Brian was,and remains,important to me as my nearest blood relative. His father,Cyril,was the younger brother of my mother,Hilda. I am an only child and have no offspring,so Brian has always held a special place in my life. We did not meet up very often as my career took me away from London,but his telephone chats about the family and updates on the (mis)fortunes of Crystal Palace Football Club meant a lot to me. He remains in my mind as a very kind and decent man. May he rest in peace. Randall Smith