Born the 22nd March 1938 to Charles Alec and Kathleen Thirza Hawes at Langton Green in Eye.
Bryan started school in London at the age of 5 where he lived with his Mum, but didn't quite take to the idea of city life and promptly returned to Hoxne to live with Nora and Charlie Hurry for a short spell until being able to move back to his Grandma and Dads.


The love of the country and the freedom it offered him was to stay with him his whole life even having time to rescue Billy the owl who used to ride with him on his bike and would come when he called him.


Building go carts and racing them down Clink Hill normally with a crash at the end. Something he later recreated in in a Ford car. Which rolled nearly from top to bottom.
Never afraid to try new things from the garden or the hedgerow and loved to watch the birds especially the pigeons over his decoys.


After leaving school he started work at Emms clothing factory at Syleham cutting and making jeans where he enjoyed the laugh with the women, but didn't enjoy the heat and being stuck indoors.
He proceeded to work on the farm at Mr Risks instead of National Service where his skills were needed more and later went on to work at Corstons Farm at Syleham.


Happy to be out side in the air come rain or shine and developing a love of country pass times Bryan becoming a keen pigeon shooter, very competent with a catapult and an amazing darter and a fishing fan all of which attributed to his immense knowledge of everything that surrounded him in and around Hoxne.


Bryan met Sandra in 1961 and was married in 1964.
They lived in Cross Street opposite the pump until moving to 31 Heckfield Green in 1968.
Their first daughter Sharon was born the 8th of January at Ipswich the following year and Maxine was born at Eye 14th February 1971.
Both of which he loved dearly and was always very proud.
Bryan managed a little bit of travel in his life.
He visited Northern Ireland during some of the worst IRA times in a green and camouflaged land-rover............. of all things!!


Driving to Italy via France and Switzerland even though he had never driven further than Norwich, his laid back attitude and being a genuinely kind man saw him through most situations.
Bryan also had a short stay in Canada, where his Mother had emigrated and he was able to spend some time with his sisters Pauline and Carol. The one and only time he travelled by plane and his biggest fear realised!.................... how could he go that long without a roll up.
Unfortunately Bryan and Sandra's journey came to an end and they parted company but remained close friends from then on.


Bryan then went on to to court and later marry the love of his life Marlene in 1979 which included an extension of the family in the form Of Justin.
With an eventful and lengthy reception in Hoxne Grapes, a day of days which involved George Feavearyear changing in and out of his suit 4 times as he was in the middle of harvest, returning to work after each main event.


Bryan and Marlene were extremely happy to receive their next addition to the family in the form of Kerri born at Eye on 28th of May 1980.
Another daughter of which he loved so dear.......... and was very very proud,


Bryan also had a spell working for the electricity board along side his neighbour Ted Harsent where they had to dig the poles , and lift them buy hand. Also having to pull the lines across the field and lift in to place.
Building amazing strength and a strong back at this time which lasted for many many years. Still able to bench press 150kg in his early 70s.
Although believed to be through stubbornness and determination instead of a quest for fitness.
Also working along side Sid Styles his great mate who he bravely rescued form certain death when the electric line was turned back on while Sid was hung from it . No time to waste spikes on...... straight up the pole to help his dear friend.
Bravery another attribute Bryan never lost.


Moving again but not far from 31 to 18 Heckfield Green on the 5th of November 1982 after the sudden passing of his own father.


Bryan had recalled a knock at the back door some time that year, not an uncommon event but one he never forgot.
A gypsy lady old in nature stood before him and asked him a few questions.
She proceeded to tell Bryan that he would have a son and at the age of 44 you could imagine his response.


Low and behold only two years later now at the age of 46 Bryan and Marlene welcomed their son Robert to the world. Born at Ipswich on 8th October 1984.
A son after his own heart, kind natured loving and unable to be stuck indoors.


Bryan had no trouble showing his love for his family especially when he gave all 3 of his daughters away to be married. The thought of giving them away he found very hard, but to see them confidently and courageously start their own lives gave him great pride.


Also being part of the lives of his 10 grand children brought him many happy times. All so very different in nature but still a big part of his normal days.


Thankfully the ability to turn his ears off became very helpful. But Bryan never failed to engage and love the children no matter the noise levels.


Bryan spent around 11yrs civil engineering still out side come rain or shine. Switching between the main contract holders even helping a new firm or two make a start with the sheer number of tickets he held to work the roads.
Always making friends and willing to work and helping young and new men learn the ropes.
In fact Bryan had a willingness to help anyone along the way.......... again another attribute he never lost.


Bryan then done another long stint working for another 11yrs at Chickening Hall for Mr Day in the seed plant.
Again not an easy job but something he stuck at and enjoyed the company and camaraderie of the work force.


At the age of 63 Bryan had another career change, yet again to be outside come well!!!..................some rain!!!............. but definitely in the shine.
He started with a part time position on Mid Suffolk District Council and after only 2 weeks they offered him a full time job.
His commitment and willingness to work fixing him a permanent position he held until his forced retirement in 2009.
For once being taken under the wings of someone else. Trevor Morris teaching him the ways of a government job secured Bryan a friendship for the rest of his life.


Bryan always said it was the best job he ever had but also the worst for those of you that knew him well, will know why.


Unfortunately his retirement was forced to ill heath.
Like all true country men of his generation he didn't let that bother him, he made a strong return after his operation, a slow process but one he felt he could endure with Marlene and his family to support him.


Bryan Managed 7 tough years after his operation but unable to be signed off from oncology fighting new battles along the way, adapting and remaining brave and strong for those around him with Marlene caring for him day to day.


A wonder of science they had called him...... A wonder of nature he was!!!


We will all have our different memories of Bryan some as a Husband,
some as a Dad,
some as a Grandad.
A Brother.
An Uncle
A colleague or a long time friend.
A keen and talented darts player.
The man that caught the only fish that night.
But they all include the memory's of a man who was:
Brave......... but not bolshy ,
Strong........ but still gentle,
Competitive......... but not arrogant ,
Kind, caring, Loving and
Extremely hard working.


A man who appreciated his family and friends and loved the area he stayed in his entire life.
No matter How you Knew Bryan you will all have known the one attribute that hasn't been mentioned.
His unrivalled humour and cheeky smile that fallowed.
Although he fought ill heath for many years towards the end his humour kept great form and managed to lighten the mood on the darkest of days.


Today the darkest of them all Bryan would have wanted us to raise a smile and remember the truly blessed memories that we all hold dear and be grateful for the times we shared.
As friends.
As family the things he held dear.