him very much, his sense of humour, his knowledge , always preaching to me and his support in all the Charity work I did - he didn’t agree with it many times and always told me so but he supported me- thought I was quite “ mad”. He loved history - Indian- and I love history - English- so he was always giving me lessons in history, recommending some book or another I should read , he had such a wide knowledge of so many things, very interesting to talk to, we would talk for hours!!!! Because I’m in Australia he would always say “ hang up, I’ll call you back”- that’s who he was- always thinking of someone else.
I feel very privileged to have known him, he spoke of his family to me very often, he was so proud of all of you, keep Precious the memories you have of him . My condolences to Karina and all of Brian’s family . I’ve tried to get in touch with his Mum and sisters but have had no response to my email to Brenda. Please pass my condolences on to them.
Mine and my family’s love to all of you. Brian was very much a part of our lives in India so almost all of my family knew him.
May will never go past without me remembering his bday.and I will miss his call in September.
RIP Brian
Jenny Busby ( Hill)
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